1.

0 INTRODUCTION

An S-Curve is a mathematical process or function that results in a S shaped
curve also called a Sigmoid Curve. S-curves are an important project management tool
because it allow the progress of a project to be traced visually over time, and form a historical
record of what has happened to date. The S-Curve is used in project management as a means
of representing the various costs of resources over the projected time of the project or as a
means of plotting the real-time expenditure of resources. It is also can be used to monitor the
project as is progresses and compare it to the projected S-Curve to determine whether or the
project is being completed within the time and budget limits. The term S-Curve can also be
used to indicate an S shaped chart resulting from a cumulative likelihood distribution. In this
function, an S-Curve is a tool of quantitative risk analysis which project management would
use to determine the possible dangers of any given course of action. 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.
There are a variety of S-curves that are applicable to project management
applications, including Man Hours versus Time S-curve, Costs versus Time S-curve, Baseline
S-curve, Actual S-curve and Target S-curve. The Man Hours versus Time S-curve is
appropriate for projects that are labor intensive in which the project manager has to know the
cumulative amount of man hours worked at a specific stage 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. Due to the low productivity, delays and
disruptions, rework and variations, projects may require additional man-hours to finish on
time. The Costs versus Time S-curve is suitable for projects that contain labor and non-labor
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.

Figure 1: Man Hours versus Time S-curve Figure 2: Costs versus Time S-curve


Baseline S-curve is a schedule prepared outlining the planned distribution of
resources and the timing of tasks required to complete the project in a set time frame and
budget. This generate the planned progress and the schedule may require revision to reflect
the changed requirements if the project requirements change prior to commencement. Target
S-curve may be generated from the production schedule that reflects the actual progress of
the project to date. This S-curve reflects the ideal progress of the project if all tasks are
completed as currently scheduled. Actual S-curve may be generated from the production
schedule which is updated on a regular basis throughout the duration of the project. 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.


Figure 3: Baseline S-curve Figure 4: Target S-curve


Figure 5: Actual S-curve