Plan Comparison in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
A plan comparison is the systematic comparison of two or more planning versions or scenarios of a project or portfolio. It is used to identify and analyze differences and changes between plans, typically as part of project controlling, by making deviations in timelines, costs, resources, or scope visible.
Example, Best Practice, and Further Information
In a software project, for example, a plan comparison might be used to compare the original schedule (baseline) with the current schedule that has been adjusted due to changes, showing the exact shifts. A proven best practice is to conduct regular plan comparisons to understand and communicate the impact of planning changes. This supports progress control according to the PMBOK Guide as well as learning processes aimed at in agile retrospectives, and facilitates necessary project adjustments.