Since the solution is the desired outcome of a plan of action, it must meet the expectations of the owner. The solution reveals itself in the very first stage of the model, the point at which the owner articulates the expectations, hopes, wishes, desires with which the objective reality is out of sync. The owner of the problem is seldom aware that in defining the problem the desired outcome of the plan of action has been expressed. The problem is always defined as a variance between an external, objective state of affairs and a subjective, internal expectation. The subjective, internal expectation is itself the desired outcome of the plan of action.
All plans of action share certain general qualities.
They all are dynamic, iterative, and have self correcting decision points built into their structure. The dynamic quality implies that an action plan is subject to evaluation and change. The iterative quality suggests that the design of an action plan has built into it stages at which progress toward the solution are assessed. If the plan is not moving toward its intended solution, the plan is adjusted. The analogy of the smart bomb or laser guided missile fits this view of an action plan.