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CHAPTER 7.1

CHANGE CONTROL AND
SCOPE MANAGEMENT

Part 1—About EVA and Baselines

This chapter consists of a four-part series on practical applications of the
earned value analysis (EVA) concept. EVA is a valuable, simple, and practical
concept for use in maintaining a valid plan and measuring performance. We will
focus on two of the most important functions associated with project performance
management. These are Managing the Baseline and Controlling Scope Creep.
You’ll find that it is easier than it looks.

Introduction
Long before the structured, computer-based project planning systems (PERT
and CPM) came on the scene in the late 1950s, project mangers struggled with
the task of measuring work accomplishment. This measurement was needed for
several reasons. One reason was the need to measure performance, which re-
quired a comparison of accomplishment against a plan. Another was to provide a
basis for progress payments.

The performance data was needed so we could avoid surprises and make deci-
sions. Without performance measurements (which depend on measuring accom-
plishment) we cannot determine how well a project is proceeding or forecast the

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