DEFINING THE OPTIONS encompasses the activities associated with identifying a range of possible options, distilling that range to a manageable number, identifying data needed to evaluate the options and compiling that information in a useable, concise way. The activities associated with DEFINING THE OPTIONS can include;

    Brainstorming
    Condensation
    Ranking
    Data Needs Assessment
    Key Criteria Reassessment
    Primary Issue Identification

At the end of the DEFINING THE OPTIONS activity, the team will have a set of well defined options, know what data is required to evaluate those options, and have an idea of specific issues that will need to be addressed.