As part of the NAVAIR objective to deliver effective and efficient training to ensure the success of the SIGMA Project, AIR-4.2.6, Earned Value Management (EVM) Division of the 4.2 Cost Department, has developed training materials in coordination with the Enterprise Solutions Program Office (ESPO). This training will be used to train people throughout the Command in the use of SIGMA for those projects that require EVM.

This 4.2.6 training is distinct from end user training. The End User training that ESPO provides for personnel mapped to the roles of Program Manager, Project Team Leader, and Project Analyst will address the EVM functionality of the Project Systems (PS) module. The training that 4.2.6 provides will address details required to ensure proper planning, execution, and forecasting of projects.

The four classes and a brief description of each are:

1. Basic Project Management and Earned Value Management (4 hours): Covers the fundamentals of project management, EVM, and scheduling.

2. Project Management with SIGMA-Executive Overview (2 hours): High-level presentation for NAVAIR Senior Management that explains the benefits of implementing EVM on projects using SIGMA.

3. Intermediate Project Management Using SIGMA and Earned Value Management: This 2-day class details the duties of a Control Account Manager (CAM) that is assigned to a project. CAMs typically reside at field sites that will perform the work. The ten steps that are addressed include:

Organize:
1. Define the Work
2. Assign the Work

Authorize:
3. Authorize the Work

Plan:
4. Schedule the Work
5. Budget the Work and Negotiate the Baseline

Monitor:
6. Perform the Work
7. Measure the Work
8. Forecast Remaining Work
Control:
9. Analyze Variances and Take Corrective Actions
10. Revise the Baseline (as Necessary and Permitted)

4. Advanced Project Management Using SIGMA and Earned Value Management (1 day): This advanced class is aimed primarily at analysts that support project business teams. Students will learn how to export data from SIGMA into wInsight, a stand-alone Project Management tool, for further analysis and reporting of project data. Students will also learn how to export project schedule information into Microsoft Project for schedule impact analysis and reporting.

A key feature of these instructor-led courses is that numerous captured screen shots of SIGMA are used to illustrate the specifics of implementing EVM for a project using SIGMA. In addition, trainers will be live in the SIGMA software, reinforcing the concepts and procedures from the lecture.

Before attending the 4.2.6 training students should complete the self-paced foundation training courses that all NAVAIR employees are expected to complete prior to attending SIGMA training. These computer-based classes show users how to navigate the SAP software, detailing what each button means and how to execute transactions. The three classes are: Introduction to SIGMA, SAP Navigation, and Working with SAP R/3. They are available online at https://sigma.navair.navy.mil/cbt.

General Fund personnel at Pax River will be the initial training priority with training offered during September. Training will be offered to personnel at other sites later, as time permits.

Training credit is available for personnel who take the 4.2.6 training. The AIR-4.2.6 SIGMA EVM Training POC is Teresa Ingram, 301-995-7467.