MAST017
Pre-define quantitative screening thresholds to separate low-cost market mapping from resource-intensive evaluation and protect analytical capacity.
CyberTRIZ analysis · MergersAndAcquisitions contradiction MAST017 · one of 8,235 worked contradictions published by CyberTRIZ.AI
Regulations
Search Breadth vs Evaluation Depth
Business ContextSearching broadly increases the probability of discovering unconventional or superior acquisition candidates, but deep analysis of every potential target is impractical. Concentrating analysis too early can save resources while prematurely excluding alternatives.
Mergers and Acquisitions TRIZ ResolutionSeparate discovery from evaluation. Use broad, low-cost market mapping first, then progressively increase analytical depth as targets demonstrate stronger strategic relevance and transaction feasibility.
Applicable TRIZ Principles
Principle 1 – Segmentation separates broad discovery from detailed evaluation.
Principle 21 – Skipping rapidly removes targets that fail fundamental criteria.
Principle 10 – Prior Action defines evaluation thresholds before detailed work begins.
Expected Outcome
Wider target discovery
Greater evaluation depth where it matters
Lower analytical cost
Better target prioritization
Decision IndicatorsEarly indicators that this contradiction is limiting M&A performance include:
Teams perform similar levels of analysis across all targets.
Search scope is reduced primarily because analytical capacity is limited.
Significant resources are spent evaluating marginal opportunities.
Target lists become narrow before strategic alternatives are understood.
Analysts repeatedly revisit previously rejected candidates.
Monitoring these indicators helps organizations search broadly while concentrating detailed analysis on the strongest opportunities.