The Initiation Document forms the basis for the baseline's management and the assessment of overall success. Its primary uses are: (i) ensure that the baseline has a sound basis before asking anyone to make major commitments to it; (ii) act as a base document against which the project board and project manager can assess progress, project issues and ongoing viability questions. Fundamental questions include: What, Why, Where, Who, How and When?

The extent of the baseline subject matter will determine the level of detail for these items. Content items are divided in Stable and Dynamic. Especially the dynamic content elements are further elaborated in other (linked) management products.