Aspiration — Dimension 8 of 8

Roadmap

A list of activities is not a roadmap. A roadmap defines dependencies: what must be true before each phase can start, how long each transition takes, and how the organization will know when it is ready to move forward.

Roadmap and organizational autonomy.

A list of activities is not a roadmap. A roadmap defines dependencies: what must be true before each phase can start, how long each transition takes, and how the organization will know when it is ready to move forward.

When This Score is Low

When Roadmap is low, the transformation initiative has a list of things to do but no sequenced plan with dependencies. Work happens in parallel on multiple fronts. Progress is difficult to measure because there is no defined sequence to track against.

When This Score is High

When Roadmap is high, the implementation plan is sequenced, reflects phase dependencies, defines readiness criteria for each phase transition, covers the multi-year horizon, and is reviewed at regular intervals.

What getting this right requires.

A score of 10 on Roadmap means this dimension is fully resolved and no longer a constraint on the phases that follow. Here is what that requires in practice.

  • Restructure the current activity list into a sequenced plan with explicit dependencies noted. What must be true before each item can start?
  • Add a phase-readiness criterion for each of the five phases: what does the organization need in place before moving to the next phase?
  • Assign a review cadence to the roadmap, quarterly at minimum, and name who is responsible for keeping it current.
  • Make the roadmap a standing agenda item in governance reviews.

What each score level means.

The Autonomy Diagnostic scores Roadmap on a 0 to 10 scale. Each point on the scale reflects a specific observable state in your organization.

1

The implementation plan does not exist and the initiative has no defined sequence or timeline.

2

The implementation plan does not exist and only a general intention to move forward has been stated.

3

The implementation plan exists as a list of activities but is not sequenced and does not address phase dependencies.

4

The implementation plan is sequenced for the near term but does not address multi-year dependencies or review mechanisms.

5

The implementation plan exists but is not actively maintained and is consulted only when a decision forces reference to it.

6

The implementation plan is active with sequenced phases but review mechanisms are informal and infrequently applied.

7

The implementation plan is documented and actively maintained with sequenced phases and defined review points.

8

The implementation plan is actively maintained, referenced in governance reviews, and reflects understood phase dependencies.

9

The implementation plan covers the multi-year transition horizon and is reviewed at defined intervals.

10

The implementation plan is documented, sequenced, actively maintained, and referenced in governance reviews.

Roadmap — common questions.

What is Roadmap in the Ragsdale Framework?

Roadmap measures whether an active implementation plan exists that sequences the initiative, defines dependencies between phases, and establishes how progress will be reviewed over a multi-year transition horizon.

Why does Roadmap matter?

The 5A Model is sequential by design. A roadmap that reflects those dependencies ensures the organization invests in the right phase at the right time.

What does a low Roadmap score mean?

A low score means the initiative has intent but no architecture.

What does high Roadmap look like?

The roadmap is a living document that reflects phase dependencies, defines readiness criteria, covers the multi-year horizon, and is reviewed at regular intervals.

What are the most common reasons organizations struggle with Roadmap?

The most common reason is that building a sequenced plan requires acknowledging that some things cannot happen yet.

Find Your Score

Where does your organization stand on Roadmap?

The Autonomy Diagnostic scores every dimension of the Ragsdale Framework and tells you exactly where to focus first.

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