Using Earned Value: A Project Manager's Guide

ISBN-13: 9780566085338 / Angielski / Twarda / 2003 / 152 str.

Alan Webb

Opis

The concept of 'earned value' as a project management tool has been around since the 1960s; although recognized as an important technique and widely used on US Government contracts, it failed to excite much interest in the wider world because of its specifically American requirements and the cumbersome, prescriptive bureaucracy that seemed to accompany it. Recently however, with the advent of suitable software and used in a much more flexible way, there has been a growth in interest among project managers. Crucially it has been recognised that this technique can be helpful in a wide variety of projects of almost any size, not just government projects costing billions of pounds. In essence, earned value allows the project manager a more precise view of actual project performance in terms of both value generated and schedule progress than is possible with any other approach. Alan Webb's concise guide provides practising project managers with everything they need to: assess the appropriateness and benefits of the earned value process for both their project(s) and their organization; appreciate, understand and learn the techniques involved; identify how to apply the data to manage projects with flexibility, pragmatism and rigour; understand the different features and benefits of the various software packages available; plan for the introduction of an earned value methodology, anticipating both the systems and people problems they may face. The book uses worked examples, cases and anecdotes from the author's own extensive experience to bring this technical subject to life. Alan's writing style is direct and economical, which means that whether you are dipping into chapters for reference or reading about the process from cover to cover, everything he has to say is pertinent and helpful.

Recenzje

'The author very succinctly covers the 'What and Why' of earned value together with its origins and history. These chapters give the reader a very good insight into the process and its likely value as a management technique. The calculation and subsequent management of earned value data are also covered... The author adopts a refreshingly objective view on the process. ... The book would be especially useful as additional reading for final year undergraduates quantity surveying and construction management students and as recommended reading for postgraduate students.' Building Engineer '...the author's common sense approach makes the basic principles of managing projects with earned value relatively easy to understand.' Professional Manager ''The author's writing style is direct and economical, which means that whether you are dipping into chapters for reference or reading about the process from cover to cover, everything he has to say is pertinent and helpful.' Engineering Designer 'The book provides invaluable reference and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all those involved in project management.' Professional Business and Technical Management.

Spis treści

Contents: Foreword; Earned value - what and why; Origins and history; Terms and methodology; Work breakdown structures; Plans and budgets; Data structures and reporting relationships; Managing with earned value data; Software for earned value methods; Implementing earned value methods; Appendix 1: terms used within earned value methods; Appendix 2: earned value management systems criteria; Appendix 3: formulae used for earned value calculations; Index.

O autorze

Alan Webb started his career with the British Aircraft Corporation working on the Concorde project. He continued his career as a senior project manager on the development of airborne weapons and their carriage and release equipment. In 1991 he formed his own consultancy providing services in project management. Alan is the author of Project Management for Successful Product Innovation, also published by Gower.