Prerequisite Tree (PRT)

An obstacle-focused planning tool that converts hurdles into positive intermediate milestones for implementation.

🎯 What Problem It Solves

Teams are often overwhelmed by barriers (e.g., no budget, raw tech) when starting a project. The PRT converts negative obstacles into positive milestones.

🧠 Thinking Logic & Core Concepts

To achieve a goal, any obstacle must be overcome. An Intermediate Objective (IO) is defined to overcome each obstacle. Placing these in logical order forms the perfect execution map.

📋 Newbie Step-by-Step Guide

1. Set Target: Place the ultimate goal at the top.
2. List Obstacles: List every barrier in the middle.
3. Define IOs: For each obstacle, write down the positive state when it is overcome.
4. Sequence IOs: Connect them with arrows indicating prerequisite order.
5. Plan Execution: Translate the ordered IOs into a project schedule.

💡 Classic Example

[In-house Core System Case]

• Goal: High-performance core system owned entirely in-house.
• Obstacle: Team lacks framework expertise.
• IO: Complete a 2-week immersive bootcamp with a senior advisor.
• Obstacle: Production servers don't support high concurrency.
• IO: Provision elastic cloud instances by Week 3.