Dynamic Scope Control: A Conceptual Framework for Adaptive Scope Management in Problem Solving

This paper introduces Dynamic Scope Control (DSC), a conceptual framework for managing the scope of exploration, analysis, and intervention during problem solving. DSC focuses on how decision-makers deliberately maintain or modify the boundaries of their problem-solving activities in response to emerging evidence, constraints, uncertainty, feedback, and search costs. The framework identifies four scope operations: Hold, Expand, Contract, and Shift. Hold maintains the current scope; Expand broadens the scope of inquiry; Contract narrows the scope toward a specific area; and Shift changes the underlying problem representation or causal model. These operations are incorporated into an iterative process termed the SCOPE Spiral, which connects observed facts, scope assessment, action, and feedback. DSC is proposed as a complementary framework to established approaches such as the OODA loop, PDCA cycle, and Theory of Constraints, with a particular emphasis on the explicit management of problem-solving scope. This paper presents a conceptual framework rather than an empirically validated model. Future research will examine its operational validity, practical utility, and potential contribution to adaptive decision-making.