What is a baseline?

A baseline is an approved snapshot of the schedule, budget or scope, kept so actual performance can be compared against the plan.

The baseline only changes through approved change. Re-baselining every time the project slips hides how far it has moved from the original commitment.

Related terms

Planned value

The budgeted value of the work that was scheduled to be done by a given date.

Variation

A formal change to a contract's scope, price or time.

Critical path

The longest chain of dependent activities through a schedule.

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