1. Purpose
A decision that waits is often more expensive than a decision that turns out imperfect. On chip programmes, a blocked decision can hold verification, physical design or mask orders, and the cost of waiting grows close to tape-out and release. This procedure makes escalation a planned, quick route with clear triggers, so that blocked decisions reach someone who can take them before the cost of waiting becomes large.
The procedure also protects delegated owners. Escalation follows the agreed path one level at a time, with a fair written brief, so that senior levels decide on the facts and lower levels keep the decisions that belong to them.
When and how a blocked decision is moved up. A decision is escalated when its owner cannot make it in time, when the parties cannot agree, or when it exceeds the owner's delegated limits. Escalation is a normal, planned route with clear triggers, a short written brief and a named level that must answer, not a sign of failure.
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