You are here: Home » Business » Project Management » Project Management Guide » Project Planning » Project Controls » Highlight Report
Highlight Report
 |
The Highlight Report (sometimes known as a Project Status report) is a key tool in project management. Created and presented at regular intervals, it is often the main way in which the project manager updates the project sponsor and board. It includes:
- Project progress – including what’s been achieved since the last highlight report and what you hope to achieve before the next one
- Key monitoring information such as expenditure and budget status
- Potential issues that might have an impact on the project and how they might be addressed
- Identifies decisions needed from the board or areas where the board could help.
How often should I produce one?
How often a highlight report is needed varies from project to project. It is up to the Project Board to decide how often they want you to produce one so you should agree with them an appropriate frequency. In the main, monthly reporting works for most projects, and is a useful starting point. Remember that to get the report to the board on time, you will need to leave time to get the information and check it for accuracy.
Where do I get information?
A Highlight Report is usually compiled by the project manager based on information received from the Project Team. Once a format and timetable has been agreed, the process is quite straightforward. But the report is only as useful as the information in it. An important role of the project manager is to ensure that the information going into the highlight report is accurate. If key risks are being down played, or slippage on key milestones left out, then the project sponsor and board are not getting the full picture about the project. This could affect the decisions that are taken, and ultimately, could put the project in jeopardy. A culture of open and honest reporting is essential in successful projects.
The next section discusses the second major iteration of the Business Case.
Downloads
The Highlight Report is used to keep the Project Board informed of the projects progress. (41.5 KB)
How useful is this page?