Planning Essentials - The Five Moves

Define objectives, pick use cases, scope, check the data, stand up governance. The order matters.

Move 1 · Define the business problem. Objectives, requirements, expected outcomes → is the problem classification, regression or recommendation (the common AI use cases)? Ask what results are expected and what current processes need improving → set KPIs to measure success → user interviews and market research sharpen the picture.

Move 2 · Identify key use cases. Align with the mission and goals → analyse gaps AI could close → prioritise by potential impact, effort required and alignment → sanity-check feasibility within resources and timeframe.

Move 3 · Determine scope. Prioritise problems via three qualities → Impact (how big, what it takes) · Effort (resources, duration) · Fit (match to organisational goals and the business problem). Also identify the applicable laws now → compliance requirements shape design choices.

Move 4 · Evaluate data availability. Data is the foundation → what types are accessible, are they accurate, sufficient, relevant to the use cases → explore additional sources if needed → proper evaluation minimises downstream risk.

Move 5 · Establish the governance structure. Does an AI governance framework exist, and who maintains and implements it? Define roles for policy creation, system development, testing oversight → and appoint an executive champion to drive support and alignment.