Framework 02 / 12

Set the mandate, baseline and constraints before planning

Decision question

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.

Expected outputs

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.

Working context

Illustrative grid used during a 30-minute start review.

  1. 01Check

    Assess six conditions with evidence, owner and date.

  2. 02Classify

    Separate blocker, condition and improvement.

  3. 03Decide

    Issue a go, conditional go or no-go.

  4. 04Trace

    Record the conditions and their resolution date.

Original element

Six-condition framing gate

The score reaches 76%, but the absence of an available sponsor requires a conditional go.

ConditionWeightStatusEvidenceCriticalityDecision
Explicit mandate20CompleteSigned noteCriticalGo
Available sponsor20PartialNo deputyCriticalCondition
Validated scope15CompleteMatrixCriticalGo
Minimum baseline15Complete5 sourced KPIsMajorGo
Sensitive assumptions15Partial2 thresholds missingMajorCondition
Decision calendar15Complete4 dated reviewsMajorGo
Decision interpretation

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.

01Named sponsor

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

02Fixed horizon

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

03Dated data

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

04Documented constraints

Status, evidence, owner and next review date.

Related resources

Interactive brief and decision content.

Next step · 03Objectives & KPIs