Project Schedule vs Schedule Baseline

What's the difference between Project Schedule and Schedule Baseline? I've answered this question numerous times in emails, forums and blog comments. But it keeps coming back to me. It is high time I address it in a separate post, and settle it once and for all. If you have managed projects, it shouldn't be hard for you to understand. The difference is similar to that between you and your photograph. Puzzled? Read on.

Just like your photograph is a snapshot of you, a Schedule Baseline is a snapshot of a Project Schedule. However, it's not an ordinary snapshot.

Schedule Baseline is an "approved" version of the Project Schedule.

Let's review the major differences:

• Project Schedule is a "living" document, whereas Schedule Baseline is "frozen".


• Project Schedule is the "actual", whereas Schedule Baseline is the "plan".


• Project Schedule is a Project Document, whereas Schedule Baseline is a part of the Project Management Plan.


• Project Schedule is updated as the project is being executed, whereas Schedule Baseline is revised only as a result of an approved change.


• Schedule performance is measured by comparing the actual (Project Schedule) vs the baseline (Schedule Baseline).


• At the beginning of project execution, the Project Schedule is the same as the Schedule Baseline. As work is done on the project, the actual progress is updated on the project schedule. At any given date, the latest version of the actual (project) schedule is referred to as the "Project Schedule".

Now before you read further, answer the quiz below:


Let's use the elimination technique to get the correct answer. You don't touch the Schedule Baseline except for approved changes. So, that's not the correct answer. Schedule Data includes schedule milestones, schedule activities, activity attributes, resource requirements, assumptions & constraints etc. That's not the correct answer either. Schedule Network Diagram is a schematic display of logical relationship between project schedule activities. So, that's out as well. We are left with Project Schedule, which is indeed the right answer.

If you hear anyone asking this question again, point that person to this article. And don't hesitate to use the Comments section below if you have further questions on this topic. Your comments enrich this blog, and I value your feedback.

Image credit: Flickr / Andrew Mason

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