A work performance information template provides a structured format for documenting the analyzed, context-rich information derived from raw work performance data, giving project managers and stakeholders the comparative analysis they need to understand how the project is actually performing against the plan. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), work performance information is a key output of multiple controlling processes in PMBOK 8, including Monitor and Control Schedule, Monitor and Control Finances, Monitor and Control Scope, and Monitor Stakeholder Engagement. While work performance data is raw measurement, work performance information is the result of comparing that data against the project management plan and explaining the variance.

What is Work Performance Information?

In PMBOK 8, work performance information includes the work performance data collected from controlling processes, analyzed in comparison with project management plan components, project documents, and other work performance details. This comparison helps to indicate how the project is performing. Specific work performance metrics for scope, schedule, budget, and quality are defined at the start of the project as part of the project management plan. Performance data is then collected and compared to the plan to provide a context for work performance. For example, work performance data on cost may include funds expended; but to be useful, that data must be compared to the budget, the work performed, the resources used, and the funding schedule. This additional context determines whether the project is on budget or whether a variance exists, its magnitude, and whether preventive or corrective action is required.

What's Included in This Work Performance Information Template?

• Reporting Period and Status Date - The period covered, the data cut-off date, and the distribution list for the performance information, aligning with the communications management plan.
• Scope Performance - Status of deliverables in relation to the scope baseline, including work completed versus planned, scope changes approved in the period, and the number of validated deliverables.
• Schedule Performance - Earned value schedule metrics (SV and SPI), actual versus planned progress on critical path activities, and a summary judgment of whether the project is on schedule, ahead, or behind.
• Cost Performance - Earned value cost metrics (CV and CPI), actual costs versus the cost baseline, estimate at completion (EAC), and variance at completion (VAC), with variance threshold comparison.
• Quality Performance - Number of defects, rework rates, inspection results, and any quality metrics that fall outside the acceptable thresholds defined in the quality management plan.
• Risk and Issue Status - Number of open risks and issues, status of planned risk responses, and any new risks or issues that emerged during the reporting period.
• Recommended Actions - Preventive and corrective actions required based on the performance analysis, with the process (Assess and Implement Changes) through which approved actions will be formally incorporated.

How to Use This Work Performance Information Template (PMBOK 8)

1. Derive performance information from data — never create it independently - Work performance information must be traceable to work performance data. Assessments not grounded in measured actuals are opinions, not performance information.
2. Always compare data against the approved baseline - The performance measurement baseline (integrated scope, schedule, and cost baselines) is the standard against which all performance information is measured. Variance is only meaningful relative to what was planned.
3. Report to variance thresholds, not to perfection - The schedule management plan and financial management plan define acceptable variance thresholds (e.g., ±10%). Performance information should clearly indicate whether the project is within or outside those thresholds.
4. Feed work performance information into work performance reports - Work performance information is an internal project document. Work performance reports (status reports, dashboards) are the stakeholder-facing outputs that communicate performance information in the format defined in the communications management plan.
5. Use performance information to trigger change requests - When performance information shows a significant variance that requires a response beyond corrective action within the project manager's authority, a formal change request must be submitted to the Assess and Implement Changes process.
6. Archive performance information for lessons learned - The history of performance information across the project life cycle documents how the project performed over time and informs future estimates and planning decisions.

When to Create This Document (PMBOK 8)

Work performance information is produced by the controlling processes throughout the Monitoring and Controlling Focus Area of PMBOK 8. It is first generated once the project baseline is established and actual performance data begins to be collected during execution. Work performance information is updated at every monitoring cycle — typically aligned with the reporting cadence defined in the schedule management plan and communications management plan — and feeds directly into the work performance reports that are distributed to project stakeholders.

Related Templates

• Work Performance Data Template
• Schedule Forecasts Template
• Issue Log Template
• Risk Report Template
• Change Requests Log Template

Complete Guide & Filled-In Example

Get the most out of this template with the two companion resources below:

• Work Performance Information in PMBOK 8 - Complete Guide - Understand the purpose, key elements, and best practices before filling in the template.
• Download the Filled-In Example - Project Phoenix - See exactly how this document was completed for a real $72K website launch project.