Technical Performance Measurement

Technical Performance Measurement (TPM) in Risk Monitoring and Control

What is Technical Performance Measurement?

Technical Performance Measurement (TPM) is a key project management technique used to evaluate and track a project's technical progress against established technical performance parameters. In the context of risk monitoring and control, TPM helps project managers identify deviation from the technical baseline, allowing early detection of potential risks before they fully materialize.

Why Technical Performance Measurement is Important

TPM is critical in risk management for several reasons:

1. Early Warning System: TPM serves as an early warning mechanism that alerts project teams to technical issues before they escalate into major problems.

2. Objective Assessment: It provides quantifiable metrics to objectively assess if a project is meeting its technical requirements.

3. Risk Identification: By tracking technical parameters, it helps identify new risks that may emerge during project execution.

4. Performance Tracking: TPM establishes a systematic approach to monitoring technical performance throughout the project lifecycle.

5. Informed Decision-Making: It provides data that supports informed decision-making about corrective actions when deviations occur.

How Technical Performance Measurement Works

The TPM process typically involves these steps:

1. Identify Key Technical Parameters: Determine which technical aspects are critical to project success.

2. Establish Baseline Values: Define expected performance levels and acceptable thresholds for each parameter.

3. Measure Actual Performance: Regularly collect data on actual technical performance.

4. Compare with Baseline: Assess actual performance against the established baseline.

5. Analyze Variances: Investigate any deviations from expected performance.

6. Implement Corrective Actions: Take appropriate actions to address negative variances.

7. Document Results: Record findings and actions for future reference and lessons learned.

TPM often uses graphs or charts that display:
• The planned technical performance profile over time
• The actual measured performance
• Thresholds or tolerance limits
• Projected performance based on current trends

TPM in the Context of PMI-RMP

For Risk Management Professionals (RMP), TPM is an essential control mechanism within the risk monitoring and control process. It helps ensure that technical risks are properly managed and that the project remains capable of delivering its intended benefits. TPM data feeds directly into risk reassessment and can trigger risk response plans when necessary.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Technical Performance Measurement

1. Understand TPM's Purpose: Remember that TPM is primarily about tracking technical parameters to identify potential risks early.

2. Know the Components: Be familiar with the key elements of TPM: parameters, baseline values, actual measurements, variances, and corrective actions.

3. Recognize Integration Points: Understand how TPM integrates with other project management processes, especially risk monitoring and control.

4. Focus on Proactive Application: Emphasize that TPM is a proactive rather than reactive approach to risk management.

5. Remember Measurement Methods: Be aware of various methods used to measure technical performance, such as physical tests, simulations, and prototypes.

6. Link to Project Success: Connect TPM to overall project success criteria and objectives.

7. Scenario Analysis: When faced with scenario-based questions, look for signs of technical parameter deviations that might indicate emerging risks.

8. Action Orientation: In questions asking for the best response to TPM findings, prioritize answers that address root causes over those that merely treat symptoms.

9. Documentation Focus: Remember that TPM results should be documented and communicated to relevant stakeholders.

10. Context Sensitivity: Consider how different project contexts might affect the implementation of TPM.

By mastering Technical Performance Measurement, you'll demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of how technical aspects of a project are monitored to manage risks effectively—a key competency expected of Risk Management Professionals.