What is a baseline in project management?

What is a baseline in project management?

• A. A plan for conducting an operation that serves as a reference point for measuring progress.
• B. A summary of completed work.
• C. A forecast of final cost.
• D. A method to allocate resources.

Answer: (A)

The baseline is the approved plan that serves as the reference point for measuring progress. In project management, after planning you lock in baselines for scope, schedule, and cost. This fixed reference lets you compare what was planned with what actually happens, so you can see variances, forecast outcomes, and determine whether adjustments are needed. Changes to the baseline go through formal change control and, if approved, lead to a rebaselined plan. So, a baseline isn’t a summary of what’s been completed, nor a forecast by itself, nor a method for allocating resources. It’s the approved plan that you use to gauge performance and guide ongoing control.

The baseline is the approved plan that serves as the reference point for measuring progress. In project management, after planning you lock in baselines for scope, schedule, and cost. This fixed reference lets you compare what was planned with what actually happens, so you can see variances, forecast outcomes, and determine whether adjustments are needed. Changes to the baseline go through formal change control and, if approved, lead to a rebaselined plan.

So, a baseline isn’t a summary of what’s been completed, nor a forecast by itself, nor a method for allocating resources. It’s the approved plan that you use to gauge performance and guide ongoing control.