No.10 Maintaining a Baselined schedule

No.10 Maintaining a Baselined schedule

Maintaining a baselined project schedule is essential for the success of any project. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), a baselined schedule is a "time-phased plan, plus or minus approved project changes, that establishes the planned dates for performing project activities." The schedule serves as the foundation for managing a project and is used to monitor progress, identify variances, and make adjustments as needed.

One of the primary reasons for maintaining a baselined project schedule is to ensure that the project stays on track and is completed on time. The schedule establishes the planned start and finish dates for each activity and outlines the dependencies between activities. By monitoring the schedule and identifying variances, project managers can take corrective action to keep the project on schedule. This is particularly important for projects with tight deadlines or those that have critical milestones that must be met.

Another important aspect of maintaining a baselined project schedule is that it helps to ensure that resources are allocated effectively. The schedule identifies the resources required for each activity, including personnel, equipment, and materials. By monitoring the schedule, project managers can ensure that resources are available when they are needed and can take action to resolve any resource conflicts that may arise. This is critical for ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Maintaining a baselined project schedule also helps to ensure that the project stays within budget. The schedule provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with each activity, including labor, materials, and equipment. By monitoring the schedule, project managers can identify variances and take corrective action to keep the project within budget. This is particularly important for projects with tight budgets or those that have critical cost constraints.

In addition to ensuring that the project stays on track, is completed on time, and is completed within budget, maintaining a baselined project schedule also helps to ensure that the project meets the needs and expectations of stakeholders. The schedule provides a clear picture of what the project will deliver and when it will be completed. By monitoring the schedule and communicating progress, project managers can keep stakeholders informed and ensure that their expectations are being met.

The American Association of Cost Engineers International (AACEI) also stresses the importance of maintaining a baselined project schedule. AACEI states that a baselined schedule serves as the "basis for performance measurement, variance analysis, and forecasting" and is "the foundation for effective project control." AACEI also notes that a baselined schedule is "essential for effective resource planning and management" and is "critical for meeting project objectives and satisfying customer requirements."

In conclusion, maintaining a baselined project schedule is essential for the success of any project. The schedule serves as the foundation for managing a project and is used to monitor progress, identify variances, and make adjustments as needed. By maintaining a baselined schedule, project managers can ensure that the project stays on track and is completed on time, that resources are allocated effectively, that the project stays within budget, and that the project meets the needs and expectations of stakeholders. PMI and AACEI both stress the importance of maintaining a baselined schedule for effective project management and control.