What is the purpose of a baseline schedule?

The purpose of a baseline schedule is to serve as a reference point for measuring project performance. A baseline schedule establishes the planned start and finish dates for project activities, as well as milestones and overall timeline expectations. This allows project managers and teams to assess progress by comparing the actual performance against the baseline.

When deviations or variances arise during project execution, the baseline serves as a key tool in performance measurement and analysis. It not only helps teams understand whether they are on track to meet deadlines but also enables the identification of issues that may require corrective actions.

Other options may describe relevant aspects of project management but do not accurately capture the primary function of a baseline schedule. For instance, providing a high-level overview of project goals doesn't delve into the specifics of timeline management. Documenting changes made during project execution is important, but it relates to change management rather than the initial scheduling baseline. Outlining stakeholder responsibilities pertains to stakeholder management rather than the scheduling aspect of a project.