What is a schedule baseline?

The schedule baseline is defined as the approved version of a project schedule that is utilized for measuring progress throughout the project lifecycle. It serves as a benchmark against which actual project performance can be compared. The baseline includes timelines for tasks, milestones, and resources, which help project managers assess whether the project is on track, ahead, or behind schedule.

This final approved version is critical because it not only provides a concrete reference point for monitoring progress but also establishes expectations among stakeholders regarding when deliverables should be completed. It facilitates effective control of the project by allowing any deviations from the baseline to be identified, analyzed, and addressed accordingly.

Other aspects of schedule management, such as estimating task durations or documenting changes, do not constitute the schedule baseline itself. While those elements are important for effective project management, they serve different functions within the context of project scheduling.