PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

In project management, what are variance usually represented as?

1. Positive Numbers

2. Percentages

3. Negative Numbers

4. Decimal Values

The correct answer is: Negative Numbers

Variance in project management is typically represented as both positive and negative numbers, depending on whether the actual performance is better or worse than the planned performance. However, when evaluating the specific choice regarding how variance is usually presented, the focus is often on the concept of negative variance indicating an unfavorable condition—that is, costs or schedules that exceed what was planned. Therefore, when performance falls short of plan, it results in a negative variance. This representation is crucial because it quickly communicates to project managers and stakeholders that corrective action may be needed. While positive variance indicates that a project is performing better than expected, it is the negative numbers that commonly signify areas of concern, requiring attention and intervention. This understanding of how variances manifest in project metrics is essential for effectively monitoring and controlling project progress, recognizing that both positive and negative values provide critical insights for project performance evaluation.