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227 Project Management
Milestone trend analysis
Triangular grids are used to present scheduling trends. The planned milestone dates are on the
vertical, while report dates are on the horizontal. An additional buffer over the project duration
should also be considered in dividing the two time axes. The reporting points should be chosen
on a periodic basis (e.g. monthly).
The current project status and known boundary conditions and a time estimate for achievement
of all milestones should be covered by the project manager during the regular reporting periods.
The estimated deadlines are marked in the graph, and connected to the previous estimated
dates. Thus a curve is developed with the progress of the project which shows the time trend for
deadlines for the individual milestones. The following applies:
– A horizontal curve indicates that the scheduled date can be met, and the milestone is
likely to be achieved.
– A rising curve indicates that the milestone may be delayed.
– A falling curve shows that the milestone could be achieved earlier than expected.
When a milestone is reached, the curve ends on the diagonal side of the triangle. Variances from
previous estimated values are always explained, including the causes, effects and, if applicable,
the measurements taken.
Figure 30 | Milestone trend analysis
Three milestones are entered in this example. Milestone 1 is achieved one month earlier in com-
parison to the original plan; milestone 2 is exactly on schedule, while the completion of milestone
3 may be delayed two months.