Start Date in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
The start date refers to the planned or actual date on which a specific project activity or the entire project begins. It is used to define and track the project schedule. Start dates are typically listed in schedules and Gantt charts and serve as the starting point for calculating durations and managing dependencies.
Example, Best Practice, and Further Information
In a construction project, for example, the start date for the structural work would be the day on which the first construction activities for that phase begin. A proven best practice is to set realistic start dates that consider both resource availability and existing dependencies. This aligns with time management principles from the PMBOK Guide and agile practices such as sprint planning. Careful scheduling helps minimize delays and supports effective project progress control.