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 will be required to complete it, which specific team members should be involved in the process (and concurrently what their schedules may look like in regards to availability), and what resources may be needed. The baseline finish date may be adjusted at any point during the activity if needed, for instance, in situations where delays occur that make it apparent to the project team that the baseline finish date that has been set will not be met. Provided the project team is able to secure the necessary approvals to do so, the baseline finish date can be modified based on the requirements necessary. See also scheduled finish date.
This term is defined in the 3rd edition of the PMBOK but not in the 4th.