Unit 8 Simulation Examining The Control

Simulation – Examining the Control Cycle The generic four-stage control cycle helps in monitoring and controlling projects by operating in a continuous cycle and can be represented as a wheel. The elements are setting a goal which the project goal setting goes beyond overall scope development to include setting the project baseline plan. Measuring progress is when effective control systems require accurate project measurements mechanisms. Comparing actual with planned performance which is when we have some sense of the original baseline (plan) and a method for accurately measuring progress, the next step is to compare the two pieces of information. Then there is taking action which is once we detect significant deviations from the project plan, it becomes necessary to engage in some form of corrective action to minimize or remove the deviation. As well the control cycle we begin to measure efforts to chart progress and compare stages against the baseline plan. For project monitoring and control, both individual task budgets and the cumulative project budget are relevant. The cumulative budget can be broken down by time over the project’s projected duration.