That is where strategic analysis, past performance and plain logic come into play.
Every effort to interact involves a strategic analysis of the person's habits.
You can find out more about strategic analysis in our guide on how to measure performance and set targets.
Otherwise it is likely that strategic analysis will rest on very shaky foundations.
That is needed where possible to make the strategic analysis more rigorous before final approvals are given.
It is still, however, potentially a very important part of the strategic analysis required.
The important point is to monitor pressure for cost reductions from all sources and to take such possibilities into account in strategic analysis.
It is the latter one really needs for strategic analysis.
See the page in this guide on models for your strategic analysis.
Michael Porter (1980) developed the concept and applied it within his overall system of strategic analysis.