means–ends analysis

Means–end analysis is a form of backwards reasining used in planning. It starts with a goal-state and then works backwards to work out what would need to be done in order to meet the goal. this creates new sub-goals. For example, if our goal is to make tea, we need to put a teabag in a mug and then pour boiling water over it; this creates two subgoal: to get the tea bag and to boil water.