Controlling Control requires an awareness of the current status of cost, schedule and quality performance compared to project goals. Control can be achieved through frequent personal inspection of the operation by a knowledgeable person in order to judge whether or not the work is being properly performed. This type of control is normally called supervision as practiced by foremen and front line supervisors. As the manager's organizational span increases it is apparent that all of the work can no longer be supervised. Here, the manager must utilize a systematic process to identify deviations from the plan at an early stage when remedial action is still possible.
Control systems can only keep the manager informed of variations from the plan.
Effective remedial action is necessary if control is to be achieved.