Guide to Understanding the Scope Baseline Concept Based on PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition
The Scope Baseline is essentially a benchmark within project management, which represents the approved version of a scope statement, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and its associated WBS Dictionary, against which the project scope is compared to manage scope creep.
Why it is important: The scope baseline serves as a reference point, helping to avoid the dangerous path of scope creep and ensuring the project stays on track. It allows the project team to identify deviations, measure progress and control changes to the project's scope.
How it works: The approved versions of the scope statement, WBS, and the WBS dictionary are combined to form the scope baseline. This then is compared with actual project scope and any deviations are identified and managed accordingly.
Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Scope Baseline:
1. Understand the components of a scope baseline: scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary.
2. Know how and why scope baseline is used to manage and control changes in the project.
3. Be aware that any modifications to the scope baseline require formal approval and change control procedures.
4. Familiarise yourself with the terms: scope creep and control scope as they often appear in questions related to scope baseline.
Remember, the key to success in answering questions related to any topic is practice, review, and understanding the underlying principles.