STR.1:4.4 - Fix a useful horizon and boundary

State the horizon over which consequences will be compared and the point by which the next answer is needed. These times can differ. A four-day preparation can serve a twelve-month direction question.

Keep the relevant times in view together: current use, the change being prepared and development of the people or means needed for later changes. They need not occur in sequence. An organization can continue service while improving one enabling condition; the frame should expose the conflict when both require the same people.

Include the current contribution that must continue during transition, relevant resource or exposure limits and serious exclusions. Give a reason for the exclusions. “This question concerns one segment because the remaining product lines have different contracts” is more useful than “out of scope” without explanation.

Do not settle a value conflict by hiding it in the boundary. If two participants disagree about whose service may be reduced, retain that disagreement for the comparison. If two plausible framings imply different beneficiaries or strategic responses, use STR.3. The current frame can state that unresolved distinction without claiming consensus.