What Is a Project Scope Baseline & How to Create One?

What Is a Project Scope Baseline & How to Create One?


Jennifer Bridges PMP explains how to define the project scope and why it is important to create a scope baseline for projects. A scope baseline is an approved version of the project scope, documented in a scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS) and WBS dictionary. It is used as a reference to monitor project progress and compare actual versus planned results. Creating a project scope baseline is easy, just follow these simple steps: create a work breakdown structure and a WBS dictionary, define your project scope, get your work breakdown structure, WBS dictionary and scope statement approved by the project stakeholders, create a scope management plan to monitor scope and avoid common issues such as scope creep, and create a change management plan to control changes to the project scope. Project baselines are the most important project management tool to track cost, schedule and scope performance, and can mean the difference between success and failure. Pro tip: using advanced project scheduling software like ProjectManager can help keep projects on track.