Baseline
ConceptStep 1: Identify
Definition
The measured starting point of a metric before improvement begins.
A baseline is the quantitative measurement of a process metric at the start of a PIPS project. It is captured during Step 1 (Identify) and used again in Step 6 (Evaluate) for the before-after comparison. Without a clear baseline, there is no way to objectively determine whether an improvement effort succeeded. Baselines should be measured over a consistent time period using a consistent method.
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Where This Fits in the PIPS Methodology
This concept is used in Step 1: Identify — Define measurable problem statements.
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