Level of Effort (LOE)
Ongoing work that results in no discrete deliverable; progress and completion are gauged by time spent rather than by a specific output.
Key Points
- Represents supportive or sustaining activities without a distinct end product.
- Measured by duration or time-phased effort, not by completed units or tangible deliverables.
- Typically spans alongside related work and should not drive the schedule's critical path.
- In earned value, EV for LOE generally accrues with planned time (EV aligns with PV), so schedule variance is minimal; cost variance may still occur.
Example
During a six-month project, the project manager provides ongoing administration and weekly status reporting from start to finish. The effort is planned at 10 hours per week, and progress is tracked by the passage of weeks, not by a single discrete deliverable.
PMP Example Question
Which of the following is best classified as Level of Effort (LOE) work?
- Configure five network switches and document the configuration.
- Complete the design review meeting and issue approved drawings.
- Provide project management oversight and weekly status reporting throughout execution.
- Develop and deploy a new login feature by the end of Sprint 3.
Correct Answer: C — Provide project management oversight and weekly status reporting throughout execution
Explanation: This is ongoing, time-based support work without a discrete deliverable, which fits LOE. The other options produce identifiable outputs.
