1. A real options-based program metrics utilization method comprising computing a real earned value for a development project at each iteration boundary of said development project, wherein said computing a real earned value for a development project at each iteration boundary of said development project comprises: in a pre-architecture phase of said development project, computing a real earned value for a development project based upon a real program value computed at said iteration boundary incorporating a volatility parameter estimated for said iteration boundary; and, in a post-architecture phase of said development project, computing a real earned value for a development project based upon a real program value computed at said iteration boundary incorporating a volatility parameter computed for said iteration boundary.