Framework 02 / 12
Set the mandate, baseline and constraints before planning
Which starting situation, mandate and constraints should the plan rely on?
Decision
Freeze the working mandate and the minimum data to collect.
Separate facts, assumptions, ambitions and decisions that are still open. This step produces reviewable commitments and flags information that remains too fragile to justify a trade-off.
01Mandate
02Scope
03Baseline
04Assumption register
Decision grid · SQ-31
Decide whether framing authorises the start
Framing is ready when six conditions are evidenced. A missing critical condition blocks detailed planning.
Illustrative grid used during a 30-minute start review.
- 01Check
Assess six conditions with evidence, owner and date.
- 02Classify
Separate blocker, condition and improvement.
- 03Decide
Issue a go, conditional go or no-go.
- 04Trace
Record the conditions and their resolution date.
Six-condition framing gate
The score reaches 76%, but the absence of an available sponsor requires a conditional go.
| Condition | Weight | Status | Evidence | Criticality | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explicit mandate | 20 | Complete | Signed note | Critical | Go |
| Available sponsor | 20 | Partial | No deputy | Critical | Condition |
| Validated scope | 15 | Complete | Matrix | Critical | Go |
| Minimum baseline | 15 | Complete | 5 sourced KPIs | Major | Go |
| Sensitive assumptions | 15 | Partial | 2 thresholds missing | Major | Condition |
| Decision calendar | 15 | Complete | 4 dated reviews | Major | Go |
01An average above 75% does not cancel a critical condition.
02The start is authorised if the sponsor’s deputy is named within five days.
03The two assumption thresholds can be completed during the first week.
Fictitious example. Critical conditions must be adapted to the mandate and level of irreversibility.
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
