baseline-first strategy
nounA plan where you start by finding out what is normal before you try to change things.
The scientists used a baseline-first strategy, measuring the lake's normal condition before adding any new plants.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In machine learning, a plan to build a simple model first so you have something to compare better models against.
Before trying a huge neural network, the team followed a baseline-first strategy and trained a simple classifier.
3. In business, a habit of recording current performance before starting a new project.
Our baseline-first strategy meant we wrote down this month's sales before launching the ad campaign.
4. In sports training, a plan to test an athlete's normal level before making a new workout plan.
The coach used a baseline-first strategy, timing the runners before adding hill sprints.