Lähtöarvio

Lähtöarvio is a Finnish term that translates to "initial estimate" or "starting estimate" in English. It refers to a preliminary assessment or prediction made at the beginning of a project, process, or task. This estimate is based on available information and assumptions at that early stage, and it often serves as a benchmark for future planning and evaluation.

The purpose of a lähtöarvio is to provide a rough idea of key parameters such as cost, time, resources, or expected outcomes. It helps stakeholders to understand the potential scope and scale of what is being undertaken. Because it is made early on, a lähtöarvio is inherently subject to change as more information becomes available or as the project progresses and unforeseen factors arise.

In practice, a lähtöarvio might be used in project management to set initial budgets and timelines. In manufacturing, it could be an early prediction of production output. In research, it might be a hypothesis or expected result before the study begins. The accuracy of a lähtöarvio typically improves as the project moves from conception to execution, with more detailed assessments and refinements being made along the way. It is a dynamic tool, not a fixed declaration, intended to guide initial decision-making and provide a basis for comparison with later, more accurate assessments.