Objective gate
Define the result to change and its accountable owner
MTH-0001 / Decision foundation
Problem Definition and Strategic Judgment
Define the objective, constraints, time horizon and actual decision issue before choosing tools.
METHOD POSITION
Decision foundation
Called before every domain method
WHEN TO CALL
These signals call for a structured method
- 01
An opportunity or tool appears before the problem is defined
- 02
Participants disagree on objective, horizon or accountability
- 03
The solution grows complex while the intended outcome remains unclear
DECISION GATES
Turn the method into gates that change action
Fact gate
Separate knowns, unknowns, assumptions and disputes
Constraint gate
Confirm time, funding, authority, compliance and capability
Choice gate
Compare viable paths, including no action
Test gate
Predefine facts that switch, stop or overturn the path
REQUIRED OUTPUT
01One-page problem definition
02Fact–assumption–dispute table
03Action and no-action paths
04Switch and stop conditions
STOP CONDITIONS
A method must also show when not to proceed
No accountable outcome owner
Conflicting objectives remain unresolved
The current opportunity is treated as the only path
RELATIONSHIPS
Cases generate the method; judgments and principles constrain it
PUBLIC BOUNDARY
This is Howard's current public method structure. It does not replace project-specific finance, legal, tax, valuation, regulatory or board judgment. Thresholds, risk appetite and final decisions remain with the responsible owners using complete facts.