Negative Variance (for Duration Variance)

[Laureen]

Hello,

The duration variance calculates negatively when a task/project finishes
ahead of schedule. For example, Baseline Duration is 90 days. Actual
Duration is 60 days. Duration variance becomes -30 days. Is there a way to
flip this and have the variance expressed positive?

Thanks,
Laureen.

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Laureen --

No. In Microsoft Project, variance is calculated as current value -
baseline value. Therefore, 120d - 90d = 30d, which is bad, because it means
your project has finished 30 days late. On the other hand, as per your
example, 60d - 90d = -30d, which is very good because it means your project
has finished 30 days early. There is no way to reverse this, so therefore,
you need to make this a training issue with your PMs and with your
executives. Teach them that negative variance is a GOOD thing and then let
them smile!

 

[Laureen]

Thank you!

Laureen --

No. In Microsoft Project, variance is calculated as current value -
baseline value. Therefore, 120d - 90d = 30d, which is bad, because it means
your project has finished 30 days late. On the other hand, as per your
example, 60d - 90d = -30d, which is very good because it means your project
has finished 30 days early. There is no way to reverse this, so therefore,
you need to make this a training issue with your PMs and with your
executives. Teach them that negative variance is a GOOD thing and then let
them smile!