We can easily look at a project schedule and quickly determine if we are ahead or behind of the plan. We can make a similar inference by examining the project budget and estimate if we have overspent or underspent, but do these two items by themselves tell the full and true story? What ambiguity exists in using these disconnected data points? Earned value management (EVM) integrates schedule and budget to tell us if what we are getting is what we are paying for. A beginning project manager needs to be at least familiar with EVM. Conduct research in the Ashford University Library or on YouTube and provide a citation or link to a short article or video that explains the basics of EVM. Summarize the findings of the article or video. Each class member is expected to supply a unique source.

Your initial post should contain at least 200 words and be supported by at least one professional or academic source other than the textbook. Use this week's lecture as a basis for your post. Respond to at least two of your classmates' posts. Your replies should be between 100 and 150 words in length and add depth and/or insight to the discussion.