gpt-oss-120b на кейсе «Набор ежемесячных отчётов»: с Minto лучше по качеству и хуже по структуре

Структура 4 → 3 из 8 −1 Качество 4 → 6 из 10 +2

Судья об ответе с Minto

The blanket use of destroys hierarchy, and its suggested replacement mixes reasons, actions, and risks.

Режим audit · кейс 03-period-graph-books · прогон v1.7.0-final

Структура из 8, по 2 балла на ось
СтруктураБез Minto 4С Minto 3Изменение
Вершина11
Состав ключевой линии11
Уровни10−1
Порядок и род11
Качество из 10, по 2 балла на ось
КачествоБез Minto 4С Minto 6Изменение
Вершина11
Однородные группы11
Объяснимый порядок11
MECE01+1
Видимая соразмерная структура12+1

Ответы моделей и слова судьи приведены в оригинале, по-английски.

Без Minto

контрольный промпт · слепая метка out-11
  • invented_facts

The table is readable, but numerous peripheral or fabricated defects overwhelm the source-grounded Minto diagnosis.

Audit of the “Period Graph Books” memo against the Minto Pyramid Principle

Minto Principle ElementDefect(s) IdentifiedWhy It Violates the PrincipleWhat Must Change
Top‑Down StructureThe memo opens with a narrative description (“Since Period 5…”) rather than a clear, single overarching recommendation or conclusion.Minto requires the first sentence (or paragraph) to state the key message (the answer to the decision‑maker’s question). The current opening leaves the reader guessing what action is being sought.Begin with a concise Executive Summary that states the recommended course (e.g., “We should redesign the graph‑book production process to eliminate duplication, assign end‑to‑end ownership, and automate calculations”). All subsequent sections must support this statement.
Logical Flow (Situation‑Complication‑Question‑Answer)The memo mixes “Production” steps with “Issues” without first establishing the situation (current state) and the complication (why it is problematic).The Situation‑Complication‑Question‑Answer (SCQA) framework is not evident; the reader cannot see the logical progression from “what is happening” to “why it matters” to “what we need to decide.”Re‑order content:
1. Situation – brief factual description of the current process (who does what, how many steps).
2. Complication – enumerate the pain points (duplication, errors, lack of ownership).
3. Question – what should we do?
4. Answer – the recommended solution (streamlining, central control, automation).
MECE GroupingThe “Issues” list mixes different problem types (data duplication, calculation errors, unexplained changes, re‑entry of prior‑period data) without clear grouping. Some items overlap (e.g., “inconsistent data” and “incorrect variable‑cost calculations”).Minto demands that supporting points be Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive. Overlapping or redundant bullet points dilute clarity and make it harder to prioritize actions.Re‑group issues into MECE categories, e.g.:
Process Redundancy – multiple data entries, re‑entry of prior‑period data.
Data Integrity – inconsistent data, unexplained changes, incorrect calculations.
Ownership & Control – no end‑to‑end responsibility, fragmented hand‑offs.
Hierarchy of DetailThe “Production” steps are presented as a flat list, then the “Issues” list follows, but there is no hierarchy linking each issue to the specific step that generates it.In a pyramid, each lower‑level point should be a logical sub‑point of a higher‑level heading. Without explicit linkage, the reader cannot see which step causes which problem.For each production step, attach the relevant issue(s) as sub‑bullets, or create a two‑column table mapping Step → Problem. This creates a clear cause‑effect hierarchy.
Clarity of the Call‑to‑ActionThe memo ends with “Could we discuss how best to proceed?” – an open‑ended question that does not specify the decision needed.Minto’s “Answer” should be a concrete recommendation, not a vague invitation to discuss. The decision‑maker needs a clear next step.Replace the open question with a specific Decision Request (e.g., “Approve the formation of a cross‑functional task force to redesign the graph‑book workflow and implement an automated data pipeline by Q3”).
Parallelism & ConsistencyBullet phrasing is inconsistent (some start with verbs, others with nouns; mixed tenses).Parallel structure aids readability and reinforces the hierarchy. Inconsistent phrasing weakens the logical flow.Standardize bullet style (e.g., all start with a verb phrase: “Gather data…”, “Calculate points…”, “Transcribe points…”, “Check data…”).
Length & FocusThe memo includes narrative filler (“the transfer inserted another person…”) that does not directly support the key recommendation.Minto advises brevity; every sentence should serve the top‑down argument. Extraneous context dilutes focus.Trim or relocate background information to an appendix; keep the main memo to the essential argument and supporting facts.
Use of HeadingsOnly “Production,” “Issues,” and “Overall assessment” headings are used, but they do not reflect the SCQA hierarchy and are not ordered logically.Headings should mirror the pyramid levels (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer). Misaligned headings confuse the reader’s mental map.Rename and reorder headings to match the SCQA flow (e.g., “Current Process (Situation)”, “Pain Points (Complication)”, “Decision Needed (Question)”, “Proposed Solution (Answer)”).
Data PresentationThe memo mentions “inconsistent data between periods and regions” but provides no quantitative evidence or examples.Supporting arguments should be backed by concrete data to make the case compelling.Insert a brief data snapshot or a chart (or reference an appendix) that quantifies the error rate or duplication cost.
Audience OrientationThe memo assumes the reader knows the history of the transfer and the names of internal groups (e.g., “Color Graphics”) without explaining their relevance.Minto stresses tailoring the message to the audience’s needs; unnecessary jargon can obscure the argument.Provide a one‑sentence context for each stakeholder group or move detailed background to a footnote.

