Frequently Asked Questions for EVM Implementation in P6 Training

Question # 1:  How is this training different from other similar training courses?

We want you to make a wise decision about your investment, so let us clarify the differences between the Earned Value Management (EVM) Implementation in Primavera P6 online training offered by Project Control Academy as compared to other similar training programs on this topic.

Here are several key unique points about this training that you wouldn’t find in other training courses in the market:

1. An Oracle Partner certified to train professionals in Primavera P6 & EVM Analytics, Cesar Ramos, with extensive experience in project planning & scheduling and EVM implementation, instructs the course.

Cesar Ramos is not only a certified Oracle partner and trainer, but also he brings 20+ years of experience in Project Controls. He teaches practical lessons based on experience that can only be learned from a seasoned instructor with hands-on practice in the field.

You will have the brilliant opportunity to learn from Cesar, who has dedicated a large part of his career to pursuing the expert level knowledge of advanced Planning/Scheduling methodologies and the future of Earned Value Management.

2. This course is the most comprehensive course in the market delivered online.

You may find a very short list of education providers, which deliver the EVM in P6 training. However, most of the available training programs are classroom type training. You need to travel to and attend according to the scheduled dates.

You may find a couple of organizations that provide online training programs on the implementation of EVM in Primavera P6, most of which:

• Do not offer a hands-on deep-dive training on using Primavera P6 for EVM.
• Have a short module on the topic as part of an overall Primavera P6 training, not as standalone training.
• Do not provide support and leave you alone after taking the training.
• Are not approved by Oracle.

However, the training that we offer provide you with:

• Practical lessons based on experience that can only be learned from a seasoned instructor with hands-on practice in the field.
• Full alignment with the industry standards.
• Extensive details of the software, coupled with industry best practices and adding real-world practice applications that enable you to have a grand understanding to take on P6 EVM initiatives from the start in your projects.
• Practical Engineering, Procurement, & Construction (EPC) scenarios that you can relate to when applying your EVM functions in P6.
• Real-world applications that can accommodate various industries including but not limited to: onshore, offshore, subsea, downstream, upstream, & exploratory work.
• Exclusive support; you can ask the instructor any relevant question during the course through the course online forum! Furthermore, you will get new training material and resources on a monthly basis to ensure your continuous learning.
• One-year access to all course material including lecture recordings, discussions, and course online forum, so when you will implement EVM in P6 for your next project, all the study material will be available for your use.
• Reviewed and approved by Oracle.
• Provides an official certificate of completion and 15 Professional Development Units (PDUs) that can be used to fulfill the maintenance requirements of other certifications.

3. According to the market research of other courses in the market, we chose the most competitive price for the course. You will get the most value for the money invested.

Question # 2:  Are there any pre-requisites to this course?

Yes. You must have a basic understanding of planning/scheduling and scheduling software to partake in this training.

If you are a beginner in Project Controls, check out other training courses that we offer, which are a better fit for your experience.

Question # 3:  Is any software required for the course?

The exercises will be performed using Oracle/Primavera P6. The XER native files will be provided, so you can experiment on your own.

To take the most out of the training, it is best if you have a copy of Primavera P6. We will provide instructions on how you can download a 30-day trial version of P6, so you can experiment with EVM implementation in Primavera P6 along with the course.

Question # 4:  Is this course suitable for the exam preparation for the Earned Value Professional (EVP) certification?

Although the course covers the EVM fundamentals and EVM analytics, it is not sufficient for passing the EVP exam. We offer other training courses that are most suited for the EVP exam preparation. Please check the Essentials of Earned Value Management training course if you are interested in taking the EVP exam.

Question # 5:  Is this course suitable for Cost Controllers who don’t have the practical experience working with Primavera P6?

We do not recommend this course for individuals who have NO knowledge of project planning and scheduling.  You don’t need to be proficient in Primavera P6 to take this course, but having some basic understanding of the scheduling software is essential. You can still take the course and observe. However, to get the most out of the training, it is recommended that you download the schedule XER files we provide you and experiment with a trial version of Primavera P6.

 

Question # 6:  Is this course suitable for those who have no knowledge of EVM?

Yes, we will cover some EVM foundations in the course.  However, we won’t have time to cover all the foundation you need to know about EVM. The primary focus of this training is on the implementation of EVM in Primavera P6.

If you are interested in an in-depth training on EVM, please check the Essentials of Earned Value Management training course that we offer.

Question # 7:  I am proficient with Primavera P6 as a planner/scheduler; do I still need this training?

Planners & Schedulers are two different crafts.  Earned value management competency is a separate skill.  Over the year’s software have become easier to learn but in most cases, schedulers aren’t earned value professionals.   Just because the software can do certain functions doesn’t mean you’re performing it correctly.  With proper instruction and education, you can effectively implement EVM in Primavera P6.

