Performance Measurement Techniques

EVMS guidelines provide a number of alternative methods for measuring the earned value of an activity in progress.

To measure the performance of activities in progress, you need a system of measurement that includes objective judgments.

Most projects involve at least some work that is regarded as inherently immeasurable, such as work done by a project manager or quality control inspector. This type of task is sometimes referred to as level of effort (LOE). Its earned value is assumed to be the same as the amount budgeted. Basically, as long as the task is performed, the value is earned.

For other work, EVMS guidelines offer earned value methodologies or performance measurement techniques (PMTs). Some common techniques include:

• 0/100 — This is the most common milestone-based method, although it is often seen as harsh, as you get no value at all until the task is complete, regardless of progress.
• 50/50 — This technique recognizes 50% of value when the task is started and 50% when completed. This method is sometimes abused, however, when value is given for starting a project but not necessarily achieving a goal.
• 25/75 — This technique is similar to 50/50, only with a different percentage ratio.
• % complete — This technique allows for the measurement of percentage complete. This measurement is subjective unless it is tied to a weighting system.
• Units — This technique is related to completed units weighting, and results in a percentage complete.