Comparison · C71
Compare sequencing methods
Should the roadmap be sequenced by dates, dependencies, cost of delay or constrained capacity?
Direct answer
The method depends on scope stability, dependency density, delay cost and resource substitutability.
01Choose the primary method and complementary roadmap control.
02The rule, the evidence and the next review date stay visible.
How to use this
Move from the question to the deliverable.
Should the roadmap be sequenced by dates, dependencies, cost of delay or constrained capacity?
Choose the primary method and complementary roadmap control.
Four-method comparison
Critical comparison · SQ-71
Choose the sequencing method by the dominant constraint
A calendar of dates is visually reassuring but often hides dependencies and bottlenecks. The method must reflect what makes a delay costly or irreversible.
Comparison applied to a launch roadmap with 22 tasks, six strong dependencies and two critical roles.
- 01Diagnose
Measure the stability of dates, the density of dependencies, the cost of delay and the scarcity of roles.
- 02Compare
Assess the methods on the same portfolio and the same assumptions.
- 03Choose
Keep one main method and one complementary control.
- 04Revise
Change method if the dominant constraint changes during execution.
Dates, critical path, cost of delay or constrained capacity
A method scores highly when it makes the constraint concerned explicitly visible.
| Method | Dependencies | Cost of delay | Scarce capacity | Review | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date-based calendar | 1/5 | 1/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 | Simple communication |
| Critical path | 5/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | Stable dependencies |
| WSJF / cost of delay | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | Competing options |
| Critical chain | 4/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | Constrained resources |
01The critical chain is retained because marketing ops and product marketing limit several tasks at the same time.
02The critical path stays in use to control the six non-negotiable dependencies.
03A calendar of dates is produced for communication, but does not serve as a decision algorithm.
Methodological comparison. The methods lose their value if durations, dependencies and capacities are not kept up to date.
Coherence controls
Minimum conditions before validation.
The status, the evidence and the owner must be available for review.
The status, the evidence and the owner must be available for review.
The status, the evidence and the owner must be available for review.
The status, the evidence and the owner must be available for review.
Usable deliverable
Four-method comparison
Explore the decision further with an interactive control, or start from a structured template to produce your deliverable.