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What does Baseline Start Date mean in Project Management?

by | reviewed 2023-08-19
Baseline Start Date
Is the estimated or planned beginning date for a task, activity, or the entire project, based on the initial project plan or schedule.

When a project manager creates a project schedule, they establish planned start dates for each task or activity within the project. These dates form the project's baseline schedule, which is used to compare against actual start dates.

The baseline start date is important because it helps project stakeholders understand the original expectations for when a particular task or the overall project was supposed to begin. Comparing the baseline start date to the actual start date can provide insights into the project's efficiency, effectiveness, and any potential issues that may have arisen during the project's initiation and planning phases. Monitoring and managing deviations from baseline start dates can help project teams stay on track and ensure timely completion of tasks and activities.
Meaning and definition of Baseline Start Date

See also Budget
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