Earned Value Management at NASA: An Integrated, Lightweight Solution

Abstract

This paper describes a fresh approach to earned value management (EVM) at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The goal of this approach is to provide a lightweight tool that allows project managers to apply earned value performance measurements with minimal effort in terms of data entry, and without the need to learn the highly specialized jargon that mystifies many EVM solutions. The presented technical and managerial solution addresses the practical challenges of applying EVM in the messy realm of project management. An empirical case study involving five projects at the NASA Ames Research Center illustrates the challenges of creating a consistent performance measurement baseline under the constraints of schedule, budget, and labor requirements, and of matching actual costs with budgeted costs on the level of granularity needed. The case study also highlights the benefits of using the implemented EVM solution in terms of data quality and time savings. The paper concludes with general recommendations for the design and application of EVM tools with the focus on ease of use.