Enhancing construction project performance through earned value management: A case study analysis in Basrah, Iraq

The goal of this article is to assess the practical application of EVM in construction projects carried out by companies in Basrah, Iraq. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of utilising EVM and to stress the need to implement it from the start of the project. The research utilised a comparative analysis of two different construction projects done by the same company. Only one of the projects has used EVM as a time and cost control tool. Case studies served as the primary research strategy, allowing for an in-depth examination of project performance. Data analysis included the evaluation of projects’ key performance metrics including CV, SV, SPI, and CPI. Some of the Key findings obtained from the analysis revealed significant discrepancies in overall performance between the two projects. Project 1 that did not utilise EVM faced challenges such as extreme deviations from the planned schedule and uncertainty in actual cost performance throughout the project duration leading to an over budget status and significant loss for the company. On the contrary, Project 2 that effectively employed EVM demonstrated accurate monitoring of project performance, proactive corrective actions, and adherence to project schedules. This paper’s novelty stems from its comparative analysis of construction projects with and without the use of EVM. By emphasising the benefits of EVM in improving project performance and lowering performance risks, the study helps companies in Basrah’s construction sector, improve their project management processes.