Discussion Weeks 3-4 Discussion Question Before We Execute

Disscussionweeks 3 4 Discussion Questionbefore We Execute A Projec

Disscussion Weeks 3 & 4 - Discussion Question Before we execute a project, we must baseline our project. Search the Internet and ascertain what we mean by "Baselining" our project. And specifically, which items are baselined? Stated another way, what items are in the baseline? Describe them. [Your post must be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material.

Postings must be in the student's own words - do not provide quotes !] [Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding Project Baselining: Definition, Items, and Significance

Baselining is a fundamental concept in project management that involves establishing a fixed reference point against which project performance can be measured and controlled. Prior to executing a project, it is crucial to develop a baseline to serve as a comparison benchmark throughout the project's lifecycle. As defined in project management literature, baselining provides an expected scope, schedule, and cost against which actual project performance can be monitored and analyzed. This process helps project managers identify variances early and take corrective actions to keep the project on track (PMI, 2017).

Specifically, project baselining involves establishing and documenting several key components: scope baseline, schedule baseline, and cost baseline. These three elements form the core of the project baseline, with each representing a specific aspect of the project’s expected deliverables and performance standards.

Scope Baseline

The scope baseline encompasses a detailed description of the project scope, including the project scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and WBS dictionary. This baseline defines what is included and excluded from the project, delineating the boundaries of project work. It provides clarity on deliverables, acceptance criteria, and work packages, thus ensuring all stakeholders share a common understanding of project objectives and scope limits (PMBOK, 2013).

Schedule Baseline

The schedule baseline is the approved version of the project schedule, created using tools such as Gantt charts or network diagrams. It establishes the planned start and finish dates for project activities, serving as a timeline against which progress can be measured. This baseline helps project teams recognize deviations caused by delays or unforeseen events, allowing for timely adjustments (Kerzner, 2017).

Cost Baseline

The cost baseline is the approved budget plan that consolidates all cost estimates and funding requirements. It typically includes detailed cost estimates for individual work packages and activities, accumulated to form the total project budget. Monitoring against this baseline ensures that project expenditures remain within approved limits and supports financial control (PMI, 2017).

In essence, these baseline items—scope, schedule, and cost—are critical for effective project control and measurement. They serve as the yardstick for assessing project progress, enabling managers to identify variances early and implement corrective measures. By establishing and maintaining these baselines, project teams can ensure alignment with initial objectives and facilitate successful project delivery.

References

• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
• Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.). PMI.
• PMBOK® Guide. (2013). A guide to the project management body of knowledge. Project Management Institute.
• Heldman, K. (2018). Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide. Wiley.
• Gray, C. F., & Larson, E. W. (2020). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.