The benefit target is unrealistic. How do we revise it?
Unsupported outcome targetShow the evidence behind the current forecast and distinguish ambition from a credible commitment. Revise the target through the accountable owner rather than quietly changing the measurement.
What to do now
- Review the original assumptions
- Measure current operating constraints
- Develop a supported outcome range
- Obtain and record the revised decision
When to escalate
Escalate when
The target encourages misleading reporting or harmful behavior.
Who decides
The product or business benefit owner
Example
A turnaround target is revised after evidence shows that external approval time remains outside the project's control.
Mistake to avoid
Changing the denominator to make the original target appear achieved.
Prevent a repeat
Compare observed outcomes with the baseline and separate forecast benefits from benefits actually measured.
Suggested ApprovedFlow setup
- Projects
- Tasks
- Documents
Keep the intended outcome and measurement plan with the project, and assign improvement work to an accountable business owner. See the platform
Related cases
- How do we distinguish an output, an outcome, and a benefit?Value-chain confusion
- Our benefit has no baseline. Can we still measure improvement?Missing comparison point
- Our business case assumes savings that nobody can explain. Should we accept it?Unsupported benefit assumptions
- The estimate includes coding but not testing or rework. How should we revise it?Incomplete work estimate