An overview of project baselines

A project baseline is an essential tool in project management, serving as a reference point to compare actual progress against the intended plan and aiding in performance tracking, decision-making, and stakeholder communication. Establishing a baseline involves defining project objectives, estimating costs, setting timeframes, and identifying key performance indicators (KPIs), which together create a foundation for project success. In software engineering, baselines are crucial for version control, quality assurance, and change management, ensuring changes are systematically tracked and documented. Alternative terms for baselines, such as benchmark, standard, and reference point, highlight their widespread applicability across various project types. Overall, a well-defined baseline supports clear communication, effective decision-making, and provides a structured approach to managing change, ultimately guiding projects toward successful completion.