The Problem: Project work often starts before all of the tasks are known. If a project baseline is not set before incurring the actual work on tasks, then the baselines value is reduced as there will never be variance in start dates for those tasks.
The Solution: Baseline the project tasks in phases. First, highlight the tasks to be baselined, then from the Tools menu choose Tracking, Set Baseline…
Ensure that the selections are to “Set baseline”, For “Selected tasks” and finally ensure that all options under “Roll up baselines:” are checked. These last settings enable Project to capture the phased baseline. Finally, click on “OK” to set the phased baseline. (Click on the figure below to enlarge and examine details.)
When the tasks and schedule for the next phase is known, then the tasks in that phase are added to the existing baseline using the method just described.
The figure below depicts a project with a phased baseline and variance. The Star Variance and Finish Variance fields were inserted to illustrate the capture of variance data in phases. (Click on the figure below to enlarge and examine details.)
Thanks to all who asked for this information after my June webinar! Please check back for more answers to questions posed during and after Versatile’s “Essentials of Project”.
