Baselines (Scope, Schedule, Cost)
A baseline is the approved version of a work product that can be changed only through formal change control procedures and is used as a basis for comparison to actual results.
Explanation
The project management plan includes three primary baselines: the scope baseline, the schedule baseline, and the cost baseline. Together, they form the performance measurement baseline, which is the integrated scope-schedule-cost plan against which project execution is compared to measure and manage performance.
The scope baseline consists of the project scope statement, the work breakdown structure (WBS), and the WBS dictionary. It defines the total scope of the project and what deliverables will be produced. The schedule baseline is the approved version of the schedule model, identifying the planned start and finish dates for all project activities. The cost baseline is the approved time-phased project budget, excluding management reserves, used to measure cost performance.
Baselines serve as the reference point for the Monitoring and Controlling Process Group. Actual performance is compared against baselines to calculate variances, identify trends, and forecast future performance. Any change to a baseline must go through Perform Integrated Change Control and be formally approved. Once approved, the baseline is updated (re-baselined) and all future comparisons use the new baseline.
Key Points
- •Three primary baselines: scope, schedule, and cost
- •Approved versions used as the basis for performance comparison
- •Can only be changed through formal change control
- •Together form the performance measurement baseline
Exam Tip
Baselines can only be changed through Perform Integrated Change Control. If actual performance deviates from the baseline, you analyze the variance and decide on corrective action — you do NOT simply update the baseline without approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Project Management Plan
The project management plan is the document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled, and closed.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables.
Monitoring and Controlling Process Group
The Monitoring and Controlling Process Group consists of processes required to track, review, and regulate the progress and performance of the project, identify areas where changes to the plan are needed, and initiate corresponding changes.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Earned Value Management (EVM) is a methodology that integrates scope, schedule, and cost data to assess project performance and progress objectively.
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A predictive life cycle is a plan-driven approach where the project scope, schedule, and cost are determined early and changes are carefully managed.
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Subsidiary plans are the individual management plans that are components of the overall project management plan, each addressing a specific Knowledge Area or management function.
Burndown Chart
A Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a Sprint or release, showing whether the team is on track to complete the planned work.
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Risk Register
The risk register is a project document that records the details of individual project risks, including their identification, analysis results, response plans, and current status.
Stakeholder Mapping
Stakeholder mapping is the visual representation of stakeholder relationships, influence, interest, or other attributes using grids, matrices, or diagrams to support analysis and engagement planning.
Relative Estimation
Relative Estimation is an agile technique where work items are sized in comparison to each other rather than in absolute units like hours or days, providing faster and more accurate estimates.
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures cost performance as the ratio of earned value to actual cost: CPI = EV / AC.
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures schedule performance as the ratio of earned value to planned value: SPI = EV / PV.
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