The software design phase represents the optimum point for
software baselining to occur. The term software baseline means the
cutoffpoint in the design and is also referred to as design freeze.
User requirements are reviewed, item by item, and considered in
terms oftime and cost. The changes are undertaken after taking
into account various risks, and change does not occur without
undergoing formal strict procedures for approval based on a
cost-benefit impact analysis. Failure to adequately manage the
requirements for a system through baselining can result ui a number
of risks. Foremost among these risks is scope creep—the process
through which requirements change during development. Empirical
studies have shown that a typical project can experience at least a 25
percent change in requirements throughout development, resulting
in an increase in the effort and costs required for development.