A Corrective Action is an intentional activity taken to realign project performance with the Project Management Plan. It is implemented when deviations from the plan occur and are identified through performance monitoring and control processes.
Key Aspects of Corrective Action
- Addresses Performance Deviations – Used when actual results do not align with planned objectives.
- Requires Root Cause Analysis – Identifies the source of the issue before implementing fixes.
- Ensures Project Realignment – Helps bring scope, schedule, cost, or quality back on track.
- Can Involve Process or Resource Adjustments – May include reallocation of resources, schedule modifications, or workflow changes.
Corrective Action vs. Preventive Action
| Action Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Corrective Action | Fixes an existing deviation from the plan. | Adjusting the project schedule after a delay in deliverables. |
| Preventive Action | Proactively prevents potential issues before they occur. | Adding extra testing phases to avoid defects in production. |
Example Scenarios
Software Development
A project falls behind schedule due to delayed testing cycles, prompting a corrective action to increase tester resources and adjust work priorities.
Construction Project
Material supply issues cause unexpected delays, leading to a corrective action that secures an alternative supplier and reschedules affected tasks.
Business Operations
Customer support response times exceed targets, triggering a corrective action that introduces automation and additional staffing to improve service levels.
Why Corrective Actions Matter
- Improve Project Performance – Ensures that work realigns with planned objectives.
- Reduce the Impact of Delays or Cost Overruns – Helps contain issues before they escalate.
- Enhance Stakeholder Confidence – Demonstrates proactive issue management.
- Supports Continuous Improvement – Enables teams to learn from past mistakes and refine processes.
See also: Preventive Action, Change Control, Risk Management Plan, Quality Assurance.