Back to Glossary

Scope Baseline

Definition

Scope Baseline is a component of the project scope management process. It is a document that defines the project scope and serves as an agreed-upon reference point for future decisions about the project. The Scope Baseline includes the approved project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary.

Components

The Scope Baseline consists of three components: the Project Scope Statement, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and WBS Dictionary. The Project Scope Statement is a document that describes the project objectives, deliverables, assumptions, constraints, and other important information related to the project. The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the work required to complete the project. It breaks down the project into smaller tasks or activities that can be managed more easily. The WBS Dictionary provides detailed descriptions of each element in the WBS.

Importance

The Scope Baseline is an important tool for managing a project because it serves as a reference point for all future decisions about the project. It helps ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to understanding what needs to be done and how it should be done. It also helps prevent scope creep by providing a clear definition of what is included in the project and what is not.