How do you measure the impact of EVMS changes on project performance?

1 EVMS Change Control and Management

The first step to measure the impact of EVMS changes is to establish a clear and consistent process for EVMS change control and management. This process should define the roles and responsibilities, the criteria and procedures, and the documentation and communication of EVMS changes. It should also align with the project management plan, the baseline plan, and the stakeholder expectations. A well-defined EVMS change control and management process can help to avoid confusion, conflicts, and errors, and ensure that the changes are properly authorized, implemented, and tracked.

2 EVMS Change Types and Categories

The second step to measure the impact of EVMS changes is to identify the types and categories of EVMS changes. There are two main types of EVMS changes: internal and external. Internal changes are those that originate from within the project team, such as scope changes, schedule adjustments, or cost transfers. External changes are those that originate from outside the project team, such as customer requests, regulatory changes, or market conditions. There are also four main categories of EVMS changes: baseline changes, work package changes, reporting changes, and system changes. Baseline changes are those that affect the project scope, schedule, or cost baselines. Work package changes are those that affect the work breakdown structure, the control accounts, or the work packages. Reporting changes are those that affect the format, frequency, or content of the EVMS reports. System changes are those that affect the EVMS policies, procedures, or tools.

3 EVMS Change Impact Analysis

The third step to measure the impact of EVMS changes is to conduct a thorough and objective EVMS change impact analysis. This analysis should evaluate the benefits, costs, risks, and opportunities of each EVMS change, and compare them with the original plan and the current performance. It should also consider the effects of each EVMS change on the project objectives, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, stakeholders, and deliverables. The EVMS change impact analysis should provide a clear and quantifiable basis for deciding whether to approve, reject, or modify each EVMS change.

4 EVMS Change Approval and Implementation

The fourth step to measure the impact of EVMS changes is to obtain the necessary EVMS change approval and implementation. Depending on the type and category of each EVMS change, different levels of authority and approval may be required. For example, baseline changes may require the approval of the project sponsor, the customer, or the senior management, while work package changes may require the approval of the control account manager, the project manager, or the functional manager. The EVMS change approval and implementation should follow the established EVMS change control and management process, and ensure that the changes are documented, communicated, and executed in a timely and accurate manner.

5 EVMS Change Monitoring and Control

The fifth step to measure the impact of EVMS changes is to perform regular and effective EVMS change monitoring and control. This involves tracking and verifying the status and results of each EVMS change, and comparing them with the expected outcomes and the updated plan. It also involves identifying and resolving any issues, discrepancies, or deviations that may arise from the EVMS changes, and taking corrective or preventive actions as needed. The EVMS change monitoring and control should use the appropriate EVMS tools and techniques, such as earned value analysis, variance analysis, trend analysis, or performance reviews.

6 EVMS Change Evaluation and Feedback

The sixth and final step to measure the impact of EVMS changes is to conduct a comprehensive and constructive EVMS change evaluation and feedback. This entails assessing the overall performance and value of each EVMS change, and determining whether it met or exceeded the project goals and expectations. It also entails capturing and sharing the lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for future EVMS changes, and incorporating them into the continuous improvement of the EVMS system. The EVMS change evaluation and feedback should involve all the relevant stakeholders, such as the project team, the customer, the senior management, or the external auditors.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?