Final answer:
Maurice establishes a project schedule baseline to act as a reference for monitoring project progress and managing changes, facilitating easier and controlled adjustments when needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maurice creates a baseline for his project schedule in order to establish a reference point against which the actual progress of the project can be compared. This baseline serves as a foundation for monitoring project performance and managing changes to the schedule. Creating a baseline involves analyzing the project to ensure that all activities and components are included and that the evaluation of the project's progress will be simplified and understandable to stakeholders.
When setting up a baseline, it's essential to plan accurately, considering all project activities, including those outlined in the Schedule of Work. This planning helps assess what is being done and why it is being done—prominent factors in its usability and usefulness.
Should any changes occur during the project, having a baseline makes it easier to adjust the course of action while maintaining control over the project's timeline and resource allocation. It's a preemptive approach for successful project management, enabling project managers to keep track of whether the project is on schedule, within budget, and aligned with the previously established objectives.