How often should project schedules be updated once the project has started?

Project schedules should be updated weekly because this frequency strikes a balance between ensuring that the project stays on track and allowing sufficient time for meaningful developments and adjustments to be made. Weekly updates enable project managers and stakeholders to assess progress, identify potential issues early, and make necessary changes to prevent delays. This regular check-in helps maintain clarity among team members regarding their tasks and deadlines.

Updating the schedule more frequently, such as daily, could lead to an overwhelming amount of tracking and reporting, making it difficult to discern meaningful changes or trends. On the other hand, less frequent updates, like monthly or quarterly, may result in missing critical problems or deadlines, potentially jeopardizing the project's success. Thus, a weekly update is a practical approach that ensures both responsiveness and effective monitoring throughout the project's lifecycle.