Final answer:
For Microsoft Project to calculate earned value, setting a baseline, entering actual work, and assigning resources are necessary, but defining constraints is not a requirement for earned value calculations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Microsoft Project, earned value management (EVM) is a technique used to measure project performance and progress in terms of scope, time, and costs. For Microsoft Project to calculate earned value amounts, certain prerequisites must be met. These prerequisites include setting a baseline for the project, which is a snapshot of the project plan at a specific point in time. Another requirement is the entry of actual work, which involves updating the project with the real progress and actual work completed. Furthermore, assigning resources to tasks is critical; without resources, there can be no actual costs, which are a component of EVM calculations.
However, defining constraints is not a requirement for EVM calculations. Constraints in Microsoft Project are used to dictate certain start or finish dates for tasks but do not directly impact the earned value analysis. Thus, the correct answer is that defining constraints is NOT something that must be done for Microsoft Project to calculate earned value amounts.