The Purpose of Establishing Project Metrics, Essay Example

What is the purpose of establishing project metrics?

Project metrics provide a basis for the achievement of key objectives for a given project. The establishment of project metrics supports the identification of steps that will be effective in supporting the desired outcomes. Project metrics are often created for projects involving information technologies so that the implementation of new types of software or systems are achieved in the required manner. It is important to identify project metrics so that critical factors are achieved within a given project and are measured in a quantifiable format. These metrics are instrumental in providing the appropriate mechanisms in establishing a framework for success. Although project management is often utilized in information technology, it is also adopted in many other industries and supports the development of perspectives to approach problems with viable solutions. Project metrics serve as an opportunity to accomplish a series of tasks within a designated timeframe and to determine how to best move forward in supporting realistic and practical outcomes.

Project metrics also provide a set of measurable expectations and support the development of new ideas that are likely to contribute to the desired end result. This involves the ability to properly track different measures that will be effective in determining whether or not the desired final outcomes are realistic and achievable. Primary areas of importance include task management, costs associated with the project, the desired level of productivity, the risks involved in the project, and the ability to achieve the desired deliverables. Each of these areas must be appropriately measured in order to achieve project expectations and to demonstrate the importance of each step of the project as it is carried out by the project team. These efforts are essential to the potential success of the project and the long-term outcomes that are likely to occur during project execution and beyond.