PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

Which term describes the analysis method used to track a project's progress against a baseline?

1. Project Monitoring

2. Earned Value Analysis

3. Performance Review

4. Resource Optimization

The correct answer is: Earned Value Analysis

Earned Value Analysis (EVA) is a method used to assess a project's progress and performance by comparing planned work with completed work and the associated costs. This technique integrates project scope, schedule, and cost measures to provide a comprehensive view of project performance at a given point in time. The concept of a baseline is critical in this context, as a baseline is a fixed reference point used for measuring project performance. By utilizing EVA, project managers can calculate variances and indices such as Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI), which provide insights into how well the project is adhering to its planned schedule and budget. This allows for timely adjustments and informed decision-making to keep the project on track. In contrast, project monitoring refers to the ongoing tracking of project activities without the specific analytical framework of earned value. Performance review typically focuses on overall project assessments rather than numerical analysis against baselines. Resource optimization involves the efficient allocation and management of project resources, which does not inherently monitor progress against a predetermined baseline.