Problem evidence and option decision log
Compare current problems and the evidence for business as usual, non-event responses and event options, then record selection or hold reasons.
A traceable record of problem evidence, delivery conditions, option decisions and follow-up
- File formats
- English XLSX · CSV (UTF-8)
- Version
- 2.0
- Editorial review
- 31 Oct 2026
- Use this for
- Complete before deciding to hold, resize, postpone or investigate an event.
When to use it
Complete before deciding to hold, resize, postpone or investigate an event.
Keep unsupported costs and staffing unconfirmed. A provisional selection is not contract or spending approval.
Start with the guide: Defining the problem and assessing options before event planningFill in the template step by step
When to use it
After receiving the problem brief and before committing to procurement or a venue.
What to have ready
- Request email and previous enquiries or evaluations
- Accounts from affected people and the scope and period of evidence
- Cost and staffing evidence and delegated decision authority
Describe a recent situation and blocked action, and link the evidence population and period.
Compare business as usual, non-event responses and event options against the same objective and period.
Distinguish verified, estimated and unknown resources, and assign owners and deadlines for access and delivery checks.
Have the authorised person record selection, rejection or hold reasons and pass unresolved checks to their owners.
Worked example
Fictional example, not an actual event or supplier record
Eight columns · scroll horizontally to view the complete worked example.
| Option ID and current problem | Evidence, population and period | Option and baseline status | Intended action and outcome check | Cost and staffing status and evidence | Timing, participation and access conditions | Select, reject or hold and reasons | Decision-maker, follow-up owner and deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OP-01 / New suppliers cannot find the enquiry route | Q-01: 12 enquiries classified in week 1 of November; prevalence across all new suppliers unconfirmed | Keep current guidance / baseline | Check whether suppliers find the contact point using the following week’s enquiry records | Existing support time available; additional costs unconfirmed | Access for people who cannot use the current web guidance unconfirmed | Hold / establish the scope of the problem first | Decision P01 / researcher P02 to check supplier accounts by 11-06 15:00 |
| OP-02 / Same problem | Q-01 and current guidance V1 / accounts from three suppliers planned, representativeness unconfirmed | Revise guidance and add an online enquiry route / non-event option | Test whether a fictional user can find the contact point and submit a question | One content owner available; external production quote pending | Proposed release 11-10 / keyboard and mobile tests needed | Provisionally recommend / quick change possible, subject to scope confirmation | P01 decides / web owner P03 to return quote and test schedule by 11-07 12:00 |
| OP-03 / Same problem | Request email REQ-01; number needing consultation unconfirmed | Small in-person consultation / event option | Check whether questions were resolved using consultation records | Venue, staff and equipment quotes unconfirmed; not zero | Date, travel and language support not yet checked | Hold / need and resources unconfirmed | P02 checks demand, P04 checks venue terms / review 11-07 17:00 |
Blank template preview
This preview shows a few rows. The downloaded file contains 24 prepared rows.
Eight columns · scroll horizontally to view the complete blank worksheet.
| Option ID and current problem | Evidence, population and period | Option and baseline status | Intended action and outcome check | Cost and staffing status and evidence | Timing, participation and access conditions | Select, reject or hold and reasons | Decision-maker, follow-up owner and deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Sources used to develop this template
EVENTODIT created this template using the working methods described in the public sources below. It is not an official form and has not been reviewed or approved by those organisations.
- UK Treasury · The Green Book 2026 · Business as usual and options appraisal
The editorial log applies the principle of defining the problem and objective before comparing business as usual and other options for costs, outcomes and risks.
- Women and Gender Equality Canada · Inclusive Event Planning · pp. 3–4
The editorial log applies the principle of defining the problem and objective before comparing business as usual and other options for costs, outcomes and risks.