Delivering a project on time is just as crucial as staying within budget. That’s why schedule variance in project management plays such a vital role in tracking performance.
In this summary, you’ll learn how schedule variance helps identify whether a project is ahead or behind schedule—and why it matters for decision-makers.
What Is Schedule Variance?
Schedule variance (SV) is a project management metric that measures the difference between planned progress and actual progress. It helps you evaluate if a project is on track, behind, or ahead of its timeline.
Formula:
SV = Earned Value (EV) – Planned Value (PV)
A positive SV means you’re ahead of schedule.
A negative SV signals delays.
Why It Matters
- Monitoring schedule variance allows project managers to:
- Detect timeline slippage early
- Take corrective actions promptly
- Allocate resources effectively
- Improve future project estimates
Where It's Used
- Agile sprint tracking
- Waterfall project milestones
- Construction timelines
- Software development lifecycles
Final Thoughts
Understanding schedule variance in project management helps teams stay agile, responsive, and informed. It’s more than just a metric—it's a guidepost for staying aligned with goals and deadlines.
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