Eestablishing a framework for the earned value management approach in large scale building projects

Abstract

Earned Value Management (EVM) was introduced as a powerful project control mechanism to make projects move towards their success. As sophisticated large scale building construction work is now being undertaken in Sri Lanka, the development of an EVM framework can be made a key to project success. Hence, this research was aimed at developing a framework for adopting the EVM approach in large scale building projects. EVM principles that are applicable throughout the project management cycle were identified from a literature review. Eight expert interviews were thereafter conducted to identify the current practices of EVM in Sri Lanka, barriers that impede the implementation of EVM and solutions that will mitigate those barriers. A questionnaire survey was also carried out to identify the significance of the barriers that impede the implementation of EVM in Sri Lanka and the degree of importance of the various solutions that can mitigate those barriers. Findings revealed that though the basic principles of EVM are known by almost all users, most of them do not want to rely on EVM. The lack of awareness about EVM was identified as the most significant barrier that impedes the implementation of EVM. The most important solution that could be adopted to mitigate this barrier is to conduct training sessions on the EVM approach for those from the top to the bottom of the organization concerned. A framework for the EVM approach in large scale building projects was developed ultimately.