Why Is Monitoring Project Progress Important?
Benefits of Monitoring Project Progress
Monitoring project progress helps to:
- Ensure that the project is proceeding according to plan
- Identify potential issues and delays early, so they can be addressed promptly
- Manage resources effectively, including time, money, and personnel
- Provide transparency and accountability to stakeholders
- Maintain quality and safety standards throughout the project
Consequences of Failing to Monitor Project Progress
Failing to monitor project progress can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including:
Real-Life Examples of Projects That Suffered From Poor Monitoring
There have been numerous cases where poor monitoring has led to significant problems in construction projects. For example:
- The Sydney Opal Tower experienced significant cracking and structural issues, leading to a partial evacuation of the building. An investigation found that poor construction and inadequate monitoring were among the causes of the problems.
- The Victorian Desalination Plant project experienced significant delays and cost overruns, which were attributed to poor project management, inadequate monitoring, and issues with subcontractors.
By monitoring project progress, these problems could have been identified earlier and addressed before they became major issues.
Techniques for Monitoring Project Progress
Gantt Charts
A Gantt chart is a bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. It shows the start and end dates of each task, as well as its duration. A Gantt chart can be used to monitor project progress by comparing the actual progress of the project to the planned progress shown on the chart. This allows project managers to identify potential delays and take corrective action.
Advantages of using a Gantt chart include that it is easy to read and provides a clear overview of the project schedule. However, Gantt charts can be time-consuming to create and update, and they do not provide detailed information about the dependencies between tasks.
To create an effective Gantt chart, project managers should break the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks and estimate the time needed to complete each task accurately. They should also update the Gantt chart regularly to ensure that it reflects the current status of the project.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a technique used to identify the critical path in a project. The critical path is the sequence of tasks that must be completed on time for the project to finish on schedule. The CPM can be used to monitor project progress by comparing the actual progress of the critical path to the planned progress.
Advantages of using the CPM include that it provides a clear understanding of the critical path and the tasks that can be delayed without delaying the project’s completion. However, the CPM can be time-consuming to set up, and it may not be suitable for all types of projects.
To implement the CPM effectively, project managers should break the project down into smaller tasks and estimate the time needed to complete each task accurately. They should also identify the dependencies between tasks and the critical path.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Earned Value Management (EVM) is a technique used to track project progress and performance against the project plan. EVM compares the actual cost and schedule of the project to the planned cost and schedule, allowing project managers to identify potential problems and take corrective action.
Advantages of using EVM include that it provides a clear understanding of the project’s progress and performance and allows project managers to identify potential problems early. However, EVM can be complicated to implement, and it may require specialised software.
To implement EVM effectively, project managers should break the project down into smaller tasks and estimate the cost and time needed to complete each task accurately. They should also establish a baseline for the project’s cost and schedule and track progress against this baseline.
Identifying Potential Delays Early
Identifying potential delays early is crucial to the success of any construction project. When potential delays are identified early, it provides project managers with an opportunity to take corrective actions and minimise their impact on the project timeline, cost, and quality.
One common cause of project delays is poor planning. Inadequate planning can lead to incorrect estimates, unrealistic timelines, and inadequate resource allocation. Changes in scope, design, or material selection, as well as unexpected site conditions, can also cause delays if not properly addressed.
To identify potential delays early, project managers should implement best practices, including regular monitoring and review of project progress, timely reporting, and communication of potential issues to the project team. Early identification of potential delays can allow project managers to take corrective actions, such as revising project plans or schedules, adding resources, or changing project scope, before the issue becomes a significant problem.
Another key best practice for identifying potential delays is having a contingency plan in place. A contingency plan is a plan developed in advance of a project, which outlines the steps to be taken if an unexpected event occurs. The plan should outline how the project team will handle potential delays, including who will be responsible for taking corrective actions, and what resources will be needed.
By implementing best practices for identifying potential delays early, project managers can minimise the impact of project delays and keep the project on track for successful completion within budget and on schedule.
Techniques for Identifying Potential Delays Early
Risk Management
Schedule Analysis
Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders can help identify potential delays early. By sharing information, addressing concerns, and coordinating efforts, you can ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals. However, poor communication and collaboration can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and conflicts.
Best practices for implementing these techniques include involving all stakeholders, using appropriate tools and technologies, regularly monitoring progress, and continuously evaluating and improving your processes.
Take Control of Your Construction Project: Monitor Progress and Avoid Delays
Ensuring timely completion of a construction project is crucial to its success. By monitoring project progress and identifying potential delays early, stakeholders can take corrective actions to keep the project on track. Techniques such as Gantt charts, CPM, and EVM can be used to monitor progress, while risk management, schedule analysis, and communication can be used to identify potential delays. As a construction lawyer with more than a decade of experience, I can attest to the importance of being proactive in monitoring project progress and identifying potential delays early.
Download our “Builder License and Insurance Verification Checklist” to ensure that you are working with licensed and insured builders. As a solicitor, I have seen firsthand the devastating consequences of hiring unlicensed or uninsured builders. Protect yourself and your project by verifying builder licences and insurance before signing a contract.
