What Is a Scope Baseline? A scope baseline is an approved version of your project scope, which is documented in a
, work breakdown structure (WBS) and WBS dictionary. The scope baseline is used as a reference to monitor project progress and compare actual versus planned results.
You will become familiar with some of the tools and methods that can help you stay in control of these changes as you progress through the project management life cycle. One such tool that is crucial for managing changes and keeping projects on track is the project’s scope baseline.
27. PMP | What is Project Scope Baseline | Define Scope Baseline
Why is having a scope baseline important?
A scope baseline ensures that project managers, stakeholders, and team members are working toward the same objective. The scope baseline can also be used by project managers to gauge their success and track their progress. Developing a scope baseline for each project can benefit you:
What is a scope baseline?
A set of documents known as a “scope baseline” outlines the project’s approved scope from the start of the project’s life cycle to the end. These files are a crucial component of the overall project plan that aids managers in identifying objectives and crucial deliverables. A breakdown of the work structure, a list of project requirements, an estimated time frame, and a budget are typically included in the scope baseline. Setting up a scope baseline at the beginning of a project can help you win the support of important stakeholders by giving your team guidelines for their daily work.
You might also hear a scope baseline referred to as a technical baseline over the course of your project management career.
What’s included in a scope baseline?
While scope baselines may differ from project to project, most project managers include a few fundamental components when creating these documents to make sure everyone has the knowledge they need to succeed. Most professional scope baselines include the:
How is a scope baseline used?
Throughout a project’s life cycle, a scope baseline performs a number of crucial tasks. This document, at its core, establishes an agreement between the client, significant stakeholders, and project managers to make sure that everyone is aware of the project’s intended outcome and how it is to be attained. Additionally, a scope baseline is frequently employed to
How to develop a scope baseline
The following steps can be used to create an effective scope baseline for your upcoming project:
1. Develop a scope statement
Start by creating a scope statement that encapsulates the goal and primary purpose of the project. So that your team is aware of the deliverables they must meet, list the project’s primary requirements here. You can also include any presumptions you might have about the project, like potential difficulties you might face. Finally, describe the precise limitations you must adhere to, such as a strict deadline or spending limit. You may also specify which duties, features, or outputs are not covered by your agreement. This can help you prevent scope creep in the future.
2. Create a WBS
Next, create a WBS that lists all of the project’s major deliverables. You can find a variety of templates online to create a professional-looking WBS diagram that will assist your team in understanding the hierarchical structure of each project requirement. Focus on the result to give a high-level overview rather than the specific actions your team must take to complete these deliverables. For each deliverable, you can also include a projected budget and time frame.
A WBS dictionary that highlights any presumptions you have about the project, like anticipated delays, should then be included. In this section, you can also specify job duties and include any other crucial project information.
3. Gain stakeholder approval
Present your scope baseline to important stakeholders and executive leaders in your company to get their approval after developing your project scope, WBS, and WBS dictionary. It’s important to ensure that everyone listed on the project charter has the chance to review the project baseline, even though the number of approvals you need may vary depending on the project you’re working on.
This can guarantee that everyone is in agreement with the project’s key deliverables, budget, and schedule. To make sure your final document has all the information it needs, pay close attention to feedback and be willing to change your scope baseline. You can do this to make sure your team has the necessary resources and guidelines to be successful.
4. Share the scope baseline with your team
Finally, let the rest of your team know about your approved scope baseline. Team members can visualize the primary project objective and key deliverables by going over this document together so they can understand which tasks are most crucial. Additionally, it can boost productivity, collaboration, and the ability of team members to hold one another accountable.
FAQ
Is WBS part of scope baseline?
The scope baseline is made up of three documents: the WBS Dictionary, the Work Breakdown Structure, and the Scope Statement. The project’s status and advancement are evaluated in relation to the controlled document known as the scope baseline.
What is the baseline in a project?
Actually, the scope baseline includes the scope statement in addition to WBS and the WBS Dictionary. Thus, using the method of elimination, we identify C, the Scope Management Plan, as the correct response. Each deliverable is described in the WBS, and each is then divided into smaller work packages.
