assess-system-boundary

Purpose

Define and challenge which actors, processes, externalities, timescales, and values are inside or outside a system boundary.

Input contract

required: [target_system, boundary_candidate]
optional: [actors, processes, externalities, time_horizon, value_assumptions]
constraints: [every inclusion and exclusion must be explicit]

Procedure

1. Inventory actors, processes, externalities, and timescales.
2. Mark each item inside, outside, or contested under the candidate boundary.
3. Generate boundary alternatives and compare consequences for the research question.

Output contract

produces: [system_boundary, inclusion_exclusion_register, boundary_alternatives, consequence_map]
delta_fields: [findings, assumption_updates, uncertainties, decisions]

Quality gates