Table Of Contents

• Table Of Contents
  • 1. Overview
    • Purpose:
    • When to Use:
  • 2. Structure and Content - 2.1 Decision Summary - 2.2 Context - 2.3 Alternatives Considered - 2.4 Final Decision - 2.5 Follow-Up Actions

1. Overview

Purpose:

The Decision Log serves as a centralized record of all major decisions made throughout the project, along with the reasoning behind them. This document helps maintain a historical record of why certain choices were made, which can be useful for future reference or if changes are needed.

When to Use:

• Continuously, as decisions are made throughout the project lifecycle.
• When a decision needs to be revisited or reviewed in the future.

2. Structure and Content

2.1 Decision Summary

Purpose: Provide a brief summary of the decision, capturing the essence of the choice made.

Content:

• Decision ID: A unique identifier for the decision.
• Title: A short, descriptive title for the decision.
• Date: The date when the decision was made.
• Decision Maker: Who made the decision (e.g., team lead, group consensus).

2.2 Context

Purpose: Describe the problem or context that led to the decision. This helps future readers understand why the decision was necessary.

Content:

• Problem Statement: A clear description of the issue or context.
• Background Information: Any relevant background details that informed the decision.

2.3 Alternatives Considered

Purpose: Document the other options that were considered before the final decision was made.

Content:

• Alternative 1:
  • Description: A brief description of the alternative.
  • Pros and Cons: The advantages and disadvantages of this option.
• Alternative 2:
  • Description: A brief description of the alternative.
  • Pros and Cons: The advantages and disadvantages of this option.

(Continue for all alternatives considered)

2.4 Final Decision

Purpose: Record the final decision and explain why it was chosen over the alternatives.

Content:

• Description: A detailed explanation of the final decision.
• Rationale: The reasoning behind choosing this option.
• Expected Impact: How this decision is expected to impact the project.

2.5 Follow-Up Actions

Purpose: Identify any actions that need to be taken as a result of the decision.

Content:

• Action 1:
  • Description: A brief description of the action to be taken.
  • Owner: Who is responsible for this action.
  • Deadline: When the action needs to be completed.

(Continue for all follow-up actions)