How do you apply earned schedule ES analysis in performance measurement

Question

I’ve heard about Earned Schedule (ES) analysis as an extension of Earned Value Management (EVM), but I’m not sure how to apply it. How does ES improve performance measurement in project scheduling?

Answer 1

Earned Schedule (ES) enhances Earned Value Management (EVM) by offering more time-based performance insights. Here's why it is useful:

• Addresses EVM's Time Limitation - EVM monitors costs and performance but does not directly measure schedule efficiency. ES fills this gap.

• Calculates Schedule Variance (SVt) in Time Units - Traditional SV in EVM employs cost measurements, whereas ES expresses delays in actual time (days/weeks), making it more understandable.

• Improves Forecasting Accuracy - ES predicts when a project will be completed based on actual progress, rather than assuming a linear completion trend.

• Uses Time-Based Performance Indicators - ES replaces the Cost Performance Index (CPI) with the Schedule Performance Index (SPIt), which provides a more complete picture of schedule health.

• Works Even After Deadlines - Unlike standard SPI, which becomes unreliable after deadlines, ES continues to deliver useful insights.

ES is an effective method for determining whether a project is ahead or behind schedule by utilizing time-based data rather than expense estimations.