Establishing a Project baseline is a basic requirement of any Project start-up. Without a properly established baseline, there is no possibility to effectively control a project. However a baseline is a lot more than just a schedule, and this fact is often unappreciated. In our new White Paper 2016-14 ‘The Real Nature of a Project Baseline: the Project Data Structure’, we explain the real nature and reach of a baseline. In reality, a Project baseline sets the ground in terms of Project data structure. The White Paper then explains some basic properties of Project baselines.

The combination of all the necessary elements in an overall baseline that makes sense and allows continuous updating throughout the project requires devising an underlying data structure that:

• Enables proper and accurate description of the project status and forecast
• Enables data transmittal consistent with the project description between different parties and components of the Project.

This explains why the first action when building a baseline should be to devise the data structure, i.e. mainly:

• Different breakdown structures (Work, Cost, Organization)
• Coding of all deliverables (engineering, procurement)
• Progress recognition status and credit rules
• Etc.

Project baselining is a much more ambitious endeavor than just producing a reference schedule or execution strategy. The baselining process implies to organize the Project data and is hence extremely structural to future Project success. Read our new White Paper 2016-14 ‘The Real Nature of a Project Baseline: the Project Data Structure’!