Posted: May 14th, 2025

Why Project Managers Should Resist Project Baseline Changes

As a project manager, you can resist changes to the project baseline. The baseline represents the approved scope, schedule, and cost. Changes to the baseline can have a ripple effect on the entire project, jeopardizing its success.

As a project manager, you oversee the project and formulate a plan to meet the set goals. Making and sticking to a plan shows that you follow through and achieve your goals.

What is a Project Baseline?

A baseline is a snapshot of the project at a particular point in time. It represents the approved scope, schedule, and cost of the project. The baseline tracks progress and identifies variances.

Creating a Project Baseline

Creating a project baseline is a critical step in the project management process. It provides a point of reference against which you will assess the project’s progress. Here are crucial steps to building a project baseline.

1. List dependencies and activities
2. Make estimates on resources needed
3. Make a schedule model
4. Ask for approval
5. Discuss the schedule
6. Use the baseline and stick to it

Why is it Important to Resist Changes to the Project Baseline?

Changes to the baseline can have a ripple effect on the entire project, jeopardizing its success. Therefore, project managers need to resist changes to the baseline.

The project manager should work with the stakeholders to develop a new baseline if a change is necessary. That will ensure that the project stays on track and does

There are a few reasons why you should resist changes to the project baseline:

1. Changes can throw off the entire project schedule.
2. Changes can increase the project costs.
3. Changes can jeopardize the project’s success.

When is project baseline change necessary?

There may be times when a change to the baseline is necessary. Get approval from all stakeholders before proceeding. Here are instances when changing a project baseline is essential.

The original scope was not realistic.
2. The project schedule has changed significantly.
3. The project budget has been exhausted.
4. There is a change in the project’s objectives.
Making changes to the baseline should be a last resort and only done when necessary. The project manager should always consider all potential risks before changing the project baseline.

Final Thoughts on the Project Baseline Changes

As a project manager, you are responsible for the project’s success. Part of this responsibility is protecting the project baseline. Changes to the baseline can have a ripple effect on the entire project, jeopardizing its success. When a change is necessary, document it and get approval from all stakeholders before proceeding.

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Question#1 (one page)

Why is it important for project managers to resist changes to the project baseline? Under what conditions would a project manager make changes to a baseline? When would a project manager not allow changes to a baseline?

Question#2 (one page)

Describe your project tracking approach. What kinds of issues would you focus on if you were a project manager? Why?