Page 269 - Untitled-1

248 PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

Trap Don’t be misled to think that EVA is an all-or-nothing
protocol. It is possible to use just part of the EVA capabilities,
applying them where they are most practical and useful. You
can use schedule variance without cost variance, and vice
versa. We can apply EVA to just milestones or to parts of the
plan. We can use simple EVA practices for accurate progress
billing.

In Chapter 8.1, we discuss four common issues and concerns regarding Mea-
suring the Value of Work Accomplishment. Accomplishment value is a generic
term that I prefer to use for earned value or BCWP (Budgeted Cost of Work Per-
formed). First, we talk about maintaining fidelity in measuring accomplishment
value. How do we develop and maintain a valid basis for measuring earned value
and calculating EVA measurements? Then we address the question: Can I use
EVA if I don’t collect actual cost data? The answer, by the way, is YES.

Another frequent and valid question is: What if the workscope changes? Does
it invalidate the EVA? We mention this query in Part 3, referring you to detailed
coverage in Chapter 7.1. Finally, what do we do when (as is the case in many in-
formation technology and other development projects) each phase tends to ex-
pand and modify the project baseline? No problem! We have a solution for this
common situation, as well.