S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (2024)

Today we will discuss the s-curve in project management and provide you with its definitions and examples.

S-curve is a graph that shows the relevant cumulative data for your project. The data can be costs, person-hours, etc.

S-curve is a good communication tool and helps project managers communicate project progress to project stakeholders.

Let’s dive in deeper.

S-Curve

Project management has become complex nowadays, and you need to track many parameters to monitor status and progress.

You will require some tools to learn your processes and identify issues.

One such project management tool is the s-curve graph which uncovers crucial data about your project.

An s-curve is a mathematical graph that represents the aggregate data for a project. This information can be the project cost or the number of person-hours against time.

The curve is termed an s-curve because of the graph’s s-shape.

Note that the graph’s shape depends on the type of project, and it can be different from the usual s-curve.

Typically, the s-curve tracks work progress, forecasts cash flow, and assesses performance. The s-curve’s ability to display real-time cumulative data and compare it with the planned progress is the key reason for its popularity.

What is the “S” in S-Curve?

The ‘s’ shape isn’t imposed; it is simply the shape made by the graph from the project initiation to the end.

As time progresses, growth begins to accelerate. This growth is represented by the middle section of the ‘s’ in the graph, which shows this rapid rise.

The inflection point is the point where the change occurs. These are crucial areas of the curve since they show a change in growth.

The growth hits a plateau after it has passed through the inflection point, forming the upper half of the s-curve. In this stage, the project is matured.

This maturity is attributable to the fact that most project work is now complete and in the process of being wound down.

Prerequisites for S-Curves

You need monitoring parameters and time intervals to draw an s-curve.

Some monitoring parameters are cost, number of deliverables, labor units (person-hours), etc.

The time interval can be indicated in weeks, days, or months; it is the frequency with which certain metrics must be examined. The vertical axis is used to plot monitoring parameters, whereas the horizontal axis represents time.

Types of S-Curves

The s-curve can be of many types, such as:

  • Baseline S-curve
  • Target S-curve
  • Costs Vs Time S-curve
  • Value and Percentage S-curve
  • Man-Hours versus Time S-curve
  • Actual S-curve

Baseline S-Curve

Before the project starts, a schedule is created to outline the anticipated resource allocation and task sequencing. The schedule is called the baseline schedule; the s-curve drawn from this schedule is known as a baseline s-curve.

This s-curve shows the project’s anticipated progress. The baseline schedule can be revised if project parameters, such as duration, scope, etc., change.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (1)

Target S-Curve

Modifications to the baseline schedule frequently occur after the project is started. This modified schedule is known as the production schedule. In the beginning, the production schedule is the same as the baseline schedule, but it changes as the project progresses.

The production schedule represents the project’s progress to date and all adjustments.

A target s-curve can be produced from the production schedule, and it represents the project’s ideal progress as though the actual progress is the same as planned progress. In a perfect world where a project is on budget and on time, the target s-curve would intersect the baseline s-curve at the project’s conclusion.

It would conclude below and to the left of the baseline s-curve if the project is ahead of schedule and under budget. In reality, the target s-curve frequently concludes above and to the right of the baseline s-curve since projects are often delayed and over budget.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (2)

Costs Vs Time S-Curve

The costs vs time s-curve is useful for projects that include labor and non-labor costs such as subcontracting, hiring, and supplying materials. It shows the total cost incurred throughout the project life cycle and can be used to calculate the project cost and cash flow.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (3)

Value and Percentage S-Curves

S-curves can be plotted as absolute quantities such as values vs time or costs or person-hours vs time. Value s-curves can be used to calculate the number of man-hours or amount spent so far, as well as the number of person-hours or costs needed to finish the project.

Percentage s-curves can be used to compare the project’s planned vs actual completion in a percentage, the project’s percentage growth, contraction, etc.

Man-Hours Vs Time S-Curve

The man-hours vs time s-curve is suitable for labor-intensive projects and shows the number of man-hours spent on the project over time. The man-hours is the sum of the manpower needed and the number of hours to execute the task.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (4)

Actual S-Curve

Throughout the project lifecycle, the production schedule is revised regularly. These revisions include the data from the completed work, and you can build an actual s-curve with this data.

This s-curve shows the actual progress, but it can be used to compare progress with the target baseline s-curve to compare the performance.

The actual s-curve ends at the project’s cut-off date, which is the last day that the production schedule is updated. The actual s-curve meets the target s-curve at the end of the project.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (5)

Understanding the Lines in an S-Curve

Front-Loaded S-Curve

A front-loaded s-curve begins sharply and gradually flattens off. It has a speedy start. Here, more time and resources are spent at the initial stage of the project.

This might happen with projects that have a lot of repetition and require minimal planning and preparation time. Front-loaded curves are used in projects that have been rushed from the start.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (6)

Back-Loaded S-Curve

Back-loaded s-curves begin with a lesser slope and gradually increase in steepness as the project progresses, with most resources expected to be utilized later in the project.

A back-loaded s-curve suggests extensive planning and design at the start of the project and a shortened development time.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (7)

Uses of the S-Curve in Project Management

Performance and Progress Evaluation

S-curves help assess the project’s progress and performance using earned value management (EVM).

To determine the project’s current status, progress, and future projections, you need to identify the following parameters: actual cost, earned value, and planned value.

Each of these elements must be compared with the designed s-curve. These comparisons help you see whether a project is over/under budget or ahead of/behind schedule.

The difference between the target s-curve and the actual s-curve shows the project’s progress over time. For most projects, the actual s-curve will be lower than the target s-curve because of many factors, such as update delays in the production schedule. The curves only intersect near the end of the project.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (8)

Growth Determination

When the baseline and target s-curves are compared, you can see if the project’s scope has changed.

