Framework 11 / 12

Compare plan with actuals and document corrective decisions

Decision question

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.

Expected outputs

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.

Working context

Illustrative case: cost per opportunity observed over eight weeks.

  1. 01Stabilise

    Choose a comparable period and remove known structural breaks.

  2. 02Calculate

    Establish the mean and working limits.

  3. 03Observe

    Track level, trend and runs of points.

  4. 04Act

    Link every breach rule to a decision.

Original element

Cost per opportunity: alert from €900

Week 8 exceeds the action limit after three consecutive weeks of deterioration.

Calculation methodWorking limit = historical mean ± 2 × standard deviation
W1
€760Normal
W4
€820Normal
W6
€870Watch
W7
€895Watch
W8
€930Action
WeekCost / opportunityWatch limitAction limitStatus
W1€760€850€900Normal
W2€790€850€900Normal
W3€775€850€900Normal
W4€820€850€900Normal
W5€845€850€900Trend watch
W6€870€850€900Watch
W7€895€850€900Watch
W8€930€850€900Action
Decision interpretation

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.

01Qualified variance

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

02Documented cause

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

03Assigned decision

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

04Preserved version

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

Related resources

Guided review and decision content.

Next step · 12Scenarios & risks