## Feedback vs Feedforward Control Systems

These two systems represent opposite philosophies about when corrective action is taken.

### Feedback Control (Ex-Post / Corrective)

Feature	Detail
Timing	After the budget period ends
Process	Collect actual results → compare with budget → identify variances → take corrective action
Nature	Ex-Post Corrective — addresses discrepancies after they occur
Suitability	Organisations with less robust MIS, where data is available only after finalising books of account
Cost	Less expensive to maintain
Limitation	Cannot prevent problems; organisation may struggle to remain competitive in data-driven environments

### Feedforward Control (Ex-Ante / Preventive)

Feature	Detail
Timing	Ongoing, throughout the budget period
Process	Set budgets at start → continuously monitor actuals → adjust targets proactively
Nature	Ex-Ante Preventive — prevents deviations before they occur
Requirement	Robust MIS supported by an integrated ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system for real-time data
Cost	Expensive to implement and maintain
Benefit	Better decision-making, real-time data access, competitive advantage

### Key Contrast

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

Confusing 'feedback' (after the period) with 'feedforward' (during the period) — remember: 'feed-back' looks backward at what happened
Stating feedforward is 'cheaper' — it is actually more expensive due to MIS/ERP requirements
Forgetting that feedforward is Ex-Ante (preventive) while feedback is Ex-Post (corrective)

Reference:

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