CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

The schedule baseline is the approved project schedule that serves as the reference point for measuring performance. It represents the project's original plan. Differences between the baseline and actual performance are schedule variances. The baseline can only be changed through formal change control.

**Why not A:** The most recent updated schedule reflecting actual performance describes the current project schedule, not the baseline. The baseline is the original approved plan, not a living document that changes with every status update.

**Why not B:** A schedule created during planning but before stakeholder review is merely a draft. The schedule baseline requires formal approval through the planning process, not just initial creation.

**Why not D:** Project management software generates schedules based on inputs provided by the project manager, but the tool output alone does not constitute a baseline. The baseline requires human judgment, analysis, and formal approval.