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PMPCAPM

Work Performance Reports

Work performance reports are the physical or electronic representation of work performance information compiled in project documents, intended to generate decisions, actions, or awareness.

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Explanation

Work performance reports are the third and final level in the performance hierarchy. They take the analyzed work performance information from multiple areas and compile it into formatted communications designed for specific audiences. These reports are intended to drive decision-making, trigger corrective actions, or keep stakeholders informed about project status.

Examples of work performance reports include status reports, progress reports, dashboards, earned value charts, trend analyses, burndown charts, defect histograms, and risk summaries. The format and content of these reports should align with the communications management plan, which defines what information each stakeholder needs, how often, and in what format.

Work performance reports are a key output of the Monitor and Control Project Work process and serve as inputs to several other processes, including Perform Integrated Change Control and Manage Communications. They are the primary mechanism through which the project manager communicates project health to stakeholders, sponsors, and governance boards.

Key Points

  • Formatted compilations of work performance information
  • Third level in the data-information-reports hierarchy
  • Designed to generate decisions, actions, or awareness
  • Include status reports, dashboards, and trend analyses

Exam Tip

If the exam asks what is communicated to stakeholders about project performance, the answer is work performance reports — not data or information directly. Reports are the communication vehicle.

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