Baseline schedule
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Time management is one of the most important processes in project management. It is the discipline of planning and controlling the duration of a project. A baseline schedule is one of the main project management documents that should be created before the project starts. It sets out the project execution strategy, key project deliverables, activity planned dates and milestones.
Activities are grouped under different work breakdown structure levels. Engineering, procurement, production, testing, and so on are highlighted in baseline schedules.
[edit] Baseline schedule
A baseline schedule (also known as a schedule baseline or target schedule) is an approved copy of the project schedule that can be used to analyse project performance and report schedule variances. Baseline schedules create a road map to prepare the baseline budget, mobilisation plans, and resource allocation plans.
According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide, a Project Schedule represents 'the planned dates for performing activities and the planned dates for meeting milestones.'
Baselines are the frozen version of the project schedules. Before updating the project schedule for the first time, the baseline schedule is retained as a target. This means the baseline schedule is the same as the project schedule at the beginning.
As the project progresses and tasks are performed, the baseline schedule may deviate from the actual schedule. It may not reflect the current project status. Risks and unforeseen events may affect it, and some changes outside of the control of the project management team may cause delays.
Under these circumstances, remedial action should be taken and recovery plans created. It is important to emphasise that baselines should only be changed when there is a change in scope.
[edit] Baseline schedule tracking
After the approval of the baseline schedule by the stakeholders, it will be retained as a target. Schedule tracking is then carried out to analyse the differences between the planned and the actual dates. Changes in the critical path, schedule variances and delays are determined and reported in all updates.
[edit] Summary
In project time management, baseline schedules are used as references to analyse the schedule performance of the project. It is a reference document which compares the planned and the actual dates. A Schedule Performance Index (SPI) can be used to understand how far ahead or behind the project is at the point of analysis.
See also: Baseline programme.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Activity schedule.
- Contractor's master programme.
- Contractor's working schedule.
- Design programme.
- How progress is agreed in construction.
- Milestones.
- Programme for building design and construction.
- Scheduling construction activities.
- Time management of construction projects.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..