Project Baseline Checklist
Creating a project baseline checklist is essential for ensuring that all the critical elements of a project are defined and agreed upon before the project begins. Here's a comprehensive project baseline checklist:
Project Baseline Checklist
1. Scope Baseline- Project Scope Statement: Clear and detailed description of project deliverables and boundaries.
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work.
- WBS Dictionary: Detailed descriptions of each WBS component.
2. Schedule Baseline- Project Schedule: Timeline with key milestones, deliverables, and deadlines.
- Activity List: All tasks and activities required to complete the project.
- Gantt Chart: Visual representation of the project schedule.
- Network Diagram: Flowchart showing the sequence of project activities.
3. Cost Baseline- Cost Estimates: Detailed cost estimates for each project activity.
- Budget Allocation: Distribution of budget across different project phases and tasks.
- Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS): Hierarchical structure of project costs.
4. Quality Baseline- Quality Management Plan: Standards and criteria for project quality.
- Quality Metrics: Specific measures to determine project quality.
- Quality Control Procedures: Processes for monitoring and controlling quality.
5. Communication Baseline- Communication Plan: Strategy for internal and external communication.
- Stakeholder Register: List of stakeholders with contact information and communication preferences.
- Reporting Schedule: Timeline for regular project status reports.
6. Risk Baseline- Risk Management Plan: Approach to identifying, analyzing, and responding to risks.
- Risk Register: List of identified risks with their impact, probability, and mitigation plans.
- Risk Response Strategies: Defined actions for risk mitigation, transfer, acceptance, or avoidance.
7. Procurement Baseline- Procurement Management Plan: Strategy for acquiring goods and services.
- Contract Documentation: Details of all contracts and agreements.
- Vendor List: Approved suppliers and vendors.
8. Resource Baseline- Resource Plan: Identification and allocation of project resources.
- Resource Calendar: Availability schedule of resources.
- RACI Matrix: Responsibility assignment matrix defining roles and responsibilities.
9. Stakeholder Baseline- Stakeholder Analysis: Assessment of stakeholder interests, power, and influence.
- Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Strategy for engaging stakeholders throughout the project.
10. Change Management Baseline- Change Management Plan: Process for managing changes to project scope, schedule, and cost.
- Change Request Log: Record of all change requests and their status.
- Impact Analysis: Evaluation of the impact of changes on the project.
11. Baseline Approval- Sign-off Document: Formal approval from project sponsor and key stakeholders.
- Baseline Review Meeting: Meeting to review and agree on the project baseline.
Ensure each item on this checklist is thoroughly documented and approved by the relevant stakeholders to establish a solid foundation for project execution.
