A quantitative technique assesses project performance by comparing planned work with work completed. This method involves determining the budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS), the actual cost of work performed (ACWP), and the budgeted cost of work performed (BCWP). For example, if a project planned to complete 50% of a task at a cost of $10,000, and has actually completed 40% at a cost of $9,000, the earned value is $8,000 (40% of $20,000, the total budget for the task).
The practice provides objective metrics for tracking project efficiency and effectiveness. By analyzing variances and indices derived from these metrics, stakeholders can proactively identify potential schedule delays, cost overruns, and performance issues. It has proven vital in project control since its formalization in the mid-20th century, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved project outcomes across various industries.