Who is responsible for approving the baseline plan in a project?

The owner or project sponsor is responsible for approving the baseline plan in a project because they hold the ultimate accountability for the project's success and resource allocation. The baseline plan includes critical components such as the project's scope, schedule, and budget, which need the sponsor's approval to ensure alignment with their expectations and organizational goals.

This approval signifies the sponsor's commitment to providing the necessary resources and support for the project, as well as their authority to influence key decisions throughout the project lifecycle. Involving the owner or sponsor in the approval process helps to mitigate risks and ensures that all parties are aligned before project execution begins.

While the project manager and project team play significant roles in developing and refining the baseline plan, it is the owner's or sponsor's approval that legitimizes the plan and binds the project to a defined course of action. Stakeholders may have input and can influence various aspects of the project, but the final authority for approving the baseline rests with the project sponsor, reflecting the typical structure of project governance.