# Northstar: a first decision frame

Northstar learning edition v1.2. Entirely fictional introductory example.
Evidence: Episode A architecture fragments and E-003. This is not the full
investment recommendation and contains no later readiness or results evidence.

## Decision and authority
The Investment Council must choose the next defensible commitment to improve
service promises. Avery, the business architect, recommends; the Council decides.

## Evidence and uncertainty
E-003 suggests uncertain reservation meaning and rural capacity constraints.
These observations do not establish which cause dominates. A screen allocation
does not necessarily establish that a part is held. Reservation identifiers
exist, but consistent updates have not been established.

## Proposed next check
Reconcile a small sample of reservation events, time the actual checking, and
test rural exceptions. Ask whether better signals, changed practice, or capacity
would address the observed constraint. Confirm authority and a proportionate
cost before starting the work; this frame is not spending approval.

## Credible alternative
If the signals are dependable and manual checking is the main delay, a narrow
integration could be preferable. If skills and travel dominate, software may
leave the binding constraint in place.

## Stop condition
Stop this framing step when the decision owner, evidence gap, useful check, and
decision consequence are clear enough to agree the next piece of analysis.