Which statement about baselines in performance measurement is true?

Which statement about baselines in performance measurement is true?

• A. Baselines are optional once the project starts.
• B. Only the cost baseline matters for performance measurement.
• C. Performance is measured against approved baselines; variances indicate deviations.
• D. Baseline is the same as actual performance.

Answer: (C)

Baselines are the approved reference points used to measure project performance. They set the expected scope, schedule, and cost. By comparing actual work, timing, and spending to these baselines, you can see variances that indicate deviations. Those variances trigger management actions and help forecast future performance. Baselines are established and approved during planning and are not optional once execution begins. They are the yardstick for performance; actual results will differ, but variation is what you monitor.

Baselines are the approved reference points used to measure project performance. They set the expected scope, schedule, and cost. By comparing actual work, timing, and spending to these baselines, you can see variances that indicate deviations. Those variances trigger management actions and help forecast future performance. Baselines are established and approved during planning and are not optional once execution begins. They are the yardstick for performance; actual results will differ, but variation is what you monitor.