Analysing S-Curves

AACE International Recommended Practice No. 55R-09

ANALYZING S-CURVES

TCM Framework: 10.1 – Project Performance Assessment

Acknowledgments: Jeff Goodman, PSP (Author) Timothy T. Calvey, PE PSP Christopher W. Carson, PSP Andrew Dick Anthony L. Jervis Dennis R. Hanks, PE CCE Donald F. McDonald, Jr. PE CCE PSP Vicente A. Ruiz

Copyright 2010 AACE International, Inc.

Donald E. Parker, PE CCE Hannah E. Schumacher, PSP William James Simons, PSP Jerry L. Vogt, PSP Ronald M. Winter PSP David C. Wolfson James G. Zack, Jr., CFCC

AACE International Recommended Practices

AACE International Recommended Practice No. 55R-09

ANALYZING S-CURVES

TCM Framework: 10.1 – Project Performance Assessment

November 10, 2010 PURPOSE This recommended practice (RP) for analyzing S-curves is intended to serve as a guideline, not to establish a standard. As a recommended practice of AACE International, analyzing S-curves provides guidelines for stakeholders of a project to evaluate the current status and trends of a project in a simple graphical format. S-curves are usually developed by a project scheduler or cost engineer and can be applied on a variety of project types. The product is generally used as a project management and/or total cost management (TCM) tool for graphic representation of project performance. The RP provides descriptions of S-curves with the intent to improve understanding and communication among project participants and stakeholders when preparing and analyzing graphics based upon project schedule information. The RP describes different types of S-curves that may be generated from a schedule provided the proper information is loaded into the schedule and the status of the information is maintained throughout the duration of the project. OVERVIEW An S-curve is a graphic display of cumulative costs, labor hours, progress, or other quantities plotted against time. The term derives from S-like shape of the curve, flatter at the beginning and end and...