Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction
The first time most project managers become aware of the existence of S-curves is when they
are requested by the client or senior management to include one in their next progress report.
The following explains what the mysterious S-curve is, why it is an important project
management tool, and how to generate one.
Editor's Note:
The S-curve is a powerful project management control tool. Why it is the shape it is, how to use
it and "Max's Rule of Thumb" for drawing it as a part of the project planning activity are all
described in Chapter 10 of A Management Framework for Project, Program and Portfolio
Integration [1]. You can also find more information on this web site by entering "S-curve" or
"Resource loading" into the site search engine field.
What is an S-curve?
An S-curve is defined as:
"A display of cumulative costs, labor hours or other quantities plotted against time. The name
derives from the S-like shape of the curve, flatter at the beginning and end and steeper in the
middle, which is typical of most projects. The beginning represents a slow, deliberate but
accelerating start, while the end represents a deceleration as the work runs out."[1] [2]
Types of S-curves
There are a variety of S-curves that are applicable to project management applications,
including:
Resource Consumption
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 1/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
The Man Hours versus Time S-curve is appropriate for projects that are labor intensive. It shows
cumulative man hours expended over time for the duration of the project. As man-hours are a
product of manpower and working hours, these may be adjusted together or individually in an
attempt to keep the project on schedule. Projects may require additional man-hours to finish on
time due to low productivity, delays and disruptions, rework, variations, etc.
Introduction
The first time most project managers become aware of the existence of S-curves is when they
are requested by the client or senior management to include one in their next progress report.
The following explains what the mysterious S-curve is, why it is an important project
management tool, and how to generate one.
Editor's Note:
The S-curve is a powerful project management control tool. Why it is the shape it is, how to use
it and "Max's Rule of Thumb" for drawing it as a part of the project planning activity are all
described in Chapter 10 of A Management Framework for Project, Program and Portfolio
Integration [1]. You can also find more information on this web site by entering "S-curve" or
"Resource loading" into the site search engine field.
What is an S-curve?
An S-curve is defined as:
"A display of cumulative costs, labor hours or other quantities plotted against time. The name
derives from the S-like shape of the curve, flatter at the beginning and end and steeper in the
middle, which is typical of most projects. The beginning represents a slow, deliberate but
accelerating start, while the end represents a deceleration as the work runs out."[1] [2]
Types of S-curves
There are a variety of S-curves that are applicable to project management applications,
including:
Resource Consumption
Man Hours versus Time S-curve
The Man Hours versus Time S-curve is appropriate for projects that are labor intensive. It shows
cumulative man hours expended over time for the duration of the project. As man-hours are a
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 2/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
product of manpower and working hours, these may be adjusted together or individually in an
attempt to keep the project on schedule. Projects may require additional man-hours to finish on
time due to low productivity, delays and disruptions, rework, variations, etc.
The Costs versus Time S-curve is appropriate for projects that contain labor and non-labor (e.g.
material supply / hire / subcontract) tasks. It shows cumulative costs expended over time for the
duration of the project, and may be used to assist in the calculation of the project's cash flow,
and cost to complete.
Progress Tracking
Baseline S-curve
Target S-curve
Actual S-curve
The production schedule is updated on a regular basis throughout the duration of the project.
These updates include the revision of percentage complete for each task to date. Using this
information, an Actual S-curve may be generated. This S-curve reflects the actual progress of
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 3/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
the project to date, and may be compared with the Baseline and Target S-curves to determine
how the project is progressing. During the project, the Actual S-curve will terminate at the Cut Off
Date. This is the date the Production Schedule was last updated. At the completion of the
project, the Actual S-curve will meet the Target S-curve.
S-curves may be graphed as absolute values (i.e. Man Hours or Costs) versus Time, or as
percentage values versus Time. Value S-curves are useful for determining Man Hours or Costs
expended to date, and Man Hours or Costs to complete. Percentage S-curves are useful for
calculating the project's actual percentage complete against target and baseline percentage
complete, and for calculating the project's percentage growth (or contraction).
Using S-curves
Why Use an S-curve?
S-curves are an important project management tool. They allow the progress of a project to be
tracked visually over time, and form a historical record of what has happened to date. Analyses
of S-curves allow project managers to quickly identify project growth, slippage, and potential
problems that could adversely impact the project if no remedial action is taken.
Determining Growth
Comparison of the Baseline and Target S-curves quickly reveals if the project has grown (Target
S-curve finishes above Baseline S-curve) or contracted (Target S-curve finishes below Baseline
S-curve) in scope. A change in the project's scopes implies a re-allocation of resources
(increase or decrease), and the very possible requirement to raise contract variations. If the
resources are fixed, then the duration of the project will increase (finish later) or decrease (finish
earlier), possibly leading to the need to submit an extension of time claim.
