Work Performance Data, Information, and Report

 

Summary of Work Performance Data, Information, and Report

1. Definition:

   • Work Performance Data (WPD): Raw, unprocessed information about the work performed (e.g., task progress, time spent, costs incurred).
   • Work Performance Information (WPI): Analyzed data, compared against the project plan, to assess project status and variances.
   • Work Performance Report (WPR): A comprehensive report summarizing all WPI, used for decision-making and communication with stakeholders.

2. Flow of Data to Report:

   • Work Performance Data → Work Performance Information → Work Performance Report:
     1. Data is collected during execution.
     2. Data is analyzed during monitoring and controlling to create actionable information.
     3. Information is consolidated into a report for stakeholders.

3. Components:

   • Work Performance Data:
     • Raw facts such as:
       • Tasks completed.
       • Start and finish times.
       • Cost incurred.
     • Example: "Painting the room took two days and cost $200."
   • Work Performance Information:
     • Data compared against the plan to determine status:
       • Are tasks on schedule and within budget?
       • Are deliverables meeting quality standards?
     • Example: The plan stated the room should be painted white, but it was painted off-white. This variance is flagged as an issue.
   • Work Performance Report:
     • Comprehensive summary of all project status details.
     • Distributed to stakeholders for decision-making and updates.
     • Example: A report showing the project is 10% over budget but on schedule.

4. Applications Across Processes:

   • Executing:
     • Work Performance Data is collected as tasks are performed.
   • Monitoring and Controlling:
     • Data is analyzed to create Work Performance Information, identifying variances and trends.
   • Decision-Making:
     • Work Performance Reports guide corrective actions, preventive measures, and stakeholder communication.

5. Examples in Practice:

   • Construction:
     • Data: "Foundation laid in 3 days."
     • Information: "Foundation was completed 1 day behind schedule."
     • Report: "Project is on track but requires schedule adjustments to recover delays."
   • Software Development:
     • Data: "5 bugs fixed this week."
     • Information: "Bug fixing is on pace with planned targets."
     • Report: "Current sprint progress is satisfactory; no changes required."

6. Importance:

   • Enables proactive monitoring of project performance.
   • Provides stakeholders with accurate, actionable insights.
   • Supports decision-making for schedule, budget, and scope adjustments.

7. Highlighted Points:

   • Data Is Raw:
     • WPD is unprocessed and not useful on its own.
   • Information Is Analyzed:
     • WPI provides meaningful insights by comparing data with the plan.
   • Report Combines All Information:
     • WPR consolidates all WPI into a single document for stakeholders.

Key Takeaway:

The flow from Work Performance Data to Information to Report is central to effective project management. It ensures that raw data is analyzed to produce actionable insights and communicated to stakeholders for informed decision-making. "Collect data, analyze insights, deliver clarity."