Audit Memo 1: Decision Framework

CEVE 421/521 Final Project

Draft Material

This content is under development and subject to change.

Overview

Due: Friday of Week 7

This memo maps the decision framework of your chosen climate plan. You will identify the Levers (L) and Metrics (M) that define the plan’s decision space.

Learning Objectives

By completing this memo, you will demonstrate your ability to:

1. Extract decision variables (Levers) from a real-world planning document
2. Identify performance measures (Metrics) used to evaluate success
3. Critique the completeness and clarity of a plan’s decision framework

Requirements

Submit a 1-2 page memo (PDF) containing:

1. Levers Analysis

Create a table of the plan’s key decision variables:

Lever	Description	Range/Options	Currently Proposed
Example: Seawall height	Height of coastal protection	0-15 ft	10 ft

For each lever, address:

• Is the lever clearly defined with specific options?
• Are alternative options considered, or is only one choice presented?
• What constraints limit the lever’s range?

2. Metrics Analysis

Create a table of the plan’s performance metrics:

Metric	Description	Units	Target/Threshold
Example: Annual expected damages	Probabilistic flood losses	$/year	< $10M

For each metric, address:

• Is the metric quantifiable and measurable?
• How is the metric calculated or estimated?
• What time horizon does the metric consider?

3. Framework Critique

In 1-2 paragraphs, assess the decision framework:

• Completeness: Are there important levers or metrics missing?
• Clarity: Are the levers and metrics well-defined?
• Trade-offs: Does the plan acknowledge trade-offs between metrics?

Submission

Submit your memo as a PDF to Canvas by 11:59 PM on the due date.

Grading Rubric

Criterion	Points
Levers clearly identified and described	30
Metrics clearly identified and described	30
Thoughtful critique of framework completeness	20
Professional writing and formatting	20
Total	100