What is the Project Scope Baseline? (Examples & Templates Included)

Scope Baseline consists of work breakdown structure (WBS), scope statement, and WBS Dictionary. It is one of three performance measurement baselines. The other two baselines are “schedule baseline” and “cost baseline.” 

The scope is the key project parameter because you must complete the scope of work to finish and deliver the project successfully.

This blog post will discuss the scope baseline, its components, and its importance in project management.

What is the Project Scope Baseline?

The project scope baseline is a comprehensive project management document outlining the scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and the associated WBS dictionary. It is a reference point for evaluating and controlling project scope throughout its lifecycle. Scope baseline ensures alignment with project objectives and stakeholder expectations.

Components of Scope Baseline

The following are the three components of the scope baseline:

1. Scope Statement
2. Work Breakdown Structure
3. WBS Dictionary

Scope Statement

A scope statement defines the complete scope of work for the project. It explains the project deliverables, goals, assumptions, constraints, inclusion, exclusion, etc.

Work Breakdown Structure

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical organization of all project work or deliverables into smaller and manageable tasks. The WBS usually has two to three levels of detail, and the element at the lowest level is called the work package.

Sometimes, work packages are preceded by planning packages, and control accounts precede planning packages. 

WBS Dictionary

The WBS Dictionary is an integral part of WBS. Being graphical, WBS does not show element details; therefore, the WBS Dictionary provides details of all the WBS elements.

Uses of Scope Baseline

The scope baseline defines the deliverables, scope of work, and agreed-upon goal(s). It is the foundation of project progress and helps you determine your daily work.

A scope baseline helps you:

• Provide common agreement among stakeholders,
• Helps advance the project with the least hassle,
• Provide a basis for monitoring and controlling the work,
• Avoid scope creep and gold plating.

A scope baseline is an approved document containing stakeholders’ requirements and expectations. You will refer to this document in case of any deviation. It is also a good communication tool for letting team members know their job responsibilities.

Everyone knows what they should do since you have all the tasks defined in front of you and your team members. There will be no ambiguity in responsibility, and you can complete the work without hassle.

The scope baseline is an approved document that helps you measure your project’s status and progress against a clear objective. To make scope changes, you must raise a change request and get the new scope baseline approved.

Since all changes are controlled, there will be less chance of scope creep, which is an uncontrolled change in scope. Also, the chances of gold plating are reduced because the scope baseline is defined, and you monitor the progress.

How to Develop Scope Baseline

The project manager develops the scope baseline along with the project management team.

You develop the scope baseline while creating the Work Breakdown Structure. It comprises the project scope statement, the WBS, and the WBS Dictionary.

The scope statement describes the scope of work, project deliverables, assumptions, constraints, milestones, project inclusions, and project exclusions, among other things.

To develop the scope statement, you will review the contract document, go through the requirements document, and then write the scope statement.

A WBS is a visual, hierarchical breakdown of a project into smaller components or tasks. This is the vital foundation of project planning and helps managers identify project components to determine the project cost and develop the schedule. It integrates project scope, schedule, and cost baseline and ensures aligned project plans.

A WBS structure is developed after you complete the scope statement. It validates the scope statement and helps refine it throughout the entire process.

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) can have two to three levels of detail; however, complex projects can have more levels as required.

The PMBOK Guide defines the WBS Dictionary as “A document that provides detailed deliverable, activity, and scheduling information about each component in the work breakdown structure.”

The Dictionary lists each element of WBS, including deliverables, scope, duration, milestones, start and end dates, required resources, costs, quality, assigned team members, etc.

You will develop the WBS Dictionary during or after creating the WBS. The Dictionary reinforces the WBS and provides clarity for team members to understand the WBS.

Conclusion

Scope baseline is the approved version of the scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary. You must go through a formal change management system to change this document.

Developing a scope baseline is the first step toward completing the project. Scope baseline defines the scope of work, helps build the project schedule, and provides information on milestones, assumptions, constraints, etc. 

It is one of the performance measurement baselines that helps you keep your project on track.

This topic is important from a PMP exam point of view.