Chapter 13.4: Control emphasis

Question 1

What is the limitation of cost variance analysis in project situations?

Answer 1

It only compares cost spent to budget, without considering how much work has been completed, which makes it inadequate for full project performance assessment.

Question 2

What is the key takeaway from Example 13.1 (Cost Variance Analysis)?

Answer 2

Without knowing the percentage of work completed, it’s impossible to determine if the project is truly over or under budget—even if actual costs exceed the planned budget.

Question 3

What five areas does project control extend to beyond cost?

Answer 3

Scope

Quality

Procurement

Cost

Schedule

Question 4

What is “scope control”?

Answer 4

Scope control aims to manage and restrict scope changes (scope creep) through change control systems and configuration management, ensuring only necessary changes are made.

Question 5

What is “quality control”?

Answer 5

Quality control ensures project work meets requirements through quality management plans, tests, inspections, and performance measurements.

Question 6

What is “procurement control”?

Answer 6

It involves monitoring subcontractors/suppliers to ensure quality and timely delivery. The project manager manages contingencies and intervenes when problems arise.

Question 7

What is “cost control”?

Answer 7

Cost control tracks expenditures, manages variances, and ensures spending aligns with the budget using tools like project management information systems.

Question 8

What is “schedule control”?

Answer 8

Schedule control keeps the project on time by managing delays, scope changes, and resource shortages, often using techniques like buffers and forecasted completion updates.