Project Monitor and Control
Purpose
The key activities of the project are tracked, reviewed, and revised at regular intervals to ensure the desired results are delivered. The benefit of this process is that risks to project setbacks or failure are minimized.
Characteristics of the Monitor & Control Phase
The project manager or lead utilizes skills and tools to review progress, capture requested scope changes, risks, and document achievements. By monitoring and controlling the project, the PM or lead keeps the project moving and allows for any necessary adjustments.
Regularly assessing progress related to scope, timeline, and budget helps to minimize the impact of setbacks as the project progresses. By capturing and assessing progress, proper evaluation of variance to plan can be conducted and corrective actions implemented. Additionally, as the PM or lead is thoroughly capturing progress and any missed activity dates, adjustments and tradeoffs between schedule and budget goals can be analyzed and agreed upon.