A Five-Step Method for Value-Based Planning and Monitoring of Systems Engineering Projects

Main activities of project management for the development of complex software-intensive systems are currently: (a) to plan the project by selecting processes, methods and resources; and (b) to control the project by monitoring mainly cost and schedule, the so-called ''earned values". Concentrating solely on these values bears the disadvantage that other important measures are not under observation. These often neglected measures comprise e.g. requirements clarity, which also contributes to the "system value" as it will be recognized by its stakeholders. Therefore the meaning of the term "value " has to be extended, taking also into account less- and non-monetary values and their monitoring has to start at early project phases (e.g. during requirements engineering). This paper describes a five-step method which enriches the "earned value" concept with other important value aspects. This shall support project managers in their value-based planning and monitoring of systems engineering projects, thus increasing the value for the addressed stakeholders