Framework 11 / 12
Compare plan with actuals and document corrective decisions
Which variance requires action, a reallocation or a new version of the plan?
Decision
Continue, correct, reallocate, rephase or stop.
Distinguish variances in cost, timing, capacity, performance, assumption and context. This step produces reviewable commitments and flags information that remains too fragile to justify a trade-off.
01Variance analysis
02Decisions
03Reforecast
04Revised version
Original chart · SQ-38
Set control limits before observing variances
A threshold chosen after a variance encourages arbitrary reactions. Control limits distinguish noise, watch conditions and action.
Illustrative case: cost per opportunity observed over eight weeks.
- 01Stabilise
Choose a comparable period and remove known structural breaks.
- 02Calculate
Establish the mean and working limits.
- 03Observe
Track level, trend and runs of points.
- 04Act
Link every breach rule to a decision.
Cost per opportunity: alert from €900
Week 8 exceeds the action limit after three consecutive weeks of deterioration.
Working limit = historical mean ± 2 × standard deviation| Week | Cost / opportunity | Watch limit | Action limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | €760 | €850 | €900 | Normal |
| W2 | €790 | €850 | €900 | Normal |
| W3 | €775 | €850 | €900 | Normal |
| W4 | €820 | €850 | €900 | Normal |
| W5 | €845 | €850 | €900 | Trend watch |
| W6 | €870 | €850 | €900 | Watch |
| W7 | €895 | €850 | €900 | Watch |
| W8 | €930 | €850 | €900 | Action |
01Action does not wait for W8: three consecutive increases trigger an investigation in W7.
02The decision is to separate channel effect, quality and conversion delay.
03Limits are recalculated only after a documented system break.
Fictitious data. The working limits illustrate a steering method and are not a certified statistical control.
Minimum controls
What the plan must make visible.
Status, evidence, owner and next review date.
Status, evidence, owner and next review date.
Status, evidence, owner and next review date.
Status, evidence, owner and next review date.
Related resources
