HKSM
Monitoring and Controlling Focus Area
The set of processes used to measure, review, and steer project progress and performance, determine where the plan needs adjustment, and put the approved changes into effect.
Key Points
- Continuously checks scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risks against approved baselines.
- Uses performance data and metrics (for example, KPIs or earned value) to spot variances early.
- Initiates formal change control when updates to plans or baselines are needed.
- Results in corrective or preventive actions and updates to plans and project documents.
Example
In a hybrid project, the team notices velocity is below forecast and schedule variance is growing. The project manager analyzes the cause, proposes scope adjustments for upcoming sprints, and submits a change request to update the schedule baseline. After approval, the team implements the corrective actions and tracks results in the next iteration.
PMP Example Question
During a status review, the project manager finds CPI = 0.85 and raises a change request to implement corrective actions and rebaseline the schedule. Which focus area does this work belong to?
- Planning Focus Area
- Executing Focus Area
- Monitoring and Controlling Focus Area
- Initiating Focus Area
Correct Answer: C - Monitoring and Controlling Focus Area
Explanation: Comparing performance to the plan, identifying variances, and initiating changes are core monitoring and controlling activities.
