R.O.S.E.S Framework: Crafting Prompts for Strategic Decision-Making

Use the R.O.S.E.S framework—Role, Objective, Style, Example, Scenario—to develop prompts that generate comprehensive strategic analysis and decision support.

Last updated: April 28, 2025
Category: Strategic PlanningComplexity: Advanced
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Framework Structure

The key components of the R.O.S.E.S Framework framework

Role
The persona, expertise, or professional identity the AI should adopt
Objective
The specific goal or purpose of the content being generated
Style
The tone, format, structure, and presentation of the output
Example
A sample of the desired output format or content style
Scenario
The specific context, situation, or environment for which the content is being created

Core Example Prompt

A practical template following the R.O.S.E.S Framework structure

plaintextExample Prompt
You are a pediatric nutritionist with expertise in childhood obesity prevention. Create an educational handout for parents of elementary school children on packing healthy lunches. Use simple, jargon-free language with practical tips and colorful examples. Format with a brief introduction, 5 bullet-point tips, a sample meal plan table, and a friendly conclusion with a call to action. This will be distributed at a school wellness fair where parents have limited time to read materials.

Usage Tips

Best practices for applying the R.O.S.E.S Framework framework

  • Go ultra-specific with roles: 'pediatric speech therapist specializing in autism' vs. just 'therapist'
  • Layer objectives: Primary goal + secondary benefits
  • Use formatting clues: 'H2 headings for sections,' 'bullet points for advantages,' etc.
  • Reference familiar formats: 'like a Wikipedia article,' 'in the style of a Harvard Business Review case study'
  • Combine with other frameworks: R.O.S.E.S works well with A.P.E for multi-step processes

Detailed Breakdown

In-depth explanation of the framework components

The R.O.S.E.S method enables highly detailed and contextual prompts by defining the AI's role, establishing clear objectives, specifying style and format, providing examples, and framing scenarios—perfect for complex or specialized outputs.

Introduction

The R.O.S.E.S FrameworkRole, Objective, Style, Example, Scenario—is designed for situations requiring highly specialized, precisely formatted, or contextually nuanced AI responses. This advanced framework is ideal for:

  • Professional documentation
  • Specialized technical writing
  • Domain-specific content creation
  • Format-sensitive outputs
  • Complex multi-part responses
By implementing the R.O.S.E.S framework, you can create prompts that generate:

  • Role-Appropriate content with the right expertise and perspective.
  • Objective-Focused responses that achieve specific goals.
  • Style-Consistent outputs with controlled tone, format, and structure.
  • Example-Guided content following provided patterns.
  • Scenario-Relevant answers tailored to specific contexts.

R.O.S.E.S Framework Structure

1. Role

  • Definition: The persona, expertise, or professional identity the AI should adopt.
  • Examples: "You are a pediatric nutritionist," "Act as a cybersecurity expert," "You are a UX researcher."
  • Tips:
- Be specific about expertise level and specialization.

- Include relevant qualifications or perspective (e.g., "with 10 years experience in healthcare settings").

2. Objective

  • Definition: The specific goal or purpose of the content being generated.
  • Examples: "Educate parents about balanced nutrition," "Identify potential security vulnerabilities," "Improve user engagement."
  • Tips:
- Define measurable outcomes when possible.

- Clarify who benefits from the content and how.

3. Style

  • Definition: The tone, format, structure, and presentation of the output.
  • Examples: "Use simple, non-technical language," "Format as a bulleted report with headings," "Write in a conversational yet authoritative tone."
  • Tips:
- Include formatting requirements (length, sections, headings).

- Specify language complexity (technical vs. simplified).

- Define tone (formal, conversational, persuasive).

4. Example

  • Definition: A sample of the desired output format or content style.
  • Examples: "Here's a sample section: [example]," "Follow this pattern: [pattern]," "Previous successful response: [example]."
  • Tips:
- Provide short but representative examples.

- Highlight key structural elements you want replicated.

5. Scenario

  • Definition: The specific context, situation, or environment for which the content is being created.
  • Examples: "For a pediatrician's waiting room brochure," "During an active security incident," "For first-time users of the application."
  • Tips:
- Include relevant constraints or special considerations.

- Define audience needs in the given context.

