This thread is about tools for how to think not what to think, and how these can be applied in PT advocacy.
The MECE Framework
Discussions on BTQ’s forum frequently deal with having to contemplate problems that have multiple possible solutions. Some recent examples include:
- Doomben line upgrades (Rail, BRT, LRT)
- Sunshine Coast Rapid Transit (BRT vs LRT)
- River crossings (car, PT-only, footbridge only)
- Brisbane Airtrain and how to fix it (buy it, subsidise it, do nothing)
- Spending $300 million p.a. on PT (50c fares or major High-Frequency service boosts, or a mix).
A common theme is that tradeoffs are often required.
The MECE framework is a key part of how to develop effective strategies.
It is a structured approach to thinking through initial solutions to a problem or issue, to ensure that one is thorough in identifying all reasonable options, so that each can be discussed, compared or contrasted without missing any. The video below goes into further detail.
Image Credit: StrategyU (2025) What is the MECE Principle? Understanding Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive - StrategyU
MECE explained, with example
From Wikipedia
The MECE principle (mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive ) is a grouping principle for separating a set of items into subsets that are mutually exclusive (ME) and collectively exhaustive (CE).[1] It was developed in the late 1960s by Barbara Minto at McKinsey & Company and underlies her Minto Pyramid Principle,[2] and while she takes credit for MECE, according to her interview with McKinsey, she says the idea for MECE goes back as far as to Aristotle.[2]
Notes