Progress Status Report

What is a progress status report?

Establishing a progress status report is the last stage in the project monitoring system. Before this can be carried out, organisations must determine what data to collect; how, when, and who will collect the data in addition to, analysis of the data. Usually, a progress status report is designed and communicated in written or oral form.

What does a progress status report contain?

A common progress status report includes the following elements:

·      Progress since last report

·      Current status of project:

Ø Schedule

Ø Cost

Ø Scope

·      Cumulative trends

·      Problems and issues since last report:

Ø Actions and resolution of earlier problems

Ø New variances and problems identified

·      Corrective action planned

Who is the progress report of use to and why?

The progress status report is utilised throughout the organisation as different stakeholders e.g. project team, peers, customers etc. and levels of management e.g. top, middle and lower require a variety of project information. All the people involved in the project have different interests and concerns in mind which is why the progress status reports should be designed for the right audience.

All managers use progress status reports general to overview what is going on in their team. Managers meeting face-to-face with their employees is vital and so is having a written summary of the project aspects that they identify as the most important. Taking senior management as an example, their main interests consist of checking to see if the project is remaining on track in regards to time and cost. If the answer is no, then the next concern is to analyse what went wrong and to identify and carry out corrective action. However, an IT manager is solely concerned about their deliverables and work packages.

A progress status report can be seen as an opportunity for project team members. This allows the members to showcase any achievements and communicate any issues that require the assistance and support of the Project Manager.

Regarding a project, a progress status report is an extremely valuable tool that is used to track, manage cost, increase visibility, identify risk and obtain control. As well as this, it is considered very practicable as it enables individuals to gain knowledge/ experience and helps to drive the projects success.