A scope change may require extra resources with a possibility of contract variation. If the project has fixed resources, you may require a project extension.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (9)

Determining Slippage

The duration that a task is pushed back from its schedule is referred to as slippage. It is the difference between a task’s scheduled start or its finish date and the baseline start and finish dates.

Slippage occurs when a baseline schedule is established and the actual dates are ahead of the baseline schedule.

You can see the slippage instantly when comparing the baseline and target s-curves, as the target s-curve terminates to the right of the baseline s-curve.

You may have to allocate extra resources to avoid slippage. If avoiding slippage is not possible, you will raise a change request to update the schedule baseline.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (10)

Forecasting Cash Flows

Cash flow refers to the flow of cash and its timing.

A cash flow curve allows you to assess the requirement for money and the precise time when payments are due.

Conclusion

In project management, you have to track many parameters, and the s-curve is very helpful in such a scenario. It is a fantastic tool to track costs in connection to man-hours and other aspects.

If you are into project management, you will find s-curves useful.

Please share your experience with using s-curves in your projects.

Note: this topic is crucial from a PMP exam point of view.

S-Curve in Project Management: Examples with Definitions | PM Study Circle (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of an S curve? ›

For example, progress on the construction of a road could be summarised in an overall S-curve, but we will likely have separate S-curves for tracking specific activities like the laying of asphalt. If we have 2km of road which needs laying, then this activity can be plotted on an S-curve too.

What are S-curves in project management? ›

The S-curve is a graphical representation commonly used in project management to track cumulative costs or progress over time. It typically resembles an "S," hence the name. The horizontal axis represents time, while the vertical axis represents cost or progress.

What are the 5 phases of an S curve? ›

Here are the stages of an S-curve in business:
  • Initial slow growth. ...
  • Rapid growth. ...
  • Late-stage slow growth. ...
  • Stationary demand. ...
  • Make plans before the stationary growth stage. ...
  • Maintain a healthy corporate environment.
Mar 10, 2023

What is the S curve in a project timeline? ›

An S-curve helps project managers visualize project timelines, anticipate key phases, and manage planned progress effectively, ensuring milestones are met according to schedule. With an S-curve, you can track and control the cumulative costs associated with a project.

What is an S-shaped curve an example of? ›

Answer and Explanation:

An S-shaped population curve represents logistic growth. The lower curve of the S is formed as a small population grows exponentially. The upper curve of the S is formed as the population nears its carrying capacity and its growth rate slows.

What is the difference between a Gantt chart and an S curve? ›

A Gantt chart is a bar chart that illustrates a project schedule by tracking the start and finish dates of tasks or activities against time. It is a useful tool for planning and scheduling projects. An S-curve is a cumulative graph that shows work completed over time.

How do you interpret an S curve? ›

Interpretation of S Curve

As the S Curve is plotted with the cumulative numbers, if the actual curve is above the planned curve, it is a positive variance meaning the actual performance is higher than the planned one and the project is ahead of the baseline schedule.

What is S curve in project management PDF? ›

An S Curve is a graphical representation of the cumulative costs, labor hours, or other metrics plotted against time over the duration of a project. It typically has a flatter shape at the beginning and end with a steeper slope in the middle.

What is the basic formula for the S curve? ›

There are a number of equations that can generate an S curve, the most common is logistics function with the equation (in Excel notation): S(x) = (1/(1+exp(-kx))^a is the simple form of the equation, where the minimum value is 0 and the maximum value is 1, k and a both >0 and control the shape.

What is the S curve framework? ›

The S-curve framework—used in various disciplines to represent the beginning, rapid growth, and maturity of something via an S-shaped curve—can help L&D leaders understand the what and how for individual learners in a given role.

What is the S curve in project management? ›

An S-curve is a project management tool that tracks progress over time and allows for a quick visual to determine project status. The S-curve is something (costs, hours, etc...) over time. If two S-curves are compared together, such as planned versus actual, that is called a comparison S-curve.

What is the S curve in the lifecycle? ›

S-curves visually depict how a product, service, technology or business progresses and evolves over time. S-curves can be viewed on an incremental level to map product evolutions and opportunities, or on a macro scale to describe the evolution of businesses and industries.

What is the S curve in Primavera? ›

An S-curve in Primavera P6 is a graph that displays the cumulative progress of a project over time. It is called an S-curve due to its shape, which resembles the letter "S." The x-axis represents time (usually in weeks or months), while the y-axis represents the cumulative value of the parameter being measured.

What are examples of S-curve products? ›

Adoption via “S-curves” is nothing new

History is littered with examples of technological products and services that were adopted with the famous “S‑curve”. This adoption shape is ubiquitous, with products as diverse as refrigerators, cars, color TVs and smartphones all showing that same familiar S-shaped curve.

What is an example of S-curve jumping? ›

By jumping the S-curve, for example, Procter & Gamble, UPS and Porsche, among others, routinely outperform the competition over the long haul, thriving rather than petering out. As it happens, most successful businesses follow a life cycle pattern known as an S-curve.

What graph has an S-curve? ›

A sigmoid function is any mathematical function whose graph has a characteristic S-shaped or sigmoid curve. A common example of a sigmoid function is the logistic function shown in the first figure and defined by the formula: Other standard sigmoid functions are given in the Examples section.

What are the four types of S curves? ›

There are several types of S-curves, including:
  • Baseline S-Curve. Before a project starts, most project managers create a schedule that outlines the required resources and sequence of work. ...
  • Target S-Curve. ...
  • Costs vs. ...
  • Value and Percentage S-Curves. ...
  • Man-Hours vs. ...
  • Actual S-Curve.
May 28, 2024

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