What does "input data" mean in planning?

In the context of planning, "input data" refers to the essential baseline documents and information needed to initiate the planning process effectively. This data serves as a foundation for developing project plans, establishing timelines, and setting budgets. It typically includes requirements, scope, resources, and constraints that help project planners outline what is necessary to achieve the project's objectives.

Baseline documents, such as project charters, scope statements, and resource availability, are crucial because they provide context and parameters that guide all subsequent planning activities. This makes it possible to align project objectives with realistic outputs and deliverables right from the start, ensuring that all team members have a clear understanding of what needs to be addressed in the planning phase.

While historical performance metrics, feedback from participants, and predicted outcomes based on current trends are important elements in project management, they do not constitute the primary input data needed to initiate planning. These aspects may influence planning decisions but are not the foundational data required to start the planning process itself.