Determining Slippage
"The amount of time a task has been delayed from its original baseline schedule. The slippage is
the difference between the scheduled start or finish date for a task and the baseline start or
finish date. Slippage can occur when a baseline plan is set and the actual dates subsequently
entered for tasks are later than the baseline dates or the actual durations are longer than the
baseline schedule durations".[2] [3]
Comparison of the Baseline S-curve and Target S-curve quickly reveals any project slippage (i.e.
the Target S-curve finishes to the right of the Baseline S-curve). Additional resources will need to
be allocated or additional hours worked in order to eliminate (or at least reduce) the slippage. An
extension of time claim may need to be submitted if the slippage cannot be eliminated or
reduced to an acceptable level.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 4/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
Determining Progress
Comparison of the Target S-curve and Actual S-curve reveals the progress of the project over
time. In most cases, the Actual S-curve will sit below the Target S-curve for the majority of the
project (due to many factors, including delays in updating the production schedule). Only
towards the end of the project will the curves converge and finally meet. The Actual S-curve can
never finish above the Target S-curve. If the Actual S-curve sits above the Target S-curve at the
Cut Off Date, the Production Schedule should be examined to determine if the project is truly
ahead of schedule, or if the Production Schedule contains unrealistic percentage complete
values for ongoing tasks.
Generating S-curves
Project Benchmarks
Worked Example
To better understand how S-curves are generated, consider a simple project comprising three
tasks.
A Baseline Schedule prepared using MS Project for this project is shown below.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 5/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
To generate a Baseline Man Hours versus Time S-curve, two sets of calculations are performed.
The first set of calculations is performed for each task in the Baseline Schedule.
The second set of calculations is performed for each day in the Baseline Schedule.
1. Calculate the total Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
2. Calculate the Year To Date Total for Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
The S-curve is constructed by assigning the Dates to the X Axis, and the YTD values to the
Y Axis.
The resulting Baseline Man Hours versus Time S-curve is shown below.
To generate a Target Man Hours versus Time S-curve, two sets of calculations are necessary.
The first set of calculations is performed for each task in the Production Schedule.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 6/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
The second set of calculations is performed for each day in the Production Schedule.
1. Calculate the total Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
2. Calculate the Year To Date Total for Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
The resulting Target Man Hours versus Time S-curve is shown below.
To generate an Actual Man Hours versus Time S-curve, two sets of calculations are performed,
but before these calculations may be performed, the Cut Off Date needs to be defined. This is
the date the Production Schedule was last updated. For this example a Cut Off Date of 3rd
November 2008 will be used.
The first set of calculations is performed for each task in the Production Schedule.
The second set of calculations is performed for each day in the Production Schedule up to the
Cut Off Date.
1. Calculate the total Man Hours to Date per Day for all tasks.
2. Calculate the Year To Date Total for Man Hours to Date per Day for all tasks.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 7/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
The resulting Actual Man Hours versus Time S-curve is shown below.
The Baseline, Actual, and Target S-curves are usually combined, as shown below.
Analysis
S-curve Analysis
Initial examination of the S-curves generated above reveal the following about the status of the
project.
The project has grown in scope. (The Target S-curve finishes above the Baseline S-curve)
The project has slipped. (The Target S-curve finishes to the right of the Baseline S-curve)
The project is behind schedule. (The Actual S-curve sits below the Target S-curve at the
Cut Off Date)
Project Growth
Analysis of the Baseline and Target S-curve data reveals the project has grown in scope by 12
man-hours, or 14.29%.
Project Slippage
Analysis of the Baseline and Target S-curve data reveals the project has slipped by 1 day, or
20.00%.
Project Progress
According to MS Project, based on the Production Schedule the project is 50% complete. MS
Project calculates percentage complete based on durations, and does not take into account
man-hours assigned to each task. Analysis of the Actual and Target S-curve data reveals the
project is 53.13% complete as of the Cut Off Date, while the project should be 59.38% complete.
i.e. Actual % Complete = (Actual YTD Man Hours @ Cut Off Date / Target Man Hours) x
100% = (51 / 96) x 100% = 53.13%
i.e. Target % Complete = (Target YTD Man Hours @ Cut Off Date / Target Man Hours) x
100% = (57 / 96) x 100% = 59.38%
Conclusion
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 8/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
Project status
The project will finish late and over budget compared to the Baseline Schedule. Progress to date
(i.e. the Cut Off Date) is behind schedule compared to the Production Schedule. Detailed
analysis of the project is required to determine why the project will be completed late and over
budget. Project growth and/or slippage may be due to a number of factors, including
underestimation of effort in the Baseline Schedule, low productivity, rework, variations (approved
or not), etc.
