In project management, Cost Performance Index (CPI) measures cost efficiency, while Schedule Performance Index (SPI) measures schedule efficiency, both calculated using Earned Value Management (EVM). CPI = Earned Value (EV) / Actual Cost (AC), and SPI = EV / Planned Value (PV).
Here's a more detailed explanation:
1. Cost Performance Index (CPI):
- CPI is a metric that indicates how efficiently a project is using its budget.
- CPI = Earned Value (EV) / Actual Cost (AC).
- CPI = 1: The project is on budget.
- CPI > 1: The project is under budget (spending less than planned).
- CPI < 1: The project is over budget (spending more than planned).
- CPI = 1: The project is on budget.
- If EV is $10,000 and AC is $12,000, CPI = 0.83, indicating the project is over budget.
2. Schedule Performance Index (SPI):
- SPI is a metric that indicates how well a project is adhering to its schedule.
- SPI = Earned Value (EV) / Planned Value (PV).
- SPI = 1: The project is on schedule.
- SPI > 1: The project is ahead of schedule.
- SPI < 1: The project is behind schedule.
- SPI = 1: The project is on schedule.
- If EV is $10,000 and PV is $8,000, SPI = 1.25, indicating the project is ahead of schedule.
3. Earned Value Management (EVM):
- Definition: EVM is a methodology that uses earned value to track project performance.
- Key Elements:
- Planned Value (PV): The budgeted cost of work planned to be completed by a specific point in time.
- Earned Value (EV): The budgeted cost of work that has been completed.
- Actual Cost (AC): The actual cost incurred to complete the work.
- Planned Value (PV): The budgeted cost of work planned to be completed by a specific point in time.
- Benefits of using CPI and SPI:
- Early Problem Identification: CPI and SPI help identify potential cost and schedule problems early in the project lifecycle.
- Proactive Decision Making: By monitoring CPI and SPI, project managers can make informed decisions to address issues and ensure project success.
- Improved Project Performance: Continuous monitoring and analysis of CPI and SPI can lead to improved project performance and efficiency.
- Early Problem Identification: CPI and SPI help identify potential cost and schedule problems early in the project lifecycle.