Example Prompts Using the R.O.S.E.S Framework

Example 1: Healthcare Education Material

Prompt:

R.O.S.E.S Breakdown:

  • Role: Pediatric nutritionist with expertise in childhood obesity prevention
  • Objective: Create an educational handout on packing healthy lunches
  • Style: Simple language, practical tips, specific format (intro, bullets, table, conclusion)
  • Example: Implied in the format specification
  • Scenario: School wellness fair with time-constrained parents

Example 2: Technical Security Assessment

Prompt:

R.O.S.E.S Breakdown:

  • Role: Senior cybersecurity analyst specializing in web application security
  • Objective: Produce a vulnerability assessment report for a financial portal
  • Style: Professional, technical tone with clear structure
  • Example: Sample table entry provided
  • Scenario: Presentation to mixed technical and non-technical executive audience

Best Use Cases for the R.O.S.E.S Framework

1. Specialized Professional Documentation

  • Medical documentation
  • Legal briefs
  • Technical specifications
  • Academic papers
Example Prompt:

2. Technical Instructions & Guides

  • User manuals
  • Implementation guides
  • Technical tutorials
  • Troubleshooting procedures
Example Prompt:

3. Educational & Training Materials

  • Course materials
  • Training modules
  • Educational presentations
  • Instructional design
Example Prompt:

4. Multi-Format Content Creation

  • Marketing campaigns
  • Content series
  • Multi-channel communications
  • Cross-platform materials
Example Prompt:

Bonus Prompt Engineering Tips for Using R.O.S.E.S

🔍 Go ultra-specific with roles: "pediatric speech therapist specializing in autism" vs. just "therapist"

🎯 Layer objectives: Primary goal + secondary benefits

📝 Use formatting clues: "H2 headings for sections," "bullet points for advantages," etc.

📚 Reference familiar formats: "like a Wikipedia article," "in the style of a Harvard Business Review case study"

🔄 Combine with other frameworks: R.O.S.E.S works well with A.P.E for multi-step processes

Conclusion

The R.O.S.E.S Framework provides a comprehensive structure for crafting sophisticated prompts that generate highly tailored, professionally formatted, and contextually appropriate responses. By carefully defining the role, objective, style, examples, and scenario, you can achieve exceptional control over AI outputs for specialized applications.

Remember:

  • Assign a specific Role to guide expertise and perspective.
  • Clarify the Objective to focus the purpose.
  • Detail the Style to control format and tone.
  • Provide an Example to demonstrate desired patterns.
  • Frame the Scenario to ensure contextual relevance.

Framework in Action: Examples

See how R.O.S.E.S Framework transforms basic prompts into powerful instructions

Before & After Examples

See how this framework transforms basic prompts into powerful instructions for AI

Basic PromptBefore
Create a strategic analysis for entering the renewable energy market.
Effectiveness
Based on structure, specificity, clarity, and actionable content
Low
Role-Objective-Style-Example-Scenario EnhancedAfter
Role: You are a senior management consultant specializing in renewable energy markets with 15+ years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies on strategic market entry and competitive positioning. Objective: Create a comprehensive strategic analysis for a mid-sized utility company considering entry into the residential solar installation market, with the goal of identifying the most promising business model, key risks, and critical success factors. Style: Structure your analysis as a formal consulting deliverable with clear section headings, bulleted key findings, 2-3 visual frameworks (market positioning matrix, competitive landscape map, risk assessment heat map), and executive summary. Use data-driven insights with specific market percentages and growth projections where appropriate. Example: Similar to Boston Consulting Group's industry analysis reports, which begin with a concise "Key Takeaways" section, followed by "Market Overview," "Competitive Analysis," "Strategic Options," "Risk Assessment," and "Implementation Roadmap." Each section should include both analysis and actionable recommendations. Scenario: This analysis will be presented to the Board of Directors at their quarterly strategy meeting next week. The company has traditionally focused on conventional power generation but has $200M allocated for diversification. The Board is divided on renewable energy investment, with some members skeptical about profitability and others concerned about being left behind as the energy transition accelerates.
Effectiveness
Based on structure, specificity, clarity, and actionable content
High

Response Comparison

Basic AI ResponseBefore
Quality:
# Renewable Energy Market Entry Analysis

The renewable energy market is growing rapidly due to concerns about climate change and government incentives. Solar and wind are the most mature technologies, while hydrogen and energy storage are emerging opportunities.

