Schedule Baseline
The schedule baseline is the approved version of the schedule model that is used as a basis for comparison with actual results to determine if corrective or preventive action is needed.
Explanation
The schedule baseline is established during the Develop Schedule process and is formally approved through the project's change control process. Once approved, it becomes part of the project management plan and serves as the benchmark against which schedule performance is measured throughout the project. The baseline can only be changed through the formal integrated change control process.
The schedule baseline includes the planned start and finish dates for all activities and milestones. During project execution, the project manager compares actual progress against the baseline to identify variances. Schedule performance metrics such as Schedule Variance (SV = EV - PV) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI = EV / PV) use the baseline as their reference point. These metrics are part of the Earned Value Management system and provide objective measures of schedule health.
It is important to distinguish between the schedule baseline and the project schedule. The project schedule is a living document that is updated as work progresses and changes are made. The baseline, however, remains fixed unless a formal change request is approved. Multiple versions of the baseline may exist over the life of a project if scope changes or significant replanning occurs, but each version is formally approved and controlled.
Key Points
- •Approved version of the schedule model used to measure performance
- •Changed only through formal integrated change control
- •Used to calculate SV and SPI in Earned Value Management
- •Distinct from the project schedule, which is updated as work progresses
Exam Tip
The schedule baseline is the measuring stick for schedule performance. It changes only through formal change control. Actual performance is compared against the baseline, not the current schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Develop Schedule
Develop Schedule is the process of analyzing activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule model for project execution, monitoring, and controlling.
Control Schedule
Control Schedule is the process of monitoring the status of the project to update the project schedule and manage changes to the schedule baseline.
Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart is a bar chart that presents schedule information with activities listed on the vertical axis, dates shown on the horizontal axis, and activity durations shown as horizontal bars placed according to start and finish dates.
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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