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Variation

A real project condition that differs from what the approved baseline predicted.

Key Points

  • It is the difference between actual project conditions and what the baseline expected.
  • Variations can be favorable or unfavorable and should be measured and recorded.
  • They often trigger analysis and may lead to corrective or preventive actions and change requests.
  • A variation is not an approved change; baselines are updated only through integrated change control.

Example

In a construction project, the baseline plan expects concrete to cure in 7 days, but due to cold weather it takes 9 days. The 2-day difference is a variation that the project manager logs, analyzes for schedule impact, and addresses through the change control process if needed.

PMP Example Question

During monitoring and controlling, the team observes the actual defect rate is 3% while the baseline target is 1%. What is this difference called?

  1. Variation
  2. Issue
  3. Change request
  4. Risk event

Correct Answer: A - Variation

Explanation: It is an actual condition that does not match the baseline expectation, which defines a variation. It may lead to an issue entry or change request, but the difference itself is a variation.

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