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Write a decision record for build versus buy with checked numbers
- For Product managers
- You practice Catching mistakes and made-up facts
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Advanced
About this exercise
Write a decision record in plain text with these fields on separate lines in order: Decision, Options considered, Why, Cost over 3 years, Risks, Review date. Cost over 3 years must show the calculation for the chosen option, using the final quote. Options considered lists exactly two options. Risks lists exactly two risks from the notes. Do not claim certainty about estimates; label estimates as estimates.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Old quote. The AI uses $1,900. Try: Say: "Use the final $2,400 quote."
- Skipping the calculation. The AI writes 'about $97k'. Try: Say: "Show the calculation."
- Missing labels. The AI writes a narrative. Try: Say: "Six labels in order."
- Extra risks or options. The AI lists four risks. Try: Say: "Exactly two options and two risks."
- Markdown. The AI bolds labels. Try: Say: "Plain text."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each line: "each field under 30 words."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example: "each line under 12 words."
What a strong prompt includes
- Labels
- Calculation
- Final quote
- Exactly two
- Plain
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