5.5 Assessing trajectory

Project trajectory should be assessed across several dimensions.

Dimension	Evidence that the trajectory is healthy	Warning sign
Scope	Questions fit the available time and evidence	New analyses are added without removing work
Data	Definitions and material issues have owners	Basic meanings remain unresolved
Analysis	Methods follow from questions and include validation	Tools are chosen mainly for novelty
Integration	Findings contribute to one argument	Team members produce isolated sections
Schedule	Review and revision time remains	First integration occurs near delivery
Communication	Preliminary conclusions are qualified	Uncertain work is presented as established

When trajectory is weak, the appropriate response may be to narrow scope, replace a method, seek a decision, redistribute work, or revise a deadline where authority permits. Working faster is not always a sufficient recovery plan.