 

Question # 8:  Isn’t EVM in Primavera P6 all about entering the budget and physical % complete? Do I need such a detailed training for this?

The truth is that there is so much more needed to provide accurate & consistent EVM implementation and analysis. This course will show you the step-by-step implementation process.

 

Question # 9:  We are a small company and use spreadsheets to track and report EVM.  Does this course help us with a more robust EVM in place?

Yes, absolutely. If you have a P6 license, your company can use a combination of both P6 & spreadsheets to perform EVM in projects more effectively.

 

Question # 10:  Are the principles being taught from a Contractor or Owner perspective as both have a different view on cost management?

The primary focus is from a “software” perspective.  The instructor has implemented EVM in P6 from both the EPC/ Contractor and Owner perspectives.  So with a different view on cost management, we agree yes but not because they physically perform earned value differently.  The difference is the Owner rarely does the actual Earned Value.  The Owner typically REVIEWS the EVM reports from the EPC/Contractors.  The Owner also performs the rest of the cost differently such as managing the contingency & cash flow for the Owner but usually does not performs the EVM [that’s the EPC/Contractors requirement].  The Owner puts in the contractual requirements how the EPC/Contractor will develop, baseline, control, and forecast Cost [& Schedule] in accordance with the Owner Standards.  Within the cost requirements, resides EVM.  Even though contractual requirements exist, rarely does the private sector fully comply with EVM’s original intent [ANSI 748 / NDIA Intent Guide] especially in Lumpsum Contracts.  Only in Government sector work does the EVM comply fully with ANSI 748/NDIA Intent Guides.  The Gov vs Private Sector is a whole other debate.

So to answer the question again…. the focus is from a “software” perspective which will provide as many P6 options as a cost-plus contract in the private sector, regardless if you are the owner or the contractor.  The goal is to align as closely ANSI 748 guidelines.

From a “software” perspective is to show you how EVM can be deployed in most Oil & Gas private sector work using Oracle P6.  This class is not an EVM fundamentals class, but we will provide a history and references to industry standards.

This is not a simple response but covers a lot of groundwork surrounding the intent of the training class.

Question # 11:  Do you provide examples of EVM implementation on Lumpsum projects?

We have excluded the Lumpsum projects. The reason is due to the fact that in most Lumpsum cases, the Actual Costs/Expenditures are excluded in reporting since the delta from EV & AC is the profit margin, which some contractors may not want to share.

In order to use the full EVM, CPI is extremely important and actual expenditures will need to be recorded in order to provide full forecasting ability.  Therefore Cost Plus or Reimbursable provides full transparency of earned and actual.

Question # 12:  Do you provide practical real-world examples and exercises during the course?

Yes, absolutely. Extensive details of the software, coupled with industry best practices and real-world practical applications are what you will expect in this training. There will be practical Engineering, Procurement, & Construction (EPC) scenarios that you can relate to when applying your EVM functions in P6. Real-world applications that can accommodate various industries including but not limited to: onshore, offshore, subsea, downstream, upstream, & exploratory work. The number of hands-on exercises and examples that will be provided throughout the course will enable you to have a grand understanding to take on P6 EVM initiatives from the start in your projects.

Question # 13:  Will I get any templates, so I can use in my projects?

Yes, we equip you with various templates, reports, and layouts, so you can apply what you learn in action. Please check the bonus section of the course information page for more details.

Question # 14:  Would there be any training material that we would be able to actually print and retain?

The course material will be both slide presentation and live demo of the software coupled with practical, real-world P6 projects and exercises will help you build up the knowledge and skills you need in the utilization of Earned Value in Primavera P6. You will have one-year full access to the course material (including videos and the PDF copy of the slides). Videos are not downloadable and only viewable on our system.

Once you sign up, you will also have direct access to the instructor for your questions for one year through the course online forum.

Question # 15:  What am I getting access to when I sign up?

Once you register, you will receive a receipt of your enrollment along with a unique login ID and passcode to Project Control Academy’s private and secure Learning Management System (LMS). This is the place where you can view the training videos and interact with the instructor.

Question # 16:  What is the training schedule?

As soon as you enroll, you get instant access to the first modules of the training. Every week, new modules will become available. This allows you to complete the training within 5 weeks.

You can take the training at your own pace. You will have access to the entire course material for one year after your enrollment. You can refer back to the course videos and material at any time.

Question # 17:  What if I cannot follow the program in 5 week?

If you cannot catch up with the program every week, that’s completely fine. You’ll have one year full access to the entire training material. You can follow the program at your pace.

Regardless of when you join the course, you will have direct access to the instructor through the course online forum for one year from the time of your regsiteration.

