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?  Topic 7 DQ 2 Describe your approach to tracking a project

Topic 7 DQ 1

Project managers usually resist changes to the project baseline because if it happens once, then it'll most probably happen again.

Additionally, changing the project baseline requires a lot of negotiation with the client (who may or may not be understanding) and the stakeholders of the project, as the baseline cannot be changed without their approval. If the baseline changes, then most probably the cost, the time, and the scope of the project will all change as well (to the worse).

Now if the change of the baseline is re-negotiated and approved with no benefit to the vendor (the company that is executing the project), then the client will be tempted to send more changes to the project manager, which may trigger another change of baseline.

The usefulness and integrity of the baseline, as a mechanism for monitoring progress and tracing back to the problem, can be eroded by constant changing of the baseline. Therefore, changes in baselines should be limited to major scope changes

Reference:

Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2018). Project management: The managerial process (7^th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.

Topic 7 DQ 2

Project tracking refers to project management that measures and reports the phase status, tasks and activities needed to achieve the project results provided. There are various tools and techniques available to manage and track projects.Project management software is frequently used to assist in managing the initiation, execution, tracking and closing of projects. By automating many of the project tracking tasks such as scheduling, time and expense reporting, and charge back reporting.

As a project manager I would focus on scheduling, time, expense reportung and charge back reporting.

Project managers have access to real-time analytics, which ensure the efficient management of resource allocation and utilization. They also have automation also assists project managers in consistent project execution, improved resource utilization and reduced resource gaps, operational efficiency and it facilitates communication and decision-making.

Reference:

 Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2018). Project management: The managerial process (7^th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.