Using Evm And Dashboards In Ms Excel For Engineering Projects Training Course

Introduction

In today's competitive engineering landscape, effective Project Performance Measurement is critical, and Earned Value Management (EVM), coupled with dynamic Excel Dashboards, offers an unparalleled approach for real-time cost, schedule, and scope control. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip engineering professionals, project managers, and project control specialists with the specialized skills to implement EVM principles directly within Microsoft Excel, building powerful, customizable dashboards for insightful project reporting. Participants will gain a robust understanding of key EVM metrics, learn to manipulate data effectively, create compelling visual summaries, and leverage Excel's advanced features for proactive decision-making that drives project success and financial discipline. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world scenarios pertinent to the diverse infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy sectors in Kenya, empowering you to become a master of project data.

This Excel for project control course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya striving for enhanced project predictability, transparent reporting, and improved accountability without relying solely on expensive dedicated software. Mastering EVM calculations in Excel, implementing dynamic project dashboards, and understanding data visualization techniques for engineers are indispensable for identifying trends, forecasting outcomes, and communicating project health effectively. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in project performance analysis and Excel-based project reporting, positioning your organization as a leader in data-driven project management and driving sustainable economic growth across East Africa.

Target Audience

• Project Engineers
• Project Managers
• Project Control Engineers
• Cost Controllers
• Quantity Surveyors
• Data Analysts (involved in projects)
• Engineering Management Professionals

Course Objectives

• Understand the core concepts of Earned Value Management (EVM) and its practical application.
• Master the calculation of all key EVM metrics (PV, EV, AC, CV, SV, CPI, SPI) in MS Excel.
• Learn to organize and structure project data effectively for EVM analysis in Excel.
• Develop skills in creating dynamic and interactive project dashboards using Excel features.
• Understand various Excel functions (e.g., SUMIFS, INDEX/MATCH, OFFSET) for EVM analysis.
• Apply data visualization techniques (charts, conditional formatting) for clear performance reporting.
• Learn to forecast project costs and schedules (EAC, ETC) using Excel formulas.
• Develop robust methods for tracking project progress and updating EVM data.
• Understand how to conduct variance analysis directly within Excel.
• Explore techniques for automating EVM calculations and dashboard updates.
• Enhance decision-making through real-time, Excel-driven performance insights.
• Drive improved communication and transparency of project performance to stakeholders.
• Leverage Excel as a powerful, flexible tool for comprehensive engineering project control.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Project Performance Measurement module

• The importance of measuring project performance in engineering
• Overview of Project Control principles
• Introduction to Earned Value Management (EVM) concept
• Why Excel is a powerful and flexible tool for EVM
• Setting up your Excel environment for project data

Module 2: Core EVM Metrics and Data Setup in Excel module

• Defining Planned Value (PV), Earned Value (EV), and Actual Cost (AC)
• Structuring project data in Excel for EVM (tasks, dates, budgets, actuals)
• Using basic Excel functions for preliminary calculations
• Creating a clean and organized data source for your EVM analysis
• Understanding the prerequisites for accurate EVM data

Module 3: Calculating EVM Variances and Performance Indices in Excel module

• Formulas for Cost Variance (CV) and Schedule Variance (SV)
• Formulas for Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
• Interpreting CV, SV, CPI, and SPI values (favorable/unfavorable)
• Creating tables in Excel for systematic EVM calculation
• Conditional formatting for quick performance indicators

Module 4: Forecasting Project Completion in Excel module

• Understanding Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC)
• Various EAC formulas (e.g., BAC/CPI, AC + ETC, AC + (BAC-EV)/CPI)
• Calculating Variance at Completion (VAC)
• Using Excel for "What-If" scenarios and sensitivity analysis
• Projecting future performance based on current trends

Module 5: Designing Effective Excel Dashboards for EVM module

• Principles of dashboard design for clarity and impact
• Choosing appropriate chart types for EVM metrics (e.g., line, bar, gauge charts)
• Creating interactive dashboard elements (e.g., slicers, timelines)
• Layout and visual organization of dashboard components
• Ensuring readability and conciseness in dashboard design

Module 6: Advanced Excel Functions for EVM & Dashboards module

• Using SUMIFS and AVERAGEIFS for summarized data
• Leveraging INDEX/MATCH or XLOOKUP for dynamic data retrieval
• OFFSET and INDIRECT functions for flexible ranges
• Array formulas (conceptual overview) for complex calculations
• Named Ranges for cleaner formulas and easier navigation

Module 7: Tracking Progress and Updating Data in Excel module

• Methods for inputting actual progress and expenditures
• Automating data updates using Excel features
• Version control for EVM spreadsheets
• Data validation rules for input accuracy
• Performing periodic EVM analyses and updates

Module 8: Visualizing Performance Trends and Alerts module

• Creating trend charts for CPI, SPI over time
• Using sparklines for mini-charts in cells
• Implementing conditional formatting for visual alerts (e.g., red/amber/green)
• Dashboard filters for drilling down into specific WBS elements
• Presenting performance data clearly and concisely

Module 9: Integrating EVM with Project Lifecycle & Risk module

• Applying EVM at different stages of an engineering project
• Using EVM to identify early warnings of potential risks
• Incorporating budget contingency into EVM analysis
• How EVM supports informed decision-making for corrective actions
• Communicating EVM insights to project stakeholders

Module 10: Practical Application, Automation & Best Practices module

• Hands-on workshop: building a complete EVM dashboard from raw data in Excel
• Automating calculations and chart updates with simple macros (VBA conceptual overview)
• Best practices for maintaining robust Excel-based EVM systems
• Troubleshooting common Excel EVM issues
• Q&A and expert tips for leveraging Excel for project control

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.