Overview
Effective project management skills are becoming increasingly important. Organisations need good project managers, at all levels, to successfully deliver the change projects that will enable the business to adapt, grow and achieve its strategic objectives. This course provides an essential overview of the core principles behind the discipline of effective project control through earned value management techniques, required to deliver small-to-medium sized projects and an introduction to key documentation.
This course is suitable for managers, potential project managers, work-stream leaders or team members who wish to gain an insight into Earned Value Management (EVM).
Prerequisites
While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is assumed that attendees will have a working knowledge of basic project management, planning, scheduling and control practices.
Pre-Course Reading
Learners are not provided with any formal pre-reading before this course as such. It is recommended that candidates review the course workbook provided with the joining instructions or via the Mimeo link.
Delegates will learn how to
The learners will develop a level of project management understanding with focus on the characteristics of effective earned value management.
This course will support project managers/leaders and planners in assessing project performance and forecasting to deliver successful outcomes.
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand the principles and language of earned value management
- Explain why earned value analysis is used
- Explain planning structures for schedule, costs and organisation
- Understand the principles and practicalities of rolling wave planning
- Describe how to measure progress and cost against plan and produce performance metrics
- Understand the calculations used to determine earned value
- Explain how change in a project plan is managed
- State the benefits and costs of earned value analysis
Outline
This highly interactive workshop uses a short case-study to enable learners to gain confidence in the use of proven techniques in the areas listed below.
The course provides a solid foundation for further development of earned value understanding through self-reading, more advanced training and practical hands-on experience.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
- An Introduction – what is earned value, earned value analysis and earned value management
- Basic Requirements for effective earned value application
Foundation for EVM
- EVM Requirements
- Define Scope
- Create WBS
- Other Breakdown Structures
- Combining Breakdown Structures
Measuring Performance
- EV Calculations
- Application Examples
Benefits, Reporting and Change
- EVM Benefits
- Measuring Progress
- EV Reporting
- Change Control
- Rebaselining
Related exercises are applied throughout delivery – these may take the form of individual, paired and/or group formats.
Each learner will have the opportunity to prepare for and then take the QA Earned Value Management exam digitally. This is a one hour (60 minutes), 40 question examination with a required pass mark of 55% or 22/40.
The questions are multiple choice, with one correct answer from four. Learners are advised that, while the exam is closed book, they will need to have a calculator to use for the calculation questions.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting (more details in the link below) to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.