planversusactual

Plan-versus-actual, often abbreviated PvA, is the systematic comparison of planned targets with actual results over a defined time horizon. It is used to monitor performance, identify deviations, and drive corrective actions in projects, programs, and operations.

In practice, plan-versus-actual can be performed at varying levels of detail and may align with or complement formal methods such as Earned Value Management. Common elements include baselines for scope, schedule, and budget; collection of actual data; and calculation of variances or deviation measures. The approach emphasizes understanding what was intended versus what occurred and why.

Calculations typically include simple differences and percentage variances (actual minus plan, or variance divided by plan). In project management, more structured metrics—planned value, earned value, and actual cost—are used to compute schedule variance and cost variance, along with performance indices like the schedule performance index and the cost performance index. These metrics help quantify how well a plan is being realized and whether corrective actions are needed.

The process involves establishing the baseline, tracking actual outcomes, analyzing causes of variances, forecasting future performance, and reporting results. Typical uses include progress reporting, forecasting, and informing decisions on scope changes, resource allocation, or schedule adjustments. Limitations include data quality issues, changing scope, and time lags between events and reporting, which can distort perceived performance if not properly managed. See also Earned Value Management, variance analysis, forecasting, and budgeting concepts.