Market entry considerations:
- Initial capital requirements are high
- Regulatory environment varies by region
- Competition includes both established utilities and new technology companies
- Consumer demand is increasing, especially in urban areas
- Technology costs continue to decrease

Potential strategies:
1. Partner with existing solar installation companies
2. Acquire a small renewable energy company
3. Start a new division from scratch
4. Create a joint venture with a technology provider

Challenges include regulatory uncertainty, technology evolution, and market volatility. Success will depend on timing, capital deployment, and operational execution.

Recommendation: Start with a pilot program in a single market before expanding. Focus on areas with favorable regulatory conditions and high electricity prices.
Generic information
Lacks structure
Limited detail
Role-Objective-Style-Example-Scenario Enhanced ResponseAfter
Quality:
# STRATEGIC ANALYSIS: RESIDENTIAL SOLAR MARKET ENTRY

## EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Based on comprehensive market analysis, we recommend **controlled market entry through a phase-gated approach** beginning with a white-labeled partnership model before transitioning to an acquisition strategy. The residential solar installation market presents a $14.8B opportunity with 15.7% CAGR through 2030, offering an attractive diversification path that leverages your existing customer relationships while mitigating technological obsolescence risk.

**Critical Success Factors:**
• Speed to market (current 24-36 month window before market consolidation)
• Customer acquisition cost management (currently averaging $3,200/installation)
• Operational excellence in permitting and installation processes
• Regulatory navigation expertise, particularly for net metering policies

Your competitive advantage lies in existing customer relationships, low cost of capital, and infrastructure integration potential. However, this must be balanced against limited technical expertise and potential channel conflicts with current business units.

## MARKET OVERVIEW

**Market Characteristics:**

| Indicator | Current State | 5-Year Projection |
|-----------|--------------|-------------------|
| Market Size | $14.8B | $30.5B |
| Growth Rate | 15.7% CAGR | Stabilizing to 12.4% |
| Margin Profile | 18-22% gross margins | Declining to 15-18% |
| Market Concentration | Fragmented (top 5 players = 42%) | Consolidating (top 5 reaching 65%) |
| Regional Hotspots | CA, TX, FL, AZ | Expanding to NC, NV, CO, IL |

**Adoption Drivers:**
• Rising retail electricity prices (7.2% YoY increase)
• Federal ITC extension (30% through 2032)
• State-level incentives in 37 states
• Increasing homeowner focus on energy independence (68% cite as primary motivation)
• Climate consciousness as secondary driver (42% of customers)

**Market Headwinds:**
• Net metering policy rollbacks in key states
• Supply chain vulnerabilities (92% of panels manufactured in Asia)
• Skilled labor shortages (installation technicians at 14% vacancy rate)
• Grid integration challenges in high-adoption regions

## COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

**Market Positioning Matrix:**

[Competitive Positioning Matrix showing four quadrants: National Specialists (high specialization/broad coverage), Local Specialists (high specialization/local coverage), National Generalists (low specialization/broad coverage), and Local Generalists (low specialization/local coverage) with key players mapped]

**Strategic Groupings:**

1. **Pure-Play Solar Installers (SunPower, Sunrun):**
   • Advantages: Technical expertise, streamlined operations
   • Disadvantages: High customer acquisition costs, limited financing options

2. **Tech-Forward Disruptors (Tesla, Enphase):**
   • Advantages: Product innovation, brand appeal
   • Disadvantages: Installation quality inconsistency, service network gaps

3. **Traditional Utilities (Duke, NextEra):**
   • Advantages: Customer base, regulatory expertise
   • Disadvantages: Cultural resistance, operational agility

4. **Regional Specialists (Trinity, Sullivan):**
   • Advantages: Local knowledge, customer satisfaction
   • Disadvantages: Scale limitations, capital constraints

Your natural competitive set is Group 3, but opportunities exist to differentiate by incorporating elements from Groups 1 and 2.

