For a formal review, at what point in the process are the entry and exit criteria defined?

The entry and exit criteria for a formal review are defined during the planning phase of the review process. This phase is crucial as it sets the expectations and conditions for both starting the review (entry criteria) and completing it (exit criteria).

Entry criteria typically outline what needs to be prepared and in place for the review to commence, such as the availability of necessary documentation, the presence of relevant stakeholders, and other prerequisites that ensure a productive review session. Exit criteria, on the other hand, detail the conditions that must be satisfied for the review to be considered complete, which may include addressing all identified issues, achieving consensus among participants, or reaching a certain level of quality assurance.

Defining these criteria in the planning stage helps to clarify goals, establish accountability, and set the groundwork for effective communication among the team members involved. By doing so, it ensures that all participants have a common understanding of what constitutes a successful review, leading to a more structured and efficient examination of the subject matter.

In the subsequent stages, like review initiation and individual review, while relevant actions continue, the criteria themselves must have already been outlined during planning to ensure the review adheres to those agreed standards. Therefore, the planning phase is the correct point for defining both entry and