Lesson 10: Progress Tracking and Plan Adaptation

Date: October 9, 2025
Session Time: 8:00am-12:00pm EST
Duration: 4 hours (including 15-minute exercise)

Key Learning Objective

Monitoring project progress systematically and adapting plans based on real-world conditions and challenges encountered during construction.

Lesson Overview

This session focuses on developing the skills needed to track progress, identify deviations from plans, and make informed adjustments to maintain project momentum and quality.

Main Activities (3 hours 45 minutes)

  • Progress measurement and tracking methods
  • Plan vs. actual comparison techniques
  • Problem identification and analysis
  • Plan adjustment strategies
  • Communication protocols for changes

15-Minute Exercise: Progress Assessment and Plan Update

Exercise Description

Assess the current progress of the construction work, compare it to the original plan, and create a brief plan update to address any deviations or challenges encountered.

Materials Needed

  • Original project plan and timeline
  • Progress photos from previous sessions
  • Notebook or digital document
  • Measuring tape
  • Camera for current progress photos

Exercise Steps (15 minutes)

  1. Progress Measurement (5 minutes)
  2. Measure actual work completed vs. planned
  3. Take 2-3 photos showing current progress
  4. Note any work that was completed ahead of or behind schedule

  5. Identify any work that wasn't in the original plan

  6. Plan Comparison (4 minutes)

  7. Compare actual progress to original timeline
  8. Note any significant deviations (more than 1 day)
  9. Identify what caused any delays or accelerations

  10. Assess quality of completed work vs. specifications

  11. Challenge Analysis (3 minutes)

  12. List 2-3 challenges encountered so far
  13. Note how each challenge was resolved (or not)
  14. Identify any recurring issues or patterns

  15. Assess impact of challenges on overall timeline

  16. Plan Update (3 minutes)

  17. Create a brief plan update (2-3 sentences)
  18. Note any timeline adjustments needed
  19. Identify any additional resources or support required
  20. Plan how to prevent similar challenges in future

Deliverable

  • Progress measurement report with photos
  • Plan vs. actual comparison notes
  • Challenge analysis with resolutions
  • Brief plan update document

Success Criteria

  • Progress is measured accurately and objectively
  • Plan comparison identifies specific deviations
  • Challenges are analyzed with clear causes and solutions
  • Plan update is realistic and actionable

Integration with Overall Project

This exercise develops the project management skills needed to keep the construction on track and teaches how to adapt to real-world conditions while maintaining project quality and timeline.

Previous Session: Lesson 9: Construction Begins
Next Session: Lesson 11: Budget Tracking