Earned Value Management (EVM) and Cost Variance (CV) Calculations

The Significance of Cost Variance (CV) in Earned Value Management (EVM)

Cost Variance (CV) is a critical metric in Earned Value Management (EVM) that helps project managers assess the cost performance of a project. By calculating the difference between the Earned Value (EV) and Actual Cost (AC), the Cost Variance indicates whether the project is under budget or over budget relative to the work completed.

When EV is higher than AC, the project is performing under budget, resulting in a positive Cost Variance. This signifies that the project is utilizing its resources efficiently and effectively, delivering work within or below the allocated budget. On the other hand, if AC exceeds EV, the project is over budget, leading to a negative Cost Variance.

By analyzing Cost Variance, project managers can identify cost discrepancies early on, enabling timely corrective actions to be implemented to bring the project back on track. It provides valuable insights into the financial health of the project and helps in making informed decisions to optimize cost control and project performance.