Project management practitioners have begun to realize the importance of Key Project Indicators (KPIs) and project management metrics for their business management. KPIs enable business owners and their teams to make better-informed decisions and optimize project health in a challenging environment. Many business owners are aware of different ways to measure their company’s performance growth. But some leaders are not sure what project management metrics they should implement. In his article for Project Management Institute, Reed D. Shell shares his insight on implementing project management metrics and measuring the correct type of goals for the company.

Understanding Project Management Metrics

Suppose you are traveling from Oregon to Portland which is 307 miles. Now, if you travel at a speed of 75 miles per hour, you will reach your destination in almost four hours. This is how metrics help you establish relationships between different aspects of a business. Following these metrics helps you monitor the status of your project, just like the mile markers on the road. Metrics can also help you compare and track project risks, like accumulating data from radio weather forecasts and telephone alerts. They allow you to prepare for the problems you might face. For example, GPS helps you with traffic. They also help you in adjusting your workflow per your deadlines.

Linda Westfall states that there are ten steps to implement project metrics efficiently:

• Recognize the project metrics customer.
• Acknowledge goals that you want to measure.
• Identify the purpose of the chosen metrics.
• Collect data you want to measure.
• State data collection methods.
• Evaluate project data.
• Identify your report format, timing, and methods of delivery.
• Document the process.
• Implement the human aspect of metrics.
• Aspire for improvement.

Troubles and Hopes of Metrics

Shell states that you might get misled by metrics. Many professionals begin to trust project management metrics without analyzing the data at the end. In addition, Shell asserts that metrics are suitable for the business when you measure and analyze finances, data, and other similar things. When metrics begin to measure humans, you can experience a lack of empathy toward your staff members.

Shell further talks about incorporating Agile and Scrum in your business. He states 12 Agile principles that can help you generate effective metrics system to measure goals:

• Satisfy the customer through timely delivery of the product.
• Acknowledge and appreciate change.
• Be consistent.
• Work collaboratively.
• Work with inspired individuals.
• Conduct transparent communications with your team.
• Educate your team about the significance of working software.
• Agile processes must lead to sustainable development.
• Technical excellence will improve agility.
• Be simple with your processes and instructions.
• Be self-organized.
• Hold regular discussions with your team.

Click on the link to read the article:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/project-management-metrics-mystery-9304