What is a baseline schedule used for?

A baseline schedule serves as the approved plan against which project progress is measured and tracked. It establishes the initial timeline for project activities, including start and finish dates for tasks and milestones. This makes it essential for evaluating performance throughout the project lifecycle. As the project progresses, actual performance is compared to the baseline schedule to determine if the project is on track, ahead, or behind schedule. This comparison helps project managers make informed decisions about resource allocation, scheduling adjustments, and identifying any potential delays.

While the other options mention relevant concepts, they do not capture the core purpose of the baseline schedule. For instance, projecting future durations or estimating costs might involve forecasts that utilize the baseline as a reference point, but they don't define its primary function. Similarly, recording changes relates to the monitoring and controlling processes but does not align with the foundational role of the baseline schedule in effective project management.