QSO 420 ( week 6)

Ryan Bohr posted Jun 9, 2023 11:41 AM to Group 1

6‐2 Group Discussion: EVM Application

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EVM Application

QSO‐420‐H5938 Integrated Cost/Sched Control 23EW5 MA

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I did not have much of an opinion of EVM in module one, but I would say it did

not change necessarily since module one. I stated that Earned value management

(EVM) is a tool that project managers use to measure project performance. Using

the comparison of work performed and work planned, it is a systematic project

management process used to identify variances in projects. It is also very useful

for project forecasting because it is used for cost and schedule control. EVM

shows the work completed compared to the project schedule. This allows the

project manager to see exactly where any project is compared to the set schedule.

A big problem for me is that detailed plans need to be upfront that do not change

much during the process. This is still true for me and the basics of EVM. Over the

course, I have learned more about EVM in more detail which has broadened my

knowledge of EVM. I know that it also includes integrated schedules, costs, and

scopes to help measure project performance.

This concept in terms of project management is very helpful if not needed

because its core is monitoring and controlling project progress across multiple

functions and departments. When projects become more complex with multiple

levels of performance, project managers will need to break down the major

components that make up the project. This will allow them to integrate cost and

schedule control. This makes a clear view of how EVM is useful for managing

6-2 Group Discussion: EVM Application - QSO-420-H5938 Integrated Cost/Sched Control 23EW5 https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/1315920/viewContent/24602291/View

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projects with multiple levels of tracking performance.

I do believe integrated cost and schedule control improved the performance of

the project in the case study. By employing EVM in the Ariba MED‐X project, the

project manager was able to determine that the technical infrastructure setup was

causing the project deficiencies. The use of EVM allowed the project manager to

determine the performance of each major component making up the project’s

critical path. The use of EVM ensures that the project manager can determine

how the project is performing/progressing at any given point in time. EVM also

helped determine the expected project outcome based on actual values versus

planned values.

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Kyle Jividen June 9 at 12:17 PM

Hi Ryan,

I agree with your assessment that EVM was or could have been used to forecast

or determine the project outcome. Looking at the ratios for the combined

projects, they were continuously over 1.0 and could have been used as the driver

which allowed them to somewhat ignore how the technical infrastructure side

was performing. If this is how they managed the project, I don't believe that it

would have given them the best possible results as the technical infrastructure

was consistently over budget as well as behind schedule. They could have seen

that they were doing well on the software customization side, reassessed the

project and moved some of their assets to sort of even things out and bring them

both up to par or given themselves a better chance than to keep coming up short.

‐Kyle

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6-2 Group Discussion: EVM Application - QSO-420-H5938 Integrated Cost/Sched Control 23EW5 https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/1315920/viewContent/24602291/View

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Jamie Roshia June 11 at 4:22 PM

Ryan,

Good afternoon to you. Very detailed account of the importance of

implementation of scheduling and budget control. It was very useful in helping the

project management team identify that the technical infrastructure component of

the project was behind schedule, and over budget. Did the implementation of

EVM analysis improve the project, as well as it should have? Although, EVM does

provide the objective data on performance of the project, it doesn't necessarily

improve the project as we could see via the continuance of being over budget, as

well as being behind schedule. This data should have been used, to work on

mitigation of any further deficiencies. Unfortunately, as we see through the data

provided, the project was behind schedule and over budget all the way through

October. The EVM technique provides a way to identify issues but doesn't

necessarily resolve them or improve the project. That is on the PM team once

flags of deficiencies are discovered. Have a good rest of your day.

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Matt Frank June 11 at 4:58 PM

Hello Ryan,

I totally agree with your thoughts on integrated cost and schedule control, especially when it comes to Earned Value Management (EVM). It's great to hear that your opinion on EVM hasn't necessarily changed since Module One, but you've gained a deeper understanding of its intricacies. EVM truly is a useful tool for project managers to measure project performance and identify any deviations from the planned work.

I get what you mean about the importance of having detailed upfront plans that don't change too much during the project. That aspect of EVM still holds true for you, and it remains a fundamental part of the approach. However, as you've learned more about EVM over the course, your knowledge has expanded, and you've realized that it involves more than just cost and schedule control. Integrated schedules, costs, and scopes play a significant role in measuring project performance.

Your viewpoint that EVM is incredibly helpful, if not essential, in project management is something that I agree with also. Its core function of monitoring and controlling project progress across different functions and departments is invaluable. When projects become more complex and involve multiple levels of performance tracking, EVM allows project managers to break down the major components and integrate cost and schedule control. This comprehensive approach provides a clear view of how EVM can effectively manage projects with intricate performance tracking.

Regarding the case study of the Ariba MED-X project, I share your belief that integrated cost and schedule control, as enabled by EVM, improved its performance. By using EVM, the project manager was able to pinpoint that the project's deficiencies stemmed from the technical infrastructure setup. EVM allowed a thorough assessment of each major component critical to the project's progress, granting visibility into its performance at any given point.

6-2 Group Discussion: EVM Application - QSO-420-H5938 Integrated Cost/Sched Control 23EW5 https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/1315920/viewContent/24602291/View

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Moreover, by comparing actual values to planned values, EVM aided in predicting the expected project outcome. Though I do agree with you thought process on the Ariba case study because I also felt the same way, but I also did think after the time of my post and align with the idea that schedule and cost were not totally implemented. The reason I changed my mind is because yes, the combined projects were on paper successful, the separate aspects of it the technical infrastructure were over budget and behind schedule.

Your analysis reflects the value of EVM in project management. Its ability to integrate cost and schedule control, coupled with the capacity to measure project performance, makes it an invaluable tool for ensuring project success.

Regards,

Matt

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6-2 Group Discussion: EVM Application - QSO-420-H5938 Integrated Cost/Sched Control 23EW5 https://learn.snhu.edu/d2l/le/content/1315920/viewContent/24602291/View

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