The S-curve in project management represents:
Choose the correct answer
The schedule of manpower only
Cumulative cost (or progress) plotted against time, showing slow start, rapid middle progress, and slow finish - forming an S-shape
The critical path network
Resource histograms only
Correct Answer
B. Cumulative cost (or progress) plotted against time, showing slow start, rapid middle progress, and slow finish - forming an S-shape
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S-curve: cumulative cost (or percent progress) vs time. Slow initial mobilization, steep middle phase (peak production), slow closeout = S-shape. Used for: cash flow planning, progress monitoring (planned vs actual S-curve), projecting completion. Payment runs behind work (retention, billing cycles), so cash flow S-curve is lower than cost S-curve.
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