A connected operational model
An explanation of the mechanisms, constraints and interactions within the agreed scope.
VOR PHASE ZERO OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT
Understand the system.
Make the next decision.
In two weeks, we develop a provisional explanation of how the relevant system works, what appears to govern its performance, and which uncertainties matter to your next decision.
Discuss a Phase Zero assessment01principal question
02weeks to written assessment
$15–25kfixed fee for one site
Travel expenses separate. Additional sites and broader scopes are priced separately. Scope, fee, access and delivery dates agreed before work begins.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
The reasoning behind the findings.
A written assessment that helps you judge whether to proceed, defer action or obtain specific evidence before deciding.
Evidence and confidence made explicit
Prioritized hypotheses, supported conclusions, assumptions and material limitations.
Implications for your next decision
Potential actions and the targeted evidence needed where greater confidence is required.
HOW THE ENGAGEMENT WORKS
From the question to the next decision.
Define the decision
Agree on the outcome, scope, decision authority, access and required confidence.
Examine the system
Select appropriate analyses using documents, interviews, observation and operating data.
Build the connected model
Connect the findings, assess the principal hypotheses and identify consequential uncertainty.
Publish and discuss
Issue the written assessment within the agreed two-week window, followed by an outbrief.
SCOPE AND COMPLETION
A clear boundary.
An explicit level of confidence.
Each engagement addresses one defined company, site, capability or operating system and one principal question. Liam Pingree, PhD, leads the assessment, with specialists involved when needed.
Phase Zero is complete when the provisional model and prioritized hypotheses are sufficient to support the agreed next decision. Important uncertainties can remain, provided their effect on that decision is explicit.
We establish the desired outcome, principal question, decision authority, scope, access requirements, fee and delivery dates in a one-page engagement definition before work begins.
HOW WE WORK
Support from the first question through the transition.
Start where your business needs help. Phase Zero can establish the operating picture; follow-on work can develop the evidence, implement the changes or provide leadership through a transition.
Assess the decision
Use Phase Zero to examine a defined operating question, connect the evidence and identify what matters to the next decision.
Explore Phase ZeroDevelop and implement
Test the key hypotheses, select a practical response and support implementation with the people who will own the operation.
From findings to executionLead the transition
Bring in experienced operating leadership for a defined mandate, with clear authority, priorities and a handoff to the permanent team.
Transitional executive supportPhase Zero is one starting point. When the need is already clear, we can scope implementation or executive support directly.
Before we begin
What does the assessment cover?
One defined company, site, capability or operating system and one principal question. The scope must be workable within the agreed schedule, access and confidence requirements.
What do we receive?
A written assessment documenting the provisional operational model, prioritized hypotheses, available evidence, assumptions, engineering judgment, confidence and limitations. It includes implications for the next decision and any targeted evidence needed. A final outbrief follows publication.
What does Phase Zero cost?
A single-site investigation typically has a fixed fee of $15,000–$25,000, with travel expenses separate. Additional sites and broader scopes are priced separately. The scope, fee, entry conditions and dates are agreed before work begins.
When does the two-week period begin?
The written assessment is due two weeks from the agreed start. Required information, people and access are established as entry conditions in the engagement definition.
Does Phase Zero provide a validated root cause or implementation plan?
Phase Zero does not include an exhaustive audit, fully validated root-cause investigation, solution design or implementation planning. Where further confidence is needed, the assessment identifies the evidence or testing required.
What follows the assessment?
The next decision may be to proceed, defer action or obtain more evidence. Follow-on work can test hypotheses, develop solutions and support implementation. When the business needs someone to lead the work, VOR can provide transitional executive support under a separately agreed mandate.
START A CONVERSATION
What needs to happen next?
Tell us the outcome you need, the decision or leadership challenge facing your team, and your timing. We will identify where an assessment, implementation support or executive leadership can help.
Discuss your prioritiesliam@vorsolutions.com