Question

Why is it important for project managers to resist changes to the project baseline? Under what conditions would a project manager make changes to a baseline? When would a project manager not allow changes to a baseline?

Answer 1

Q1) It is important for project managers to resist changes to the project baseline to -

1. Avoid any major impact to the project timeline and costs

2. Avoid impact on resource planning and management

3. Avoid unreasonable requirements in the middle of the project

Q2) Below are the conditions when a project manager can make changes to a baseline -

1. Impact on timeline and costs of the project is low

2. Change is critical to the business operations

3. Changes add value to the existing business processes

Q3) Below is when a project manager would not allow changes to a baseline -

1. Impact on timeline and costs of the project is high

2. Workaround can be used to manage the additional or change in requirements temporarily

3. Change can be considered in the next phase or next project