early finish date (EF)

in the critical path method, the earliest possible point in time at which the uncompleted portions of an activity (or the project) can finish, based on the network logic and any schedule constraints. Early finish dates can change as the project progresses and changes are made to the project plan.

early start date (ES)

in the critical path method, the earliest possible point in time at which the uncompleted portions of an activity (or the project) can start, based on the network logic and any schedule constraints. Early start dates can change as the project progresses and changes are made to the project plan.

earned value (EV)

(1) a method for measuring project performance that compares the amount of work that was planned with what was actually accomplished to determine whether cost and schedule performance are as planned. See also actual cost of work performed, budgeted cost of work performed, budgeted cost of work scheduled, cost variance, cost performance index, schedule variance, and schedule performance index.

(2) the budgeted cost of work performed, for an activity or group of activities.

earned value analysis

see definition (1) under earned value.

effort

the number of labor units required to complete an activity or other project element. Usually expressed as staffhours, staffdays, or staffweeks. Should not be confused with duration.

estimate at completion (EAC)

the expected total cost of an activity, group of activities, or the project when the defined scope of work has been completed. Most techniques for forecasting EAC include some adjustment of the original cost estimate based on project performance to date. Also called "estimated at completion." Often shown as EAC = Actuals-to-date + ETC. See also earned value and estimate to complete.

estimate to complete (ETC)

the expected additional cost needed to complete an activity, a group of activities, or the project. Most techniques for forecasting ETC include some adjustment to the original cost estimate based on project performance to date. Also called "estimated to complete." See also earned value and estimate at completion.