Baseline

The noun baseline in general usage refers typically to the conditions that exist at a given point, usually the start point, of an activity, study, or project. An example of this usage can be found in medical studies, in which participants vital signs and other measurements at the start of a study are referred to as their “baseline measurements”. represents the approved time phase plan for a particular item, factoring in the addition or subtraction of approved project cost, scope, schedule, and technical changes. This approved time phase plan can apply to a number of components of a project, including the project as a whole, a work package, a schedule activity, or a work breakdown structure component. The term baseline, although in most common usage applies to the current baseline, can be used to refer to the original baseline (or some other specific baseline altogether). The term baseline is typically used with a modifier of some sorts. Some examples of this are “cost baseline“, “performance measurement baseline”, and “technical baseline”. For more information, see performance measurement baseline.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK .

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1. Performance Maintenance Baseline

   In regards to the area of project management, it is essential when attempting to effectively and properly determine how much progress has been made over the course of a project to determine and establish an effective means of baseline measurement control. One particularly useful way to do this is for the project management team and [...]

2. Baseline Start Date

   The term baseline start date applies to the actual scheduled start date of a schedule activity within the approved schedule baseline. The baseline start date will typically be estimated at the onset of a schedule activity based on a determination of how much work needs to be done, how many team members will be required [...]

3. Technical Performance Measurement

   Technical Performance Measurement is a process by which project management can measure the risks inherent in a given project. Technical Performance Measurements provide insight as to the parameters of the specific design elements of the system. Technical Performance Measurement is used by project management to define the measures of performance and acceptable variables during project [...]

4. Baseline Finish Date

   The term baseline finish date applies to the date on which a schedule activity is expected to be completed within the approved schedule baseline. The baseline finish date will typically be estimated at the onset of a schedule activity based on a determination of how much work needs to be done, how many team members [...]

5. Cost Baseline

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