Minutes Concerning Research Expansion
The research continued expanding past the point where the next decision was possible.
PROGRESS REPORT: Research Expansion Reporting Period: 11 Days Status: Research Phase
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Sufficient information exists to make the next decision. The next decision has not been made. Research continues.
WEEK ONE
Days 1 to 3: Initial research phase. Three sources consulted. Core question identified. Two possible approaches emerged from the sources. Both approaches were viable. A decision between them was possible at this stage.
The decision was not made. Additional research was initiated to determine whether a third approach existed.
Days 4 to 5: Third approach identified. Third approach was also viable. Decision now requires comparison of three options. Additional research was initiated to compare them more thoroughly.
Under the governing rule, any research expansion that feels like preparation may temporarily substitute for beginning the actual task.
WEEK TWO
Days 6 to 8: Comparative research produced a fourth source that introduced a consideration not previously included in the evaluation framework. The consideration was real. It changed none of the three viable approaches. It was added to the evaluation framework.
The evaluation framework now contains seven criteria. Three criteria are more important than the others. Which three has not been determined.
Day 9: The research expansion creates a brief feeling of order. The files are organized. The notes are thorough. The task is better understood than it was on Day 1.
The task has not begun.
Day 10: The delay is justified as strategic even though the strategy never changes the task. The strategy is: gather enough information to make a confident decision. Confidence has not been defined.
CURRENT STATUS
Day 11. Research phase continues. The task is rescheduled into a future block that now carries even more expectations. The future block must now justify eleven days of preparation.
Eventually most of the work becomes maintaining the story that the real start is still about to happen.
The next decision will be made when the research is complete. The research will be complete when confidence has been defined.