In this example, variations may need to be raised to account for the extra man hours expended,
and an extension of time claim raised for the later than planned completion. The Production
Schedule may need review to ensure tasks have been updated accurately (especially with
respect to true percentage complete values), and ongoing and future tasks may require revising.
Generating S-curves
Some software scheduling packages automatically generate S-curves. On the other hand, some
(including MS Project) do not. In this case, a third party software application is required to
process the Baseline and Production Schedule data to generate the required S-curves.
Midori Media's myPM SCG S-curve Generator is an MS Windows application that integrates with
MS Excel to generate the various types of S-curves discussed above. MS Project users will need
to export their schedule data to an MS Excel file (easily accomplished using MS Project's File
Save As option). myPM SCG processes the resulting export file, and creates an MS Excel
Output file containing the required S-curves. These may be copy-pasted to MS Word for
inclusion in Project Progress Reports.
The S-curve is an important but often overlooked and misunderstood project management tool.
A variety of S-curves exist, the most common being Man Hours versus Time, and Costs versus
Time. By creating a Baseline Schedule, a Baseline S-curve can be generated. Baseline S-curves
provide a basis on which to compare a project's actual status to its planned status. They may
also assist in the planning of manpower and financial resources required to complete the project.
A Production Schedule allows Actual and Target S-curves to be generated. These allow the
progress of a project to be monitored, and quickly reveal any divergence from the Baseline
Schedule. S-curves may also be used to determine project growth, slippage, and progress to
date.
The Costs versus Time S-curve is appropriate for projects that contain labor and non-labor (e.g.
material supply / hire / subcontract) tasks. It shows cumulative costs expended over time for the
duration of the project, and may be used to assist in the calculation of the project's cash flow,
and cost to complete.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 9/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
Progress Tracking
Baseline S-curve
Target S-curve
Actual S-curve
The production schedule is updated on a regular basis throughout the duration of the project.
These updates include the revision of percentage complete for each task to date. Using this
information, an Actual S-curve may be generated. This S-curve reflects the actual progress of
the project to date, and may be compared with the Baseline and Target S-curves to determine
how the project is progressing. During the project, the Actual S-curve will terminate at the Cut Off
Date. This is the date the Production Schedule was last updated. At the completion of the
project, the Actual S-curve will meet the Target S-curve.
S-curves may be graphed as absolute values (i.e. Man Hours or Costs) versus Time, or as
percentage values versus Time. Value S-curves are useful for determining Man Hours or Costs
expended to date, and Man Hours or Costs to complete. Percentage S-curves are useful for
calculating the project's actual percentage complete against target and baseline percentage
complete, and for calculating the project's percentage growth (or contraction).
Using S-curves
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 10/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
S-curves are an important project management tool. They allow the progress of a project to be
tracked visually over time, and form a historical record of what has happened to date. Analyses
of S-curves allow project managers to quickly identify project growth, slippage, and potential
problems that could adversely impact the project if no remedial action is taken.
Determining Growth
Comparison of the Baseline and Target S-curves quickly reveals if the project has grown (Target
S-curve finishes above Baseline S-curve) or contracted (Target S-curve finishes below Baseline
S-curve) in scope. A change in the project's scopes implies a re-allocation of resources
(increase or decrease), and the very possible requirement to raise contract variations. If the
resources are fixed, then the duration of the project will increase (finish later) or decrease (finish
earlier), possibly leading to the need to submit an extension of time claim.
Determining Slippage
Slippage is defined as:
"The amount of time a task has been delayed from its original baseline schedule. The slippage is
the difference between the scheduled start or finish date for a task and the baseline start or
finish date. Slippage can occur when a baseline plan is set and the actual dates subsequently
entered for tasks are later than the baseline dates or the actual durations are longer than the
baseline schedule durations".[2] [3]
Comparison of the Baseline S-curve and Target S-curve quickly reveals any project slippage (i.e.
the Target S-curve finishes to the right of the Baseline S-curve). Additional resources will need to
be allocated or additional hours worked in order to eliminate (or at least reduce) the slippage. An
extension of time claim may need to be submitted if the slippage cannot be eliminated or
reduced to an acceptable level.
Determining Progress
Comparison of the Target S-curve and Actual S-curve reveals the progress of the project over
time. In most cases, the Actual S-curve will sit below the Target S-curve for the majority of the
project (due to many factors, including delays in updating the production schedule). Only
towards the end of the project will the curves converge and finally meet. The Actual S-curve can
never finish above the Target S-curve. If the Actual S-curve sits above the Target S-curve at the
Cut Off Date, the Production Schedule should be examined to determine if the project is truly
ahead of schedule, or if the Production Schedule contains unrealistic percentage complete
values for ongoing tasks.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 11/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
Generating S-curves
Project Benchmarks
Worked Example
To better understand how S-curves are generated, consider a simple project comprising three
tasks.
A Baseline Schedule prepared using MS Project for this project is shown below.