Summary of Required Changes

  1. Insert a clear executive summary that states the recommended action.
  2. Re‑structure the memo using SCQA (Situation → Complication → Question → Answer).
  3. Group issues into MECE categories and link each to the specific production step that generates it.
  4. Replace the open‑ended discussion request with a concrete decision request.
  5. Standardize bullet phrasing and ensure parallelism.
  6. Trim non‑essential narrative and relocate detailed background to an appendix.
  7. Rename headings to reflect the logical hierarchy and order them accordingly.
  8. Add concise data evidence to substantiate the pain points.
  9. Clarify stakeholder references for the audience’s understanding.

Implementing these changes will align the memo with the Minto Pyramid Principle, making the argument more persuasive, easier to follow, and actionable for senior management.

С Minto

промпт с навыком · слепая метка out-04

Жёстких провалов нет

The blanket use of destroys hierarchy, and its suggested replacement mixes reasons, actions, and risks.

Legend
 top / answer  first‑level group  supporting detail  violation (mixed kinds, missing top, no order, etc.)  conclusion buried lower  wrong order type  overlap (ME broken)  gap (CE broken)  cut / move to appendix


⚠ Subject: Period Graph Books
                
                ⚠ Since Period 5, Financial Analysis has been responsible for producing four
                ⚠ graph‑presentation books previously handled by Corporate Planning. This memo
                ⚠ describes issues that appeared after the transfer.
                
                ⚠ Production
                ⚠ 
                ⚠ 1. Gather data from divisional forms, internal documents, and telephone calls.
                ⚠ 2. Calculate graph points manually or on the corporate computer, including
                ⚠    rolling values for revenue, cost, and percentages.
                ⚠ 3. Transcribe the points to input sheets. Analysts update the current period,
                ⚠    then Color Graphics re‑enters the points into its own database and generates
                ⚠    the graphs.
                ⚠ 4. Check the data and calculations.
                
                ⚠ Issues
                ⚠ 
                ⚠ The transfer inserted another person into an already fragmented process.
                ⚠ Divisional staff and three corporate departments participate, and the same
                ⚠ information may be entered into computer systems three times.
                ⚠ 
                ⚠ For one book, divisional data are loaded into a dedicated corporate program,
                ⚠ calculated, transferred to Color Graphics input sheets, entered again, and
                ⚠ returned for updates. Problems include inconsistent data between periods and
                ⚠ regions, incorrect variable‑cost calculations, unexplained changes to points
                ⚠ that were previously correct, and prior‑period data that must be re‑entered.
                
                ⚠ Overall assessment
                ⚠ 
                ⚠ Most problems arise from a cumbersome fragmented process. No one controls the
                ⚠ data from beginning to end, responsibility is unclear, and errors can fall
                ⚠ between stages. The production process badly needs streamlining, both for each
                ⚠ book and for common calculations. The current team cannot manage the required
                ⚠ changes as well as ongoing production.
                
