Using the Trotter Matrix to Measure and Improve Project Manager Performance

Abstract

Why measure project managers (PMs) when I am auditing projects? Auditing projects is useful and should be part of organizations' controllership programs. Project audits are often considered to be components of quality control programs, making sure projects are being executed correctly. If they are out of tolerance, we determine the steps needed to bring them back in line. In contrast, project manager measurements lie in the realm of quality assurance, determining whether or not PMs are following accepted practices that promote successful project execution and driving behavioral modification. One of the differences between a simple measurement and a metric is that the latter may be said to be a “measurement with a purpose.” All of the metrics you encounter in this article are tied to specific desired behaviors.