Your guide to Civil Engineering basics: S-Curve

S-Curve: Introduction


Introduction	Types of S-Curves	Why use a S-Curve	How is S-Curve generated?


	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. This article explains what the mysterious S-Curve is, why it is an important project management tool, and how to generate one.

What is a S Curve?

A S Curve is defined as "a s curve display of cumulative costs, labour 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".

(Source: Wideman Comparative Glossary of Common Project Management Terms v2.1 Copyright R. Max Wideman, May 2001)

Previous

blog comments powered by Disqus