What do we mean by a 'baseline' in Six Sigma projects?

A 'baseline' in Six Sigma projects refers to the initial measurement of process performance that serves as a comparison for future improvements. This baseline is essential as it establishes the current state of the process before any changes or improvements are made. By having this reference point, teams can measure the impact of their improvement efforts effectively and determine how much progress has been achieved over time.

Setting an accurate baseline is crucial in Six Sigma since it provides the necessary data to analyze variations, track performance improvements, and validate the success of the project's initiatives. A well-defined baseline helps practitioners identify defects and understand the process's capabilities.

Each of the other options describes concepts that are related but do not accurately capture the definition of a baseline. For example, best practices and expected outcomes pertain more to future targets rather than the initial measurement. Similarly, final performance metrics come into play after project completion, rather than serving as a point of reference for evaluating improvements. The baseline is fundamentally about understanding where the process currently stands to facilitate ongoing improvement.