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I also subscribe to Aaron's thinking on this matter. EVM is not the only way to arrive at the conclusions you are needing, but in your given scenario this should give you a considerably more accurate picture than just % of tasks completed.
With MS Projects, accurate EVM starts with setting up and defining the project properly and making sure you have all of the necessary inputs to track your project. This includes but certainly not limited to, some of the following criteria:
- Confirm that your WBS is correctly defined with the related work packages.
- Ensure that all resource data is complete and accurate to include accurate costs
associated with each resource.
- Assign resources at the lowest level in the WBS so they will roll-up properly as your
project progresses.
- Confirm that resources are not over-allocated
- Properly baseline the project. If this is not done, you will not be able to properly
establish a time-phased budget for the project and it will be near impossible to
calculate an accurate PV.
- Ensure that everyone on your project team that enters or provides data updates
understands and follows a consistent procedure to record start and finish dates,
actual costs, etc.. (Garbage In = Garbage Out)
- Learn the reporting features in MS Project. While limited, some of the reports can
be customized to make it easier for you to share this data following status updates.
I have used MS Project over the past 6-7 years and it has taken a while and several formal classes to understand how to effectively use this program to its potential. I have come to realize that having a solid understanding of Project Management and EVM fundamentals is the key to understanding how most PM management tools and software work.
Best of luck!
