Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Once the WBS and other scope documents are approved, what do they become?

1. Scope baseline

2. Project budget

3. Risk assessment documents

4. Communication plan

The correct answer is: Scope baseline

Once the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and related scope documents are approved, they become the scope baseline. The scope baseline serves as a key component of project management, providing a standard for measuring progress and performance throughout the project lifecycle. The scope baseline consists of the approved version of the project scope statement, the WBS, and the WBS dictionary. It establishes the boundaries of the project and defines what is included and what is not, thus ensuring that the project team and stakeholders have a common understanding of the project's deliverables and requirements. Any changes to this baseline require formal change management procedures, highlighting its role in maintaining project integrity and control. In contrast, the project budget refers to the financial resources allocated for the project, which is distinct from the scope documents. Risk assessment documents identify potential risks and their management strategies but do not equate to the approved scope. A communication plan outlines how information will be shared among stakeholders, which again is separate from the scope and WBS documents. Understanding that the scope baseline acts as a reference point throughout the project's execution is critical for effective project management.