                ⚠ Could we discuss how best to proceed?

Findings table

LocationViolationSuggested fix
First line (“Subject: …”)Missing top answer; title onlyInsert a one‑sentence answer that states the recommended action (e.g., “We should redesign the graph‑book production process to eliminate duplication and improve data control”).
Sections “Production”, “Issues”, “Overall assessment”Mixed‑kind first‑level groups (process steps, problem list, assessment) → violates same‑kind ruleRe‑structure into same‑kind groups that directly support the answer (e.g., Reasons for change, Actions to implement, Risks).
Entire memoNo explicit order (time, structure, ranking, etc.)Choose an order type (e.g., Structure: parts of the new streamlined process) and label it in the intro.
“Issues” paragraph & “Overall assessment”Overlap between problem description and assessment; gaps (no recommendations, no responsibility matrix)Separate problems (facts) from analysis (reasons) and add a dedicated Recommendations group; fill gaps with clear ownership and next steps.
“Could we discuss …?”Question placed at very end, not reflected in a top answerMove the question to the SCQ intro and answer it up front; the memo should close the question, not open it.
Overall layoutNo visible hierarchy (headings not nested, no indentation)Use clear headings and indentation to show pyramid levels; optionally add a simple outline (Top → Group 1 → Support 1.1, etc.).
“Production” step listProcess described but not linked to the answer; buried conclusion that “process needs streamlining” appears only in assessmentPromote the conclusion to the top answer and use the production steps as supporting detail under a Current Process group.

(7 findings listed; all major defects captured.)


Score (0–2 per axis)

AxisScoreComment
Top0No answer; only a subject line.
Same‑kind groups0Groups are mixed (steps, issues, assessment).
Order0No explicit ordering principle.
MECE0Overlaps between problems and assessment; gaps (no recommendations).
Display0Hierarchy not visible; flat memo.

Total: 0 / 10 (not structured).


Three highest‑impact fixes

  1. Add a clear top answer that states the recommended action and closes the implied question.
  2. Re‑organize the memo into same‑kind groups (e.g., Reasons, Actions, Risks) that directly support the top answer.
  3. Apply a consistent order type (e.g., Structure) and ensure the hierarchy is visible with headings/indentation, eliminating overlaps and filling the missing recommendation gap.

Как устроен тест

gpt-oss-120b получила одну и ту же задачу дважды. Контрольный промпт — одна вводная строка и задача. Промпт с Minto — та же задача, перед которой стоит полный текст навыка. Судья читал оба ответа среди 16 ответов под слепыми метками и не знал, в каком из них был навык.

Промпт без Minto 2 424 Б
You are working on a business document using the Minto Pyramid Principle.

<!-- Faithful paraphrase of Minto (2010), Appendix B, Exhibits B-5 and B-6.
     Original wording for this fixture. -->

# Fixture 03: Period Graph Books

**Mode:** `audit`
**Language:** `en`

## Context

Corporate Financial Analysis recently took over production of four monthly
graph books used in presentations to senior management. Management knows that
errors and inconsistencies have appeared and asked for corrective proposals.

## Before

```text
Subject: Period Graph Books

Since Period 5, Financial Analysis has been responsible for producing four
graph-presentation books previously handled by Corporate Planning. This memo
describes issues that appeared after the transfer.

Production

1. Gather data from divisional forms, internal documents, and telephone calls.
2. Calculate graph points manually or on the corporate computer, including
   rolling values for revenue, cost, and percentages.
3. Transcribe the points to input sheets. Analysts update the current period,
   then Color Graphics re-enters the points into its own database and generates
   the graphs.
4. Check the data and calculations.

Issues

The transfer inserted another person into an already fragmented process.
Divisional staff and three corporate departments participate, and the same
information may be entered into computer systems three times.

For one book, divisional data are loaded into a dedicated corporate program,
calculated, transferred to Color Graphics input sheets, entered again, and
returned for updates. Problems include inconsistent data between periods and
regions, incorrect variable-cost calculations, unexplained changes to points
that were previously correct, and prior-period data that must be re-entered.

Overall assessment

Most problems arise from a cumbersome fragmented process. No one controls the
data from beginning to end, responsibility is unclear, and errors can fall
between stages. The production process badly needs streamlining, both for each
book and for common calculations. The current team cannot manage the required
changes as well as ongoing production.

Could we discuss how best to proceed?
```

## Task

Audit this document against the Minto Pyramid Principle. Diagnose the defects
and explain what must change. Do not rewrite the document.

