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Schedule Baseline

5 minutes 5 Questions

A Schedule Baseline is an approved version of a project schedule, which serves as a benchmark for tracking project progress. It represents the original plan, including all planned start and finish dates for project activities, against which the actual performance is measured. Establishing a schedule baseline is a critical step in project scheduling as it provides a reference point for managing and controlling the project timeline. The development of a schedule baseline involves integrating all project activities, durations, dependencies, and resources into a coherent schedule that reflects the project's timeline. Once all stakeholders have reviewed and approved this schedule, it becomes the baseline. During project execution, the schedule baseline allows project managers to monitor progress and identify variances between planned and actual performance. By comparing actual start and finish dates of tasks to the baseline, project managers can detect delays, ahead-of-schedule performances, and overall project timing issues. This comparison is essential for effective schedule control. It enables project managers to implement corrective actions when deviations occur, such as reallocating resources, adjusting task sequencing, or modifying scopes to bring the project back on track. It also aids in forecasting future project performance and making informed decisions to meet project deadlines. The schedule baseline is also crucial for communication and reporting. It provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the project's timeline and progress. Regular updates against the baseline can enhance transparency and trust among project team members and stakeholders. In summary, the Schedule Baseline is a foundational concept in project scheduling that provides a standard against which project progress is measured. It enables effective monitoring and control of the schedule, supports proactive management of deviations, and ensures that the project remains aligned with its time-related objectives.

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PMI-SP - Project Management Basics for Scheduling Example Questions

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Question 1

When comparing a project's Schedule Baseline with its current progress, what represents a critical milestone that demands PMI schedule review?

Correct Answer: A variance of 10% or more in scheduled activities

A 10% or greater variance in scheduled activities is a critical threshold in project management that necessitates formal schedule review. This percentage represents a significant deviation that could impact: - Project completion dates - Resource allocation - Budget considerations - Overall project success The 10% threshold is widely accepted in project management as it: - Is large enough to warrant attention - Small enough to allow for corrective action - Provides a clear metric for performance monitoring The other options are less suitable because: - Scope changes require change control processes rather than just schedule review - A 15-day delay is too arbitrary and depends on project size and duration - 20% acceleration might be positive and may not require the same level of review as delays

Question 2

Under what condition should a PMI scheduler formally log and document a Schedule Baseline for future reference?

Correct Answer: When stakeholders approve both scope and schedule milestones

The schedule baseline should be formally logged and documented when stakeholders approve both the scope and schedule milestones. This is the correct timing because: 1. Stakeholder approval is crucial as it represents formal acceptance of the project timeline and deliverables 2. Having both scope and schedule milestones approved ensures alignment between deliverables and timing 3. This creates a formal reference point for measuring project performance 4. It establishes the foundation for change control The other options are incorrect because: - Completing critical path analysis alone is insufficient as it's just one technical component of schedule development - Resource and duration estimates are important inputs but require stakeholder approval before becoming a baseline - Having a network diagram with dependencies is a technical prerequisite but does not constitute authority to establish a baseline The baseline becomes official only after key stakeholders have reviewed and approved the integrated scope and schedule components, making it the authorized version for execution and performance measurement.

Question 3

In PMI scheduling practices, which statement accurately describes the approval process for Schedule Baseline changes?

Correct Answer: Changes require review through formal change control and approval by the change control board

According to PMI best practices, Schedule Baseline changes must go through a formal change control process. Here's why: The correct answer reflects PMI's strict requirements for baseline changes: - All baseline changes require formal change control - The Change Control Board (CCB) must review and approve changes - This ensures proper governance and control Why other options are incorrect: Project Manager approval alone is insufficient for baseline changes - these changes need formal CCB review and approval. The 75% stakeholder consensus option creates an arbitrary threshold not aligned with PMI standards for baseline changes. Unanimous team approval is not a PMI requirement, and the project charter is not the appropriate document for recording baseline changes - these belong in change control documentation.

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