To generate a Baseline Man Hours versus Time S-curve, two sets of calculations are performed.
The first set of calculations is performed for each task in the Baseline Schedule.
The second set of calculations is performed for each day in the Baseline Schedule.
1. Calculate the total Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 12/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
2. Calculate the Year To Date Total for Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
The S-curve is constructed by assigning the Dates to the X Axis, and the YTD values to the
Y Axis.
The resulting Baseline Man Hours versus Time S-curve is shown below.
To generate a Target Man Hours versus Time S-curve, two sets of calculations are necessary.
The first set of calculations is performed for each task in the Production Schedule.
The second set of calculations is performed for each day in the Production Schedule.
1. Calculate the total Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
2. Calculate the Year To Date Total for Man Hours per Day for all tasks.
The resulting Target Man Hours versus Time S-curve is shown below.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 13/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
To generate an Actual Man Hours versus Time S-curve, two sets of calculations are performed,
but before these calculations may be performed, the Cut Off Date needs to be defined. This is
the date the Production Schedule was last updated. For this example a Cut Off Date of 3rd
November 2008 will be used.
The first set of calculations is performed for each task in the Production Schedule.
The second set of calculations is performed for each day in the Production Schedule up to the
Cut Off Date.
1. Calculate the total Man Hours to Date per Day for all tasks.
2. Calculate the Year To Date Total for Man Hours to Date per Day for all tasks.
The resulting Actual Man Hours versus Time S-curve is shown below.
The Baseline, Actual, and Target S-curves are usually combined, as shown below.
Analysis
S-curve Analysis
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 14/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
Initial examination of the S-curves generated above reveal the following about the status of the
project.
The project has grown in scope. (The Target S-curve finishes above the Baseline S-curve)
The project has slipped. (The Target S-curve finishes to the right of the Baseline S-curve)
The project is behind schedule. (The Actual S-curve sits below the Target S-curve at the
Cut Off Date)
Project Growth
Analysis of the Baseline and Target S-curve data reveals the project has grown in scope by 12
man-hours, or 14.29%.
Project Slippage
Analysis of the Baseline and Target S-curve data reveals the project has slipped by 1 day, or
20.00%.
Project Progress
According to MS Project, based on the Production Schedule the project is 50% complete. MS
Project calculates percentage complete based on durations, and does not take into account
man-hours assigned to each task. Analysis of the Actual and Target S-curve data reveals the
project is 53.13% complete as of the Cut Off Date, while the project should be 59.38% complete.
i.e. Actual % Complete = (Actual YTD Man Hours @ Cut Off Date / Target Man Hours) x
100% = (51 / 96) x 100% = 53.13%
i.e. Target % Complete = (Target YTD Man Hours @ Cut Off Date / Target Man Hours) x
100% = (57 / 96) x 100% = 59.38%
Conclusion
Project status
The project will finish late and over budget compared to the Baseline Schedule. Progress to date
(i.e. the Cut Off Date) is behind schedule compared to the Production Schedule. Detailed
analysis of the project is required to determine why the project will be completed late and over
budget. Project growth and/or slippage may be due to a number of factors, including
underestimation of effort in the Baseline Schedule, low productivity, rework, variations (approved
or not), etc.
In this example, variations may need to be raised to account for the extra man hours expended,
and an extension of time claim raised for the later than planned completion. The Production
Schedule may need review to ensure tasks have been updated accurately (especially with
respect to true percentage complete values), and ongoing and future tasks may require revising.
Generating S-curves
Some software scheduling packages automatically generate S-curves. On the other hand, some
(including MS Project) do not. In this case, a third party software application is required to
process the Baseline and Production Schedule data to generate the required S-curves.
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 15/16
4/24/2018 What is the S-Curve, and how do calculate the work progress..
Midori Media's myPM SCG S-curve Generator is an MS Windows application that integrates with
MS Excel to generate the various types of S-curves discussed above. MS Project users will need
to export their schedule data to an MS Excel file (easily accomplished using MS Project's File
Save As option). myPM SCG processes the resulting export file, and creates an MS Excel
Output file containing the required S-curves. These may be copy-pasted to MS Word for
inclusion in Project Progress Reports.
A Production Schedule allows Actual and Target S-curves to be generated. These allow the
progress of a project to be monitored, and quickly reveal any divergence from the Baseline
Schedule. S-curves may also be used to determine project growth, slippage, and progress to
date.
Links:
[1] http://www.maxwideman.com/papers/framework_book/contents.htm
[2] http://www.maxwideman.com/guests/s-curve/what.htm#1
[3] http://www.maxwideman.com/guests/s-curve/using.htm#2
[4] http://www.planningplanet.com/forums/planning-scheduling-programming-discussion
http://www.planningplanet.com/print/502846 16/16