Back to Progress Measurement and Reporting

Schedule Baseline Management

5 minutes 5 Questions

Schedule Baseline Management is a critical concept in project scheduling and control. It involves establishing a baseline schedule, which serves as the approved project timetable against which actual performance is measured. The schedule baseline represents the original project plan, including all planned activities, durations, dependencies, and milestones. It provides a reference point for tracking project progress and identifying deviations from the planned schedule. Baselining occurs after the initial project schedule is developed and agreed upon by stakeholders. Once established, any changes to the baseline require formal change control procedures. Managing the schedule baseline involves regularly comparing actual progress to the planned schedule, analyzing variances, and implementing corrective actions when necessary. Effective schedule baseline management allows project managers to monitor performance, forecast future project outcomes, and communicate progress to stakeholders. By identifying schedule variances early, project teams can take proactive measures to address delays and keep the project on track. It also provides transparency and accountability, ensuring that all parties are aware of the project's status relative to its original plan. Key activities in schedule baseline management include: - Establishing the baseline schedule with stakeholder approval. - Monitoring actual project progress against the baseline. - Performing variance analysis to identify schedule deviations. - Implementing corrective actions to address schedule variances. - Updating stakeholders on progress and any changes to the schedule. In conclusion, schedule baseline management is essential for effective project control. It provides a structured approach to measuring progress, managing changes, and ensuring the project stays aligned with its objectives. By maintaining a clear and approved baseline, project managers can enhance decision-making, improve communication, and increase the likelihood of project success.

Test mode:
Start practice test
PMI-SP - Progress Measurement and Reporting Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of baseline schedule control thresholds in a project?

Correct Answer: To establish acceptable variance limits for schedule performance monitoring

Schedule control thresholds serve as predetermined boundaries or limits that help project managers determine when corrective action is needed during project execution. The primary purpose is to establish acceptable variance limits that trigger action when schedule performance deviates from the baseline plan. These thresholds enable proper monitoring and control of schedule performance. The other options are incorrect because: - Defining maximum durations for activities is part of schedule development, not control thresholds - Setting predetermined buffers to finish ahead of schedule is more related to schedule contingency planning - Calculating total float is a scheduling network analysis technique, not a control threshold purpose

Question 2

When a schedule baseline is approved and stored, what does it become for the project?

Correct Answer: A reference point to measure schedule performance

A schedule baseline, once approved and stored, becomes a reference point to measure schedule performance throughout the project lifecycle. This is fundamental to project management because: - It enables tracking of actual progress against planned progress - It allows for variance analysis - It helps identify schedule slippage or advancement - It serves as the basis for earned value measurements The other options are incorrect because: - A dynamic document that updates automatically would defeat the purpose of a baseline, which must remain static to serve as a comparison point - A final milestone chart is too narrow in scope and doesn't reflect the baseline's true purpose as a measurement tool - A template for future updates is incorrect as the baseline is specific to the current project and serves as a measurement standard, not a template

Question 3

During a schedule baseline revision, what should be completed before implementing the changes?

Correct Answer: Obtain formal approval through the change control process

In project management, schedule baseline revisions require formal approval through the change control process before any changes can be implemented. This is a fundamental principle of project control and governance. Here's why this is the correct answer and others are incorrect: Schedule changes must go through proper channels to maintain project integrity and ensure all stakeholders are aligned. The change control process provides documentation, evaluation, and authorization of changes. Simply updating activities and notifying team members is premature before approval is received. Documenting technical rationale and impact analysis are part of the change request process, but not the primary step before implementation. Recalculating critical path and adjusting resources are actions that occur after approval, not before implementation. The change control process is essential because it: - Ensures proper evaluation of changes - Maintains baseline integrity - Creates accountability - Provides documented approval - Allows for proper stakeholder communication

Go Premium

PMI Scheduling Professional Preparation Package (2024)

  • 3429 Superior-grade PMI Scheduling Professional practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • Unlock Effortless PMI-SP preparation: 5 full exams.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Schedule Baseline Management questions
12 questions (total)
Start 12 question test