How to Get a Job For Project Managers

Learn how to write resume and interview

Leadership for Project Managers

Learn how to lead and drive project success.

Project Management Bootcamp

From a beginner to project management professional.

Agile Project Management and SCRUM with AI

Learn to run Scrum and Agile with AI.

Advanced Lean Six Sigma

Learn to improve your business.

Measuring Project Performance

Learn Earned Value Analysis

How to Get a Job For Project Managers

Learn how to write resume and interview

Leadership for Project Managers

Learn how to lead and drive project success.

Project Management Bootcamp

From a beginner to project management professional.

Agile Project Management and SCRUM with AI

Learn to run Scrum and Agile with AI.

Advanced Lean Six Sigma

Learn to improve your business.

Measuring Project Performance

Learn Earned Value Analysis

S-curve diagram

A time-phased chart of the running total of costs, often tracing an S shape as work ramps up, peaks during execution, and tapers near closeout.

Key Points

  • Shows cumulative costs (or value) plotted against time.
  • Characteristic S shape: slow early spending, rapid growth mid-project, flattening at the end.
  • Used to compare planned vs actual and earned value (PV, EV, AC) for variance analysis.
  • Supports forecasting and stakeholder reporting through trend and baseline comparisons.

Example

A 9-month software project tracks planned cumulative spend (baseline) and actual cumulative spend each month. The S-curve reveals slower-than-planned spending in months 2-3, a rapid catch-up during months 4-6, and stabilization as the project enters testing and deployment.

PMP Example Question

Which chart best visualizes the running total of project budget over time for comparing planned and actual performance?

  1. Resource histogram
  2. S-curve
  3. Pareto chart
  4. Control chart

Correct Answer: B — S-curve

Explanation: An S-curve plots cumulative values over time, making it ideal for comparing planned vs actual costs or value.

Project Management Bootcamp

Embark on a transformative journey with our Project Management Bootcamp at HK School of Management. Elevate from beginner to pro using the latest PMBOK and Process Groups Practice Guide. Our unique, engaging approach makes learning interactive and fun, replacing dull slides with dynamic doodles and real-life scenarios.

This hands-on program includes working on two full project plans. The first evolves as you learn, while the second culminates in a comprehensive plan, solidifying your expertise. You'll navigate real-world challenges, backed by quizzes and in-depth analysis, avoiding common pitfalls and setting you on a path to success.

Enhance your learning with downloadable materials and templates, invaluable for your future projects. The course covers essential topics like PMI, PMO, PMBOK, and project management ethics, delving into critical process groups and key areas such as scope, schedule, cost, and stakeholder management.

Learn from seasoned professionals and join a community of enthusiastic lifelong learners. Ready to master project management and lead with confidence? Enroll now and start your transformation!



Take Control of Project Performance!

HK School of Management helps you go beyond status reports and gut feelings. In this advanced course, you’ll master Earned Value Management (EVM) to objectively measure progress, forecast outcomes, and take corrective action with confidence. Learn how WBS quality drives performance, how control accounts really work, and how to use EAC, TCPI, and variance analysis to make smarter decisions—before projects drift off track. Built around real-world examples and hands-on exercises, this course gives you practical tools you can apply immediately. Backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee—low risk, high impact for serious project professionals.

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