Return only the result, with no explanation of how you produced it.
Промпт с Minto пять частей по порядку · 29 997 Б
  1. Below is a skill written as an instruction. Read it in full and apply it to the task at the end.
  2. ===== SKILL.md ===== SKILL.md на f4813ce 17 235 Б
  3. ===== references/rules.md ===== references/rules.md на f4813ce 6 464 Б
  4. ===== references/templates.md ===== references/templates.md на f4813ce 3 742 Б
  5. ===== TASK ===== вход кейса целиком
  6. Return only the result, with no explanation of how you produced it.
Вход кейса before.md

<!-- Faithful paraphrase of Minto (2010), Appendix B, Exhibits B-5 and B-6.
Original wording for this fixture. -->

Fixture 03: Period Graph Books

Mode: audit
Language: en

Context

Corporate Financial Analysis recently took over production of four monthly
graph books used in presentations to senior management. Management knows that
errors and inconsistencies have appeared and asked for corrective proposals.

Before
Subject: Period Graph Books
                
                Since Period 5, Financial Analysis has been responsible for producing four
                graph-presentation books previously handled by Corporate Planning. This memo
                describes issues that appeared after the transfer.
                
                Production
                
                1. Gather data from divisional forms, internal documents, and telephone calls.
                2. Calculate graph points manually or on the corporate computer, including
                   rolling values for revenue, cost, and percentages.
                3. Transcribe the points to input sheets. Analysts update the current period,
                   then Color Graphics re-enters the points into its own database and generates
                   the graphs.
                4. Check the data and calculations.
                
                Issues
                
                The transfer inserted another person into an already fragmented process.
                Divisional staff and three corporate departments participate, and the same
                information may be entered into computer systems three times.
                
                For one book, divisional data are loaded into a dedicated corporate program,
                calculated, transferred to Color Graphics input sheets, entered again, and
                returned for updates. Problems include inconsistent data between periods and
                regions, incorrect variable-cost calculations, unexplained changes to points
                that were previously correct, and prior-period data that must be re-entered.
                
                Overall assessment
                
                Most problems arise from a cumbersome fragmented process. No one controls the
                data from beginning to end, responsibility is unclear, and errors can fall
                between stages. The production process badly needs streamlining, both for each
                book and for common calculations. The current team cannot manage the required
                changes as well as ongoing production.
                
                Could we discuss how best to proceed?
Task

Audit this document against the Minto Pyramid Principle. Diagnose the defects
and explain what must change. Do not rewrite the document.

Эталон судьи gold.md

Gold 03: Period Graph Books

Source structure: Minto (2010), Appendix B, Exhibits B-5 and B-6.

Book-derived defects
DefectSeverity
The document never states the changes required; it therefore does not answer management's questionCritical
It describes the current process instead of presenting a top and key lineCritical
"The purpose is to describe issues" is a topic, not an answerCritical
The process description is incomplete and does not isolate each system's failure pointsMedium
Problems in graph-point generation and later presenter changes are not clearly separatedMedium

The buried conclusion is that the process needs streamlining, but this is not
turned into an actionable answer.

Expected replacement structure

Reader question: What changes should we make to prevent unreliable graphs?

Top: Remove the opportunities for error across data transfer, graph-point
generation, and final presentation changes.

Key-line kind: changes/actions.

  1. Create a direct data link to the corporate computer.
  2. Create a reliable computerized routine for graph-point generation.
  3. Require presenter changes to be revalidated before use.

Audit outputs should name the missing answer, distinguish it from a conclusion
that is merely buried, annotate only visible evidence, provide no rewritten
memo, and avoid inventing defects in unseen material.

Судья gpt-5.6-sol, effort high · навык с коммита f4813ce · прогон v1.7.0-final