Earned value management (EVM) is an analytical technique used to control costs. By calculating the earned value and comparing it to other amounts, the project manager can determine if the project is on-course to complete within budget. EVM compares measures of the key constraints of time (schedule), cost (resources), and scope.
EVM uses planned value, earned value, and actual cost to calculate variances. The variances include schedule variance, cost variance, schedule performance index, and cost performance index.
Related:schedule management plan, cost management plan
See section 7.4.2.1 in the PMBOK 5th edition. The PMBOK also recommends referring to the Practice Standard for Earned Value Management -- Second Edition.
External links[]
- Wikipedia on earned value management
- NASA on Earned Value Management
- Humphreys and Associates: Basic Concepts of Earned Value Management (EVM)