Earned Value Management (EVM) is a powerful project management technique used for measuring and assessing project performance. It integrates data related to project scope, schedule, and cost to provide a comprehensive view of a project’s health. EVM allows project managers to track progress, evaluate performance, and forecast future outcomes. Here’s a detailed explanation of EVM with examples:

Key EVM Metrics

1. Planned Value (PV):
Also known as Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled (BCWS), PV represents the authorized budget for the work planned to be accomplished by a specific point in time. It’s essentially the value of the work that should have been completed according to the project schedule.

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2. Earned Value (EV):
EV, or Budgeted Cost of Work Performed (BCWP), represents the value of the work that has actually been completed up to a specific point in time. It’s a measure of the project’s true progress.

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3. Actual Cost (AC):
AC, or Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP), represents the actual cost incurred in performing the work up to a specific point in time.

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EVM Formulas

Using these metrics, EVM calculates the following key performance indicators:

  1. Schedule Performance Index (SPI): SPI measures the efficiency of schedule performance. It quantifies how well the project is adhering to the planned schedule.

    Formula: SPI = EV / PV

    • SPI > 1 indicates that the project is ahead of schedule.
    • SPI < 1 indicates that the project is behind schedule.

  2. Cost Performance Index (CPI): CPI measures the efficiency of cost performance. It quantifies how well the project is managing its costs.

    Formula: CPI = EV / AC

    • CPI > 1 indicates that the project is under budget.
    • CPI < 1 indicates that the project is over budget.
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EVM in Action

Consider a software development project with a budget of $100,000 and a planned duration of 6 months. After 3 months (halfway through the project), the project manager assesses the following data:

  • PV (Planned Value): $50,000 (half of the budget, as per the project schedule).
  • EV (Earned Value): $45,000 (work completed is slightly behind schedule).
  • AC (Actual Cost): $48,000 (higher than planned due to unexpected expenses).

Now, let’s calculate the EVM metrics:

  • SPI = EV / PV = $45,000 / $50,000 = 0.9 (indicating that the project is behind schedule).
  • CPI = EV / AC = $45,000 / $48,000 ≈ 0.9375 (indicating that the project is over budget).
  • CV = EV – AC = $45,000 – $48,000 = -$3,000 (indicating a cost overrun).
  • SV = EV – PV = $45,000 – $50,000 = -$5,000 (indicating a schedule delay).

Based on these metrics, the project manager can conclude that the project is both behind schedule and over budget. This information allows for informed decision-making and corrective actions to bring the project back on track.

Next: 4. Variance Analysis

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