Post-Decision Review: Did the Outcome Actually Improve?
Run a post-decision review checking outcome change, evidence comparability, attribution, side effects and reusable learning.
Published:
A post-decision review compares the intended outcome with comparable current evidence, examines other explanations and side effects, and records what future decisions should change.
Outcome review checklist
Use improved, partly improved, not demonstrated or worsened with evidence instead of generic success.
- 01
Comparable evidence
Do baseline and current measures share population, period and exclusions?
- 02
Outcome, not activity
Did the business condition change beyond deployment or usage?
- 03
Attribution
What else could explain the result?
- 04
Side effects
Did quality, risk, workload or another outcome worsen?
- 05
Learning
Which assumption, criterion or control should change next time?
Partial improvement, useful learning
Cycle time improves in two regions but not a third where a staffing assumption fails. The review records partial improvement and updates the needs-map checklist.
What this method cannot guarantee
- Evidence and operating conditions can change; revisit the record when a material input changes.
- This method structures evidence and judgement; accountable people still make and own the final decision.