How It Works

A structured process designed to improve decision quality before significant commitments are made.

Why a Structured Decision Process Matters

Business decisions are often influenced by urgency, incomplete information, personal experience and organizational pressures. A structured process creates discipline around evaluating assumptions, alternatives, risks and consequences. The objective is not to eliminate uncertainty. The objective is to make better decisions despite uncertainty.

The Engagement Process

1

Initial Discussion

Discuss the decision, context and objectives.

2

Define the Decision

Clarify exactly what decision is being evaluated.

3

Gather Inputs

Collect relevant information, assumptions and constraints.

4

Independent Analysis

Evaluate alternatives, risks and possible outcomes.

5

Decision Memo

Document findings and recommendation logic.

6

Review Session

Discuss conclusions and next steps.

The Decision Quality Review™ Framework

Every engagement follows a consistent framework designed to improve clarity, accountability and decision quality.

1. Decision Definition

What decision is actually being made?

2. Assumptions

What assumptions drive the decision?

3. Alternatives

What realistic options exist?

4. Risks

What could go wrong?

5. Scenarios

What outcomes are possible under different conditions?

6. Capital Exposure

How much capital or resources are at risk?

7. Reversibility

Can the decision be reversed if conditions change?

8. Recommendation Logic

What reasoning supports the preferred option?

What Is Included

Decision Framing

Clarification of objectives, constraints and alternatives.

Risk Assessment

Evaluation of key risks, vulnerabilities and uncertainties.

Scenario Analysis

Assessment of potential outcomes under different assumptions.

Decision Memo

A written report documenting analysis and conclusions.

The Decision Memo Deliverable

Section Purpose
Executive Summary Overview of the decision and findings.
Decision Statement Clear articulation of the decision under review.
Alternatives Evaluation of available options.
Assumptions Identification of critical assumptions.
Risk Analysis Assessment of downside exposure.
Scenario Analysis Evaluation of possible future outcomes.
Recommendation Logic Reasoning supporting conclusions.
Decision Record Documentation for future review.

Typical Engagement Timeline

Phase Typical Duration
Initial Discussion 30–60 Minutes
Information Review 2–5 Days
Analysis 3–10 Days
Decision Memo Preparation 1–3 Days
Review Session 60–90 Minutes

Frequently Reviewed Decisions

Expansion Decisions

Whether and how to grow operations.

Capital Investments

Major spending and resource allocation decisions.

Acquisitions

Evaluating acquisition opportunities and alternatives.

Executive Hiring

Assessing leadership additions and organizational impact.

Market Entry

Expansion into new geographic or customer markets.

Exit Planning

Evaluating strategic alternatives and timing.

What Success Looks Like

Success is not measured by whether a recommendation is followed. Success is measured by improved decision quality. Clients typically gain:

Ready to Review an Important Decision?

Schedule a confidential discussion regarding your upcoming business decision.

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