---
title: "Evaluation vs controlling; elements of control"
subject: "Project Engineering"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_7/project_engineering:evaluation-vs-controlling-elements"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/evaluation-vs-controlling-elements
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Evaluation vs controlling; elements of control

Project Engineering · Chapter 4: Project Implementation and Controlling

- Asked in: 2073 Shrawan, 5 marks
- Video: [Project Management Fundamentals: Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Control](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubgNdXEp0Yw) — Thomas Davis
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/evaluation-vs-controlling-elements
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-4

## Question

What is the difference between evaluation and controlling? Discuss the elements of project control.

## Short answer

Evaluation periodically judges project worth and results; controlling continuously regulates work to stay on plan. Control elements: baseline plan, performance measurement, variance comparison, corrective action, information feedback, and defined organizational authority.

## Answer

#### Difference between evaluation and controlling

| Basis | Evaluation | Controlling |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Judging the worth and results of the project | Regulating the work to keep it on plan |
| Time | Periodic; mainly end or mid-term | Continuous during implementation |
| Concern | Objectives achieved, impact, lessons | Time, cost, quality, scope variances |
| Result | Recommendations and judgement | Corrective actions and decisions |
| Direction | Looks back (and forward for new projects) | Acts on the present to correct the future |

#### Elements of project control

1. **Plan / standard (baseline):** approved scope, schedule, budget and quality standards against which performance is judged.
2. **Measurement of performance:** collecting actual data of progress, cost, quality and resource use (monitoring).
3. **Comparison and variance analysis:** finding the difference between actual and planned and its cause and effect on the project.
4. **Corrective action:** decisions to bring the project back to plan (more resources, re-sequencing, change of method) or to revise the plan.
5. **Information and reporting (feedback):** timely reports to the manager and the client; the result of the action is fed back to the next cycle.
6. **Organisation and authority:** clear responsibility, authority and people for control at each level.

```text
Plan -> Measure -> Compare -> Act -> Feedback
  ^                                    |
  +------------------------------------+
```

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Which is correct?
   A. Controlling is done by external donors only
   B. Both occur only after completion
   C. Evaluation is periodic (mainly end or mid-term); controlling is continuous during implementation
   D. Evaluation is continuous; controlling is only at the end
   Answer: C. Controlling regulates ongoing work; evaluation judges results periodically. (Key point: Evaluation vs controlling time)

2. What is the concern of controlling?
   A. Only the final judgement
   B. Impact and lessons
   C. Relevance of the objectives
   D. Time, cost, quality and scope variances
   Answer: D. Controlling deals with variances; evaluation deals with objectives achieved, impact and lessons. (Key point: Concern)

3. Which is NOT an element of project control?
   A. Contractor selection by tender
   B. Plan/standard baseline
   C. Comparison and variance analysis
   D. Corrective action
   Answer: A. Elements are baseline, measurement, comparison, corrective action, reporting and organisation. (Key point: Elements)

4. What is the role of information and reporting in control?
   A. Timely reports to manager and client, and the result of action is fed back to the next cycle
   B. Deciding contractor payment
   C. Setting the baseline
   D. Only storing records
   Answer: A. Feedback closes the loop so control is continuous. (Key point: Feedback element)

## Related in Project Engineering

- [Monitoring, evaluation, controlling and life cycle](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Amonitoring-evaluation-controlling-life-cycle) — Project Engineering, chapter 1
- [Short note: Monitoring, evaluation, controlling](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Amonitoring-evaluation-controlling-note) — Project Engineering, chapter 4
- [Monitoring vs evaluation; quality control tools](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Amonitoring-vs-evaluation-quality-tools) — Project Engineering, chapter 4
- [Short note: Elements of project control](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Aelements-of-project-control-note) — Project Engineering, chapter 4
- [Monitoring, evaluation, control; control cycle](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Adefine-monitoring-evaluation-control-cycle) — Project Engineering, chapter 4, asked 4×
- [Monitoring, evaluation, control must; PMIS](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Amonitoring-evaluation-control-must-pmis) — Project Engineering, chapter 4

## Related in other subjects

- [Control evaluation steps; PD and PI design](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fembedded_system%3Acontrol-evaluation-steps-pd-pi) — Embedded System, chapter 7
- [Monitor and control project work](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Amonitor-control-project-work) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7
- [Project scope control](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aproject-scope-control) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7
- [Society elements, man-society relation, public vs private](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fengineering_professional_practice%3Asociety-elements-man-relation) — Engineering Professional Practice, chapter 1