Let us take Nigeria as a case study here, monitoring projects is one of the worst talks ever to be discussed. Do you know why? Check it out:

According to The Punch, Nigeria’s large quantum of uncompleted projects was estimated to cost N12 trillion as of August 2021. The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors who gave the estimate also hinted that there are about 56,000 abandoned projects in Nigeria. 

Monitoring a project is vital for successful project management. To ensure success, plan, schedule, and consistently monitor the project.

This points to the fact that improper project management is one of the core things slowing down our development individually and as a country. This is why we’d be centering our discussion on project monitoring and all that revolves around it. Here is what we’d be going through

• What is project monitoring and why is it important
• What are the objectives of project monitoring
• What are the types of project monitoring
• Project monitoring process

What is project monitoring?

Project monitoring involves verifying that the project adheres to the plan and that tasks are progressing as intended. Various metrics, including budget, completion time, and quality standards, require careful observation, with their significance varying based on the project’s nature. 

Additionally, looking ahead is integral to project monitoring. Identifying potential issues and devising strategies on how the team involved can avoid them.

According to Unito, Project managers are typically responsible for this process, like many other aspects of project management.

Depending on the organization — and the project — the project monitoring and controlling process can involve several status reports, regular meetings, and keeping tasks up to date in the team’s project management software.

Why is project monitoring important?

Project monitoring is crucial for getting the desired results from a plan. The project head needs to closely watch each step and make changes if necessary. 

Projects usually have many tasks that take time, and we can only move to the next one after finishing the first. Project monitoring ensures tasks are done right, and any issues are sorted out in time.

The benefits of project monitoring include:

1. Making sure the budget is spent correctly and can be changed if needed.
2. Checking that tasks are done on time.
3. Encouraging team members to take responsibility for their tasks.
4. Shifting the team to a specific task if required.
5. Improving communication among team members for better quality and faster work.

What are the objectives of project monitoring?

As a project manager, here are a few objectives to always put in place while monitoring your projects:

The objectives of project monitoring include:

1. Ensure Adherence to Plan: Monitor the project to ensure it follows the planned course and stays on track.

2. Adjustments and Modifications: Make necessary modifications to the project if issues or changes are identified during monitoring.

3. Task Accuracy: Verify that tasks are performed accurately and according to set standards.

4. Timely Issue Resolution: Address doubts or hurdles promptly to avoid delays or complications.

5. Budget Management: Ensure proper allocation of the budget and allow adjustments as needed.

6. Deadline Compliance: Confirm that tasks are completed on time and meet specified deadlines.

7. Team Accountability: Encourage team members to take responsibility for their assigned tasks.

8. Resource Allocation: Facilitate the allocation of the workforce to specific tasks based on project needs.

9. Communication Improvement: Enhance communication within the team to improve overall quality and efficiency.

10. Risk Identification: Identify potential issues or risks in advance and develop strategies to prevent or address them.

These objectives collectively contribute to the successful execution and completion of a project by maintaining control, managing resources efficiently, and ensuring the project aligns with its goals.

Types of project monitoring

Various types of project monitoring play a crucial role in overseeing different aspects of a project. Here are the key types:

1. Process Monitoring (Activity Monitoring):

Process monitoring, also known as activity monitoring, focuses on tracking resources and inputs, understanding how outputs are delivered, and ensuring the desired results.

2. Beneficiary Monitoring:

Beneficiary monitoring aims to track the individuals or groups benefiting from the project. It includes monitoring their feedback, complaints, and overall satisfaction, whether direct or indirect.

3. Compliance Monitoring:

Compliance monitoring ensures that the project aligns with grants, local laws, contracts, ethical standards, and overall compliance criteria.

4. Financial Monitoring:

Financial monitoring tracks the project’s financial efficiency and analyzes expenditures against the allocated budget.

5. Result Monitoring:

Result monitoring assesses whether the project is progressing toward the expected outcome. It also collects data on the overall impact and effects of the project.

Project Monitoring Process

Understanding the project monitoring process involves several key phases:

1. Initiation:

During initiation, the project’s outline is established, outlining the steps and processes it will involve.

2. Planning:

Planning involves detailing the scope and processes to be executed during the project.

3. Executing:

The executing phase encompasses the completion of all activities outlined in the planning stage.

4. Closing:

The closing phase involves finalizing the project plan and informing stakeholders of its completion.

5. Control and Monitoring:

The control and monitoring phase ensures the project stays on track, with all tasks completed as defined. This is where the different types of project monitoring come into play to ensure success.

Let CAVAS manage your project today

Our journey began with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in project management and property security. We recognized the pain of project delays, budget overruns, duplicate contracts, land scams, and the anxiety surrounding property investments. 

We knew there had to be a better way and that’s exactly what we bring to you. You can see your project move from the point of start to completion by speaking to us today.