The Art of War by Sun Tzu

I Laying plans contd...

12,13,14. Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them [the five constant factors] be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:

1. Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?
2. Which of the two generals has most ability?
3. With whom lie the advantages derived from heaven and earth?
4. On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
5. Which army is stronger?
6. On which side is discipline more highly trained?
7. In which army is there the great constancy both in reward and punishment?

By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory and defeat.

Notes by Zephyrist:

At its simplest this can be a simple tick list, the winner of the battle will be the one with the most ticks.

To modernise the language a bit, sovereigns would now be the politicians or the decision makers and the generals would be the head of operations.The advantage of heaven and earth has decreased, now most battles in the office or out can be fought in all seasons at all times of day. Reward, punishment and discipline are just the same with salaries, reward packages, company rules and disciplinary offences.

If you consider each question in turn you can quickly decide who has the advantage, if in your favour you fight, if not you might want to try diplomacy or target your inadequacies.