RESULT OBTAINED
Decision concept
Dependencies: identifying the control points and the fragilities
What must be established
A useful analysis keeps its controls visible.
- 01
Name the dependent object, its critical resource and its holder.
- 02
Assess concentration, substitutability, lead time and cost of replacement.
- 03
Simulate the effect of a disruption or a change of conditions.
Decision reference
Make the next choice more explicit.
DECISION SUPPORTED
On which actors, technologies, resources or rules does market access depend?
DELIVERABLE TO KEEP
A map of critical dependencies with options for reduction, sharing or monitoring.
NEXT ELEMENT TO EXAMINE
CompetitorsExplore →07 · ORIGINAL ASSET
Graph of critical dependencies
Original graph
The index combines concentration, criticality and low substitutability to tell a simple relation from a point of fragility.
DecisionEnter the market
InstitutionCertification
PartnerData
ChannelDistributor
TechnologyCloud
Index = concentration × criticality × (5 − substitutability) ÷ 5.
Teaching case · simulated data · no real-world market conclusion.
DECISION SUPPORT METHOD
Dependency criticality chart
The chart positions each dependency along two dimensions: difficulty of substitution and impact of an unavailability. It does not represent the size or reputation of the actors. A dependency becomes critical when it combines slow substitution, high impact and the absence of a solution tested within the decision horizon.
Score the impact from 0 to 100 on the basis of revenue loss, delay or regulatory risk. Score the difficulty of substitution from 0 to 100 on the basis of replacement time, transition costs and contractual constraints. Points above 70 on both axes require a tested fallback option; points below 40 are monitored without a heavy plan.
Horizontal axis · 0 to 100Vertical axis · 0 to 100Data82 · 88Distribution74 · 62Skill58 · 76Supplier36 · 42
| Zone | Measurable condition | Associated decision |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Impact ≥ 70 and substitution ≥ 70 | Test an alternative, limit concentration and name an owner. |
| To secure | A single axis ≥ 70 | Negotiate a guarantee or reduce the replacement time. |
| To monitor | Both axes between 40 and 69 | Follow a dated signal and reassess at each review. |
| Tolerable | Both axes < 40 | Document without creating a disproportionate arrangement. |
The map is revised when a contract, a capability, a regulation or an alternative changes. Moving a point must be justified by evidence; a colour alone never constitutes a decision.
MOVE FROM ANALYSIS TO YOUR DECISION
Produce a testable decision mandate
MOVE FROM ANALYSIS TO YOUR DECISION
Produce a testable decision mandate
RETURN TO THE DECISION SYSTEM
See the canonical definition of marketing strategy→