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Create the Project Baseline

In this exercise, youll create a project baseline, then display the Task Sheet and variance table combination.
Finally, youll display project statistics to learn how baseline information is used in the statistics dialog box.

1. Open Home Construction Project 4D.

This project plan has been reviewed by the team and is considered to be final. Soon you and
your team will begin carrying out the plan. Your objective is to capture and store baseline
information for use later when you enter actual work.

2. Choose ProjectScheduleSet Baseline .

3. From the submenu that appears, choose Set Baseline again.

4. Follow the steps below to create an initial baseline for this project:
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A. Select Set baseline, and verify that the text box contains the word Baseline.

B. Under For, select Entire project.

C. Click OK at bottom-right of the page.

All of the start and finish dates, durations, assignments, and work in the project at this point in
time are now stored.

Next take a look at the Task Sheet and Variance table combination useful for tracking any
differences between planned and actual values in the project.

5. Choose ViewTask ViewsOther Views .

6. From the list of options, click Task Sheet.

This view contains your task list, dates, and assignment information without the Gantt bars to
the right. Next, youll place the variance on top of this view.

7. Choose ViewDataTables .

A list of available tables is displayed, with the current Entry table overlay checked.

8. From the list of tables displayed, select the variance table.

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9. Choose ViewGantt Chart to return to the Gantt Chart view.

10. Display project statistics by choosing the command Project >Properties >Project

Information .

11. In the Project Information dialog box, click Statistics.

Notice the new information displayed in this dialog box. The Baseline row is now populated. The
information in the Baseline row is identical to the information in the Current row. This is
because no actual values have been recorded.

At this point, project planning is complete and you have established a baseline against which to
compare actual values.

12. Close the project statistics dialog box.

13. Save your file and close it.