Heuer, Hannes

Diploma Thesis:
2076

Topic:
Implementation and effectiveness of earned value analysis in construction projects: Implementation, forecast accuracy and reporting effort compared to traditional project management

Editor:
Hannes Heuer

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Jens Otto

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dr.-Ing. Jan Kortmann

Editing Period:
03.12.2025 until 08.04.2026

Abstract: 
Cost and schedule overruns are widespread in the German construction industry. Traditional project management often only identifies deviations once they have already become entrenched. This thesis examines whether Earned Value Analysis (EVA) overcomes this weakness by combining planned value, earned value and actual costs into an integrated management system. The methodological basis consists of a fully developed implementation based on a simulation, as well as a comparison with a real-world reference project. The study examines forecast accuracy, reporting effort and the prerequisites for practical implementation. In both projects, EVA provides earlier and more reliable control information than the traditional method. However, its use requires specific data and organisational prerequisites, which are not necessarily met in practice. As a practical outcome, the thesis includes an implementation guide for building construction projects.