How do you measure and evaluate the performance and outcomes of system development projects?

1 Project scope

Project scope defines the boundaries and requirements of the system development project, including the features, functions, specifications, and constraints of the system. Measuring and evaluating the project scope involves checking whether the project deliverables align with the scope statement, whether the scope changes are managed and communicated properly, and whether the scope creep is avoided or minimized. Project scope can be measured and evaluated using tools such as scope baseline, work breakdown structure, traceability matrix, and variance analysis.

2 Project time

Project time refers to the duration and schedule of the system development project, including the milestones, tasks, dependencies, and deadlines of the project. Measuring and evaluating the project time involves tracking whether the project is completed on time, whether the project activities are sequenced and prioritized appropriately, and whether the project risks and issues are resolved or mitigated timely. Project time can be measured and evaluated using tools such as Gantt charts, critical path analysis, earned value analysis, and performance indexes.

3 Project cost

Project cost refers to the budget and expenses of the system development project, including the estimates, allocations, and actuals of the project. Measuring and evaluating the project cost involves monitoring whether the project is within the budget, whether the project resources are utilized efficiently and effectively, and whether the project quality and value are maximized. Project cost can be measured and evaluated using tools such as cost baseline, cost breakdown structure, earned value analysis, and performance indexes.

4 Project quality

Project quality refers to the standards and criteria of the system development project, including the functionality, usability, reliability, and security of the system. Measuring and evaluating the project quality involves verifying whether the project deliverables meet the quality requirements, whether the project processes follow the quality guidelines, and whether the project defects and errors are identified and corrected. Project quality can be measured and evaluated using tools such as quality management plan, quality audits, quality control charts, and testing methods.

5 Project stakeholder satisfaction

Project stakeholder satisfaction refers to the expectations and feedback of the system development project, including the clients, users, sponsors, developers, and other parties involved or affected by the project. Measuring and evaluating the project stakeholder satisfaction involves assessing whether the project meets or exceeds the stakeholder needs and wants, whether the project communication is clear and consistent, and whether the project changes are agreed and approved. Project stakeholder satisfaction can be measured and evaluated using tools such as stakeholder analysis, stakeholder engagement plan, stakeholder surveys, and lessons learned.

6 Project impact

Project impact refers to the outcomes and benefits of the system development project, including the value, performance, and improvement of the system. Measuring and evaluating the project impact involves analyzing whether the project delivers the desired results and outcomes, whether the project supports the strategic goals and objectives, and whether the project contributes to the organizational or societal change. Project impact can be measured and evaluated using tools such as logic models, outcome indicators, impact evaluation, and return on investment.