8 Project Management KPIs For Project Managers

Sometimes the best-managed projects fall apart because they are not working towards specific and measurable goals. Or they are working with too broad or too narrow objectives that do not work within their larger vision. Success often hinges on more than meticulous planning; it requires a strategic focus on specific, measurable goals.

The failure to align objectives with a larger vision or using ill-defined performance markers can lead even the best-managed projects astray. This blog explores the pivotal role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in project management, unraveling their definition, types, and profound impact on project success. 

What are KPIs or Key Performance Indicators?

KPI metrics evaluate the success of an organization, project, product, idea, or initiative. KPIs act as both compass and fuel, steering projects toward success. These quantifiable metrics are a dynamic tool for project managers and stakeholders to assess, communicate, and ensure the project aligns with overarching company goals. 

Project Management KPIs are quantifiable metrics that help project managers and stakeholders assess the performance and progress of a project. These key performance indicators for project managers contribute to the overall success of a project. By focusing on the critical aspects of project execution, key performance indicators for project management provide a comprehensive view of performance.

What Makes a Good KPI for Project Management?

Too often, we see project managers using stale and irrelevant KPIs for their projects that do not relate to their larger goals or even their processes. In that instance, KPIs become another pointless statistic on an extensive numbers sheet. Effective KPIs possess certain qualities that contribute to their usefulness. Here are some key qualities that make a good KPI:

1. Relevance & Clarity
2. Measurability & Actionability
3. Achievability & Timeliness
4. Consistency & Balance
5. Comparability & Flexibility

READ MORE: Work Breakdown in Project Management

8 Important Project Management KPIs for Project Managers

8 Important Project Management KPIs For Project Managers

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are crucial for project managers to monitor and evaluate the success of their projects. Here are eight KPIs for project managers:

1. Budget Variance (BV)
2. Actual Cost(AC)
3. Cost Performance Index(CPI)
4. Planned Hours V/s Actual Hours
5. On-Time Completion Percentage
6. Schedule Performance Index(SPI)
7. Employee Churn Rate
8. Return on Investment(ROI)

Let us understand them in detail and why they matter.

1. Budget Variance (BV):

Keeping the project within budget is critical for financial success and helps allocate resources for future projects. Budget Variance tracks the variance between the planned startup budget and the actual spending on the project. It is the estimated and planned value of the tasks left to be performed at each periodic evaluation. Budget Variance results mean the following:

• Positive: The project is below budget.
• Zero: The project is within budget.
• Negative: The project exceeds the budget.

The formula for Budget variance: BV/CV = Earned value (E.V.) – Actual value (A.V.)

Budget Variance (BV) – Planned Vs Actual Expenses Template

2. Actual Cost(AC) 

Actual Cost (AC) is the expenditure incurred in the project as of the evaluation date. It includes all direct and indirect costs associated with the project. Monitoring the actual cost is crucial for ensuring the project stays within the budget. This value is often combined with the planned cost if the project has remained within budget.

Actual Cost(AC) – Project Cost Estimate Template

3. Cost Performance Index(CPI)

CPI compares the budgeted cost and the project’s actual cost so far. CPI is a ratio that compares the Earned Value (the value of work performed) to the Actual Cost. This is a measure of efficiency in terms of time and money. It also sets future budgets and informs decisions about the Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled. CPI provides insights into cost efficiency and helps in forecasting future costs. CPI ratios indicate:

• Value greater than 1 – The project is under budget.
• Value less than 1 – The project is over budget.
• Value equal to 1 – The project is on target.

CPI is calculated as: CPI = Earned Value / Actual Cost

Cost Performance Index(CPI)

4. Planned Hours V/s Actual Hours

This KPI compares the planned work hours for a task or project phase to the actual hours spent on it. Understanding the variance between planned and actual hours helps evaluate the accuracy of time estimates. It assists in refining future project schedules and resource planning. The indicator measures planned V/s actual hours by:

• If the planned hours are higher than the actual time spent, the project works ahead of schedule.
• If the actual hours are higher than planned, the project is working behind schedule. 

You can calculate planned time V/s actual time using: 

Planned Time V/s Actual Time = Estimated time – Actual time spent

Planned Vs Actual Hours Template

5. On-Time Completion Percentage

The On-Time Completion Percentage reflects the project’s adherence to the schedule. This KPI looks at the percentage of finished tasks within their deadlines. It can be used to contextualize the previous KPI, as a low percentage suggests structural issues at the level of assignments and tasks within the team. A high percentage indicates good schedule management, while a low percentage may signal potential delays.

This KPI calculates the percentage of tasks or milestones completed on time compared to the total number of tasks or milestones.

On-time completion rate = (Total number of projects completed on time / Total number of projects) X 100%

On-Time Completion Percentage – Project Dashboard Template

6. Schedule Performance Index(SPI)

Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is a KPI that looks at the overall project. It compares the Earned Value to the Planned Value. SPI helps project managers assess schedule efficiency and predict future performance. Scheduled Performance Index can be tracked by:

• Values greater than 1: The project is ahead of schedule.
• Values less than 1: The project is behind the schedule.
• Values equal to 1: The project is right on the planned schedule.

The formula to calculate SPI is: 

SPI = Earned value (E.V.) / Planned value (P.V.)

Schedule Performance Index (SPI)

7. Employee Churn Rate

Employee Churn Rate, or Staff Turnover Rate, is when employees leave the project or the company. Monitoring this KPI helps identify factors contributing to turnover and implement retention strategies. Different ECR reflects:

• High Churn Rate: Poor working conditions, mismanagement, and a hostile work environment.
• Low Churn Rate: Employee satisfaction and good management within the project.

In case of a high churn rate, an overhaul is usually needed in terms of the functioning of a project. A high churn rate slows down the progress of any task and is generally detrimental to a company’s functioning.

The formula used to calculate the Employee Churn Rate;

Employee Churn Rate = (Employees who left / Average number of employees) x 100

Employee Churn Analysis Template

8. Return on Investment(ROI) 

ROI is the broadest KPI on this list. That is because ROI assesses the profitability and success of a project. ROI calculates the financial return generated by a project in comparison to its cost. However, using ROIs even before a project starts can be beneficial as it can reflect the future profitability of a project or be used to decide on an idea with the greatest potential ROIs.

• A positive ROI indicates a successful investment.
• A negative ROI indicates the project may not be delivering value.

It is expressed as a percentage and is calculated by dividing the net gain from the investment by the initial cost.

Return on Investment(ROI)

Monitoring these KPIs provides project managers with valuable insights into the health and progress of their projects, allowing them to make informed decisions, address issues promptly, and ultimately ensure successful project outcomes.

One of the best methods to show KPIs is by using a dashboard. A dashboard is a slide consisting of multiple gauges and charts, reflecting all the important KPIs employed in measuring performance for a project.

In project management’s dynamic and challenging landscape, staying on top of the KPIs is vital for success. By regularly monitoring these KPIs, project managers can proactively address challenges, make informed decisions, and deliver successful projects. Effective project management is a continuous assessment, adaptation, and improvement process, with KPIs guiding toward unparalleled success.

Presenting KPIs through a dashboard enhances clarity and engagement. Utilizing pre-made KPI presentation templates designed for KPI metrics streamlines the communication of project performance to diverse audiences.

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