Course Overview
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Earned Value Management (EVM) and integrated cost and schedule control methodologies used in project management. Students will learn to plan, measure, and analyze project performance using industry-standard tools and techniques. Topics include work breakdown structures, baseline development, performance measurement, variance analysis, forecasting, and corrective action planning. Emphasis is placed on practical application using project management software.
Learning Outcomes
•Construct Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and develop performance measurement baselines.
•Apply Earned Value Management concepts to measure project cost and schedule performance.
•Calculate and interpret key EVM metrics including SPI, CPI, EAC, and TCPI.
•Perform variance analysis and develop corrective action plans.
•Forecast project outcomes using EVM-based techniques.
•Integrate cost and schedule data using project management software tools.
•Communicate project performance status through dashboards and reports to stakeholders.
Weekly Schedule & Assignments
Week Topic Assignment Guide / Instructions
Week 1 Introduction to Integrated Project Control
Project Control Fundamentals Quiz & Reflection
Complete a 20-question quiz on project control foundations.
Write a 1-page reflection on the importance of integrating cost and schedule in a project you have experienced or researched.
Week 2 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Development
WBS Construction Exercise
Using a provided project scenario (software development or construction project), develop a WBS to at least three decomposition levels. Deliverable: WBS diagram and a WBS dictionary for five work packages.
Week 3 Scheduling Fundamentals & Critical Path Network Diagram & CPM Analysis
Build a precedence network diagram for the provided 15-activity project. Identify the critical path and calculate float for each activity. Submit the network diagram and a table showing ES, EF, LS, LF, and float.
Week 4 Resource Planning & Cost Estimation
Resource & Cost Plan
Assign resources to your WBS work packages. Develop bottom-up cost estimates for each work package. Submit a resource-loaded schedule and a cost estimate summary with basis-of-estimate notes (2 pages).
Week 5 Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB)
PMB Development
Integrate your scope, schedule, and cost data into a Performance Measurement Baseline. Create a time-phased budget (S-curve) using Excel or MS Project. Submit the PMB spreadsheet and a 1-page narrative.
Week 6 Earned Value Fundamentals
EVM Calculations Worksheet
Using provided project status data, calculate PV, EV, AC, CV, SV, CPI, and SPI for three reporting periods. Interpret each metric. Submit a completed worksheet and a 1-page interpretation memo.
Week 7 Variance Analysis & Reporting
Variance Analysis Report
Analyze cost and schedule variances from the provided mid-project data set. Identify root causes for significant variances. Write a formal 2-page variance analysis report suitable for a project sponsor.
Week 8 Forecasting (EAC, ETC, TCPI)
Project Forecast Analysis
Calculate EAC using three methods (EAC=BAC/CPI; EAC=AC+ETC; EAC=AC+remaining budget). Compute TCPI. Select and justify the most appropriate forecast. Submit calculations and a 1-page justification memo.
Week 9 Schedule Performance Analysis Schedule Health Assessment
Using the provided schedule data, perform a schedule health check: identify near-critical paths, assess schedule margin, and evaluate resource utilization. Write a 2-page schedule assessment report with recommendations.
Week 10 Corrective Action Plan
Based on your variance and forecast analysis, develop a corrective action plan. Identify three specific actions to bring the project back on track. Each action must include owner, timeline, and expected impact. Minimum 2 pages.
Week 11 Project Management Software Application
MS Project / Primavera Exercise
Using MS Project or a provided equivalent, build a project schedule incorporating EVM fields. Track progress against the baseline and generate a status report. Submit the project file and a 1-page summary of findings.
Week 12 Performance Reporting & Dashboards
Project Performance Dashboard
Create a one-page executive dashboard displaying PV, EV, AC, CPI, SPI, EAC, and key variances using charts and visuals in Excel or PowerPoint. Include a 2-paragraph written status summary suitable for leadership review.
Week 13 Contract Types & Cost Control
Contract Type Analysis
Compare Fixed-Price, Cost-Reimbursable, and Time-and-Materials contracts. Analyze the risk allocation and cost control implications of each. Write a 2-page recommendation memo for contract selection on the provided scenario.
Week 14 Earned Schedule & Advanced EVM
Earned Schedule Application
Apply Earned Schedule methodology to the provided project data. Calculate SPI(t) and compare to traditional SPI. Write a 2-page analysis explaining when Earned Schedule provides superior insight.
Week 15 Capstone: Integrated Project Control Report
Final Integrated Cost & Schedule Control Report
Compile all analyses (WBS, PMB, EVM metrics, variance analysis, forecasting, corrective actions, dashboard) into a comprehensive final report (minimum 10 pages). Include an executive summary and lessons learned section.
