A baseline is a starting point or reference point that is set at the beginning of a project and is used to measure progress and performance throughout the life cycle of the project. It is a snapshot of the project’s initial conditions, goals, and objectives, against which the project team can measure progress and success.
Key project parameters, such as the scope, schedule, budget, and quality, are often included in a baseline. For example, a project baseline might include a detailed project plan, a schedule of activities and milestones, a budget that shows how much each phase of the project is expected to cost, and quality standards that say how well each deliverable should work or what it should look like.
Once a baseline is set, it can be used to measure how well progress and performance are going compared to the original plan. By comparing the actual results to the baseline, project managers can find deviations from the plan and take steps to get the project back on track if necessary.
Baselines are usually set during the planning phase of a project, and as the project goes on, they may be changed or updated. For example, if the project’s scope or schedule changes, the baseline may need to be changed to reflect this.
In short, a baseline is an important tool for managing projects because it gives a point of reference for measuring progress and performance throughout the life cycle of the project. By setting up a baseline, project managers can track progress, look for differences, and fix problems as needed to make sure the project stays on track and meets its goals.
Usage
It is used in schedule management
