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Zero-Based Budgeting

“Zero-Based Budgeting” is a short 90-minute practice from Zayenha Practice in the Administrative domain. Every budget line starts at zero — must justify itself, not inherit from last year. Immediate effect: You find 15-25% of spend unjustified. You can read its goal and first step for free; the full practice with every step and the interactive part comes with Plus.

Every budget line starts at zero — must justify itself, not inherit from last year.

90 min Advanced

Goal

End "this is our budget for 5 years" — every dollar justifies itself.

Steps

1

Start with blank page — no last-year numbers.

5 more steps locked

Expected Outcome

Immediate

You find 15-25% of spend unjustified.

Evidence base

School: Zero-Based Budgeting

Founders: Peter Pyhrr (1970)

Pyhrr (Texas Instruments) — HBR 1970 "Zero-Base Budgeting"; adopted by Gov. Jimmy Carter and went federal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Zero-Based Budgeting" take?

This exercise takes about 90 minutes, practiced in a group in a Action format.

When will I notice the effect of "Zero-Based Budgeting"?

You find 15-25% of spend unjustified. In the short term: In a quarter, savings redirect to real priorities.

Is "Zero-Based Budgeting" evidence-based?

Yes — it draws on Zero-Based Budgeting (Peter Pyhrr (1970)). Pyhrr (Texas Instruments) — HBR 1970 "Zero-Base Budgeting"; adopted by Gov. Jimmy Carter and went federal.

Is "Zero-Based Budgeting" suitable for beginners?

Its difficulty level is: Advanced. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the platform.

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Interactive practice locked · 5 more steps locked

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