From a managerial perspective, project success hinges on estimates at completion as they allow tailoring response actions to cost and schedule overruns. While the literature is moving towards sophisticated approaches, standard methodologies, such as Earned-Value Management (EVM) and Earned Schedule (ES), are barely implemented in certain contexts. Therefore, it is necessary to improve performance forecasting without increasing its difficulty. The objective of this study was twofold. First, to guide modeling and implementing project progress within cost and to schedule Performance Factors (PFs). Second, to test several PFs utilized within EVM and ES formulae to forecast project cost and duration at completion. Progress indicators dynamically adjust the evaluation approach, shifting from neutral to conservative as the project progresses, either physically or temporally. This study compared the performance of the progress-based PFs against EVM and ES standard, combined, and average-based PFs on a dataset of 65 real construction projects, in both cost and duration forecasting. The results show that progress-based PFs provide more accurate, precise, and timely forecasts than other PFs. This study allows practitioners to select one or more of the proposed PFs, or even to develop one, following the guidelines provided, to reflect best their assumptions about the future course of project performance.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of laws, regulations and standards (i.e. the sources) on implementing a recordkeeping system in the public sector. It then provides an approach to set up a recordkeeping system in public procurement that complies with modern project management (PM) paradigms, information technology best practices and sources. Design/methodology/approach: This study used the action research methodology to implement a recordkeeping system module within a PM information system for an Italian public procurement project. The study involved mapping the existing information flows, analyzing stakeholders’ needs and constraints and developing, testing and analyzing PM approaches and tools. Findings: Regarding the impact of the sources, national laws set usability parameters and specify the content to store but often overlook storage methods and formats. Customs dictate data exchange formats, significantly affecting storage efficiency and retrieval, and are challenging to alter. Contracts outline content requirements and may standardize formats among parties. Standards establish foundational principles, ensuring records remain authentic, retrievable and usable over time. The proposed approach to address these constraints involves implementing information systems across multiple layers. Practical implications: This research proposes a blueprint for effective recordkeeping in public procurement. This can lead to cost savings, reduced paperwork and faster access to critical data. In terms of proposed policies, it is also discussed how contracts could address these issues at the root by imposing suitable formats for PM data exchange. Originality/value: The novelty of this study is associated with the proposed approach for designing and implementing recordkeeping systems that comply with laws, regulations and standards aligned with modern PM paradigms.