## STRATEGIC OPTIONS ASSESSMENT

**Option Evaluation Matrix:**

| Entry Strategy | Speed | Investment Required | Risk Profile | Strategic Fit | Overall Rating |
|----------------|-------|---------------------|-------------|--------------|----------------|
| Organic Build | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ ($50-75M) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 11/20 |
| White-Label Partnership | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ($15-25M) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 14/20 |
| Strategic Acquisition | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ ($100-150M) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 13/20 |
| JV with Tech Provider | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ ($40-60M) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 12/20 |
| Phased Approach (P→A) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ ($35-85M) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 16/20 |

**Recommended Strategy: Phased Approach**

1. **Phase 1 (0-18 months):** White-label partnership with established installer in 3 test markets (Phoenix, Tampa, Charlotte)
   • Capitalize on partner's technical expertise while building market knowledge
   • Co-brand offering as "[Your Company] Solar powered by [Partner]"
   • Initial investment: $15-25M with defined success metrics

2. **Phase 2 (18-36 months):** Targeted acquisition of regional player with complementary footprint
   • Leverage learnings from Phase 1 to select ideal acquisition target
   • Prioritize companies with strong installation teams and customer satisfaction
   • Acquisition budget: $75-125M depending on Phase 1 performance

## RISK ASSESSMENT

**Strategic Risk Heat Map:**

[Heat map showing risks plotted on Impact vs. Probability axes, with high-risk items in red (top right), moderate risks in amber (middle), and low risks in green (bottom left)]

**Key Risk Factors:**

1. **Net Metering Policy Changes** (High Impact/High Probability)
   • Mitigation: Develop storage-paired offerings, focus on high electricity cost markets

2. **Technological Obsolescence** (High Impact/Medium Probability)
   • Mitigation: Phased approach limits sunk costs, partnership provides technology flexibility

3. **Installation Quality Issues** (Medium Impact/Medium Probability)
   • Mitigation: Robust quality control programs, performance-based compensation

4. **Market Saturation in Prime Areas** (Medium Impact/Low Probability)
   • Mitigation: Tiered market entry strategy targeting diverse geographies

5. **Internal Resistance from Traditional Business Units** (Medium Impact/High Probability)
   • Mitigation: Executive sponsorship, aligned incentive structures, clear separation of operations

## IMPLEMENTATION ROADMAP

**Critical Path Timeline:**

**Immediate (0-3 months):**
• Finalize partner selection process and criteria
• Establish dedicated business development team
• Develop market entry test metrics

**Near-Term (3-9 months):**
• Execute partnership agreement(s)
• Develop co-branded marketing materials
• Train customer service on offering details
• Launch in first test market (Phoenix)

**Mid-Term (9-18 months):**
• Expand to additional test markets
• Begin acquisition target scanning
• Develop installation quality standards
• Build dedicated sales capabilities

**Long-Term (18-36 months):**
• Complete acquisition if Phase 1 metrics achieved
• Integration of acquired business
• Geographic expansion to 12+ markets
• Development of differentiated offering suite

## FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

**5-Year Performance Forecast:**

• **Revenue Potential:** $175-225M annually by year 5
• **Gross Margin:** 18-22% in early years, stabilizing at 16-18%
• **Investment Required:** $35-85M (phase-dependent)
• **Payback Period:** 4.5-5.5 years
• **IRR:** 12-15% (exceeding 11% hurdle rate)
• **NPV:** $45-65M (at 8% discount rate)

**Next Steps for Board Decision:**

1. Approve initial $5M for partnership development and due diligence
2. Establish executive sponsor and dedicated team
3. Set quarterly review schedule with defined stage-gate criteria
4. Authorize Phase 1 partnership structure and test market selection
Professional format
Expert insights
Actionable content

Key Improvements with the Framework

Professional Structure

Clear organization with logical sections

Targeted Focus

Precisely aligned with specific outcomes

Enhanced Clarity

Clear intent and specific requirements

Actionable Output

Concrete recommendations and detailed analysis

Framework Component Breakdown

Role
The persona, expertise, or professional identity the AI should adopt
Objective
The specific goal or purpose of the content being generated
Style
The tone, format, structure, and presentation of the output
Example
A sample of the desired output format or content style
Scenario
The specific context, situation, or environment for which the content is being created