David Schmaltz provides a look at the application of Earned Value to projects. Several common mistakes are made in this post, possibly from lack of experience on programs subject to 748B or possibly just from not seeking out information from those who earn their living complying with DoD, NASA, and DOE DCMA regulations.
For those seeking the background to the application of EV, there are nearly unlimited sources. But the starting point is quite simple:
- EIA/ANSI-748 describes the 32 areas for a compliant Earned Value Management System (EVMS)
- EVMSIG describes the intent of EVMS and its application to programs subject to EVM
- EVMS Surveillance Guide is the directive for evaluating an EVMS
One of the best overview for Earned Value is provided at a Department of Energy site by Booz Allen.
- Introduction
- Work Breakdown Structure
- Scheduling
- Budgeting
- Concepts and Methods
- Metrics, Performance Measures and Forecasting
- IBR and Change Control
- Reporting
Any one providing criticism of EV would be well served by first going through these course training materials to confirm they have a solid understanding of the principles. Once this is done, finding someone or someplace where EV is being practiced under the guidance of 748 would be a next step. This avoids the common mistake of assuming that one knows the practice of EV before starting down the path of criticism. By the way, there are many things to be critical of. But they are not the items you might think.