Question # 18:  How long will it take to complete the training?

If you follow the program every week, you will be able to finish the course within 5 weeks. Each session per week will be at least 2 hours long.

If you cannot follow the training schedule, you can still catch up with the course. You will have access to the entire course material for one year after your enrollment. You can refer back to the course videos and material at any time.

You will also receive a monthly invitation to live webcast training on Project Controls topics for one year.

Question # 19:  How do I access the training?

To access the training, all you need is a high-speed Internet connection via Google Chrome, Safari, or Internet Explorer 9 or newer. You also need a login ID & Passcode to our private and secure learning management system (LMS), which will be provided to you via email once you enroll.

The LMS will also be accessible via computer, laptop, as well as mobile devices such as iPhone, iPad, Tablets, etc.

Question # 20:  How long do I have access to the training?

From the time of your registration, you will have 1-year full access to the training.

Question # 21:  What is the method of delivery? [Video, Audio, Text?]

The training program is “online” and structured into several modules.

Each module is separated into two segments:

• 1^st segment is a presentation style course with software demonstrations and hands exercises on paper & in Excel.  The criteria will interrelate with the functionality in P6 for EVM.
• 2^nd segment uses the 1^st segment criteria to apply as a “hands-on” P6 schedule exercise intended to build up the knowledge utilization of Earned Value in P6.

Each module is accessible in Project Control Academy’s learning management system.

You have the ability to pause the videos and watch them as many times as you wish. So, you can take the time necessary to understand the concepts taught in each module. This allows you to access the training 24/7 at your own pace.

In addition to the training videos, the online training includes supportive course material including bonus templates, layouts, reports, & XER files to help you better comprehend the course content and apply your knowledge in real-world projects.

The training videos along with the supporting training material will be accessible online via a web-based Learning Management System (LMS).

Question # 22:  Can I ask questions about the content of the training?

Yes, absolutely. You will be able to ask your questions from the instructor at any time, using the course online forum. The instructor personally answers your questions on a weekly basis.

Although we do our best to support you in your learning, you should not expect the instructor to provide consulting services. His support is to help you learn the topic and advance your expertise in the implementation of EVM in Primavera P6.

Question # 23:  Will I get a certificate of completion?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of accomplishment from Project Control Academy upon successfully completing the core curriculum courses and delivering the course case study.

Question # 24:  Can I claim PDUs for this training?

Yes. Project Control Academy is a PMI Registered Education Provider. You will receive official Professional Development Units (PDUs) that you can claim toward your professional accreditations.

The number of PDUs that you are eligible to claim as well as the activity code for PMI PDU submission can be found on your certificate of completion.

Question # 25:  What are the payment methods?

We accept Visa & Mastercard credit cards or payments through PayPal. We do not accept payments by cheque, money order or bank draft unless you are purchasing multiple memberships, on behalf of a company.

All prices are USD$.

Question # 26:  How much the course will cost in my currency?

Please click here to convert the course price to your own currency.

Question # 27:   I like to invest in this training but I don’t have a credit card. What should I do?

If you don’t have a credit card, you can still make the payment, using PayPal. Here are the steps on how to do it:

2. 2. 2. 1. Create an account with PayPal in your country using this link: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/country-worldwide
         2. Link your local bank account or Debit Card to your PayPal account
         3. On the Checkout page of the course, select PayPal as the method of payment
         4. The system will take you to the PayPal payment page
         5. Log into your PayPal account to pay
         6. Select your bank account or debit card as the method of payment

Question # 28:  Will I get a receipt for payment upon enrollment?

Yes. Project Control Academy will process your payment, and your receipt will be emailed to you to the email address provided upon registration.

Question # 29:  What should I do if I want to enroll more than one employee from my company in the training program?

Please contact us directly at [email protected] so we can provide you the group discount code for registration.

Question # 30:  What happens if my company enrolls on my behalf?

If your company is enrolling for you on your behalf, please make sure that they register with your email address or send us an email and inform us about the email and contact information of the employees whom they enrolled in the training.

Our primary source of communication to you in your training is via email, so make sure that you inform your employer to enroll with the right email address.

Question # 31:  What if the training does not work for me?

The fact of the matter is it might not. If you’re not willing to work hard, if you are not willing to follow directions & guidelines, if you are not ready to stick through inevitable challenges, it definitely won’t work for you, and you shouldn’t buy.

However, if you are committed to your career growth and willing to follow the training to the T, you will be much benefited from the training. In fact, I believe this is the most comprehensive training that you can find in the market.

The course comes with 15-day 100% satisfaction gurantee. So, you can test the program for 15 days and if you don’t like you, you’ll get your money back. This is how confidenct we are with the quaity of the courses that we provide.

If you have any other question that is not addressed here, please contact us at [email protected]