What does project baseline refer to?

Project baseline refers to the approved version of a project plan, which serves as the foundation for measuring project progress and performance. This plan is typically composed of key elements such as scope, schedule, and cost, and once it is approved, it becomes the standard against which project performance is monitored and controlled.

By establishing a project baseline, teams can effectively track variances and changes throughout the project lifecycle. This ability to measure performance against the baseline allows project managers to identify deviations and address issues proactively, ensuring that the project stays aligned with its objectives. In project management, maintaining the integrity of the baseline is critical for effective decision-making and helps ensure that stakeholder expectations are met throughout the project.