Which sequence correctly describes how to measure the impact of a change?

Which sequence correctly describes how to measure the impact of a change?

• A. Collect baseline, Define KPIs, Measure post-change, Compare results
• B. Define KPIs, Measure post-change, Collect baseline, Compare results
• C. Define KPIs, Collect baseline, Measure post-change, Compare results
• D. Define KPIs, Collect baseline, Measure post-change, Compare results

Answer: (D)

Defining the metrics you’ll use to judge success sets the direction for your measurement. You start by identifying KPIs that align with the goal of the change, so you know exactly what data to collect. Once those KPIs are clear, you capture a baseline—the pre-change state under normal conditions—so you have a reference point to compare against. After the change is implemented, you measure the same KPIs again and then compare the post-change results to the baseline to determine the impact. This order matters because without a defined set of KPIs, you don’t know what to measure. Without a baseline, you can’t quantify how much the change shifted performance. Measuring post-change without a prior reference makes it impossible to isolate the effect of the change from natural variation or other factors.

Defining the metrics you’ll use to judge success sets the direction for your measurement. You start by identifying KPIs that align with the goal of the change, so you know exactly what data to collect. Once those KPIs are clear, you capture a baseline—the pre-change state under normal conditions—so you have a reference point to compare against. After the change is implemented, you measure the same KPIs again and then compare the post-change results to the baseline to determine the impact.

This order matters because without a defined set of KPIs, you don’t know what to measure. Without a baseline, you can’t quantify how much the change shifted performance. Measuring post-change without a prior reference makes it impossible to isolate the effect of the change from natural variation or other factors.