IS.1:4.4 - Construct the smallest useful undertaking

Choose an initial result that reaches a receiver. “Hold a meeting” is an activity. “Recover the failed lookup, agree its permitted repair and let the reviewer use the repaired route on the next case” supplies a bounded contribution.

Name the minimum inputs and contributions needed for that result. Check that they can be supplied together at the relevant time. If they cannot, compare changing the first result, rescheduling, obtaining another supplier, using a qualified incumbent or stopping.

Agree the limit of the first attempt and the conditions that change it. A short engagement can end with a repaired condition. A discovery engagement can end with a qualified question and an available next decision. A larger implementation promise needs IS.3’s actual strategy and provision. Keep the smaller undertaking honest when the larger benefit remains conditional.

Put the result where the parties can use it: an existing work note, service request or ordinary agreement can be sufficient. The required content is the receiving result, helper contribution, recipient contribution, effective decisions, protection and next change condition. A new form is not required.