Library / Problem Structuring and Decision Support Principles Framework
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PSD.11:2 - Problem

A rank can hide an incomplete causal story. A larger pump does not by itself establish delivered flood service. A better-trained worker does not by itself remove a queue constrained by interfaces. A stronger model benchmark does not establish reliability of the deployed service arrangement.

Even accurate separate estimates can form a false comparison. Alternatives may use different baselines, populations, operating assumptions, or horizons. Shared benefits can be counted twice, losses shifted to excluded people, and an average used to hide a tail or distributional difference. The missing work is a consequence account on a compatible basis, not merely a more sophisticated ranking algorithm.