diff --git a/watcher/api/controllers/v1/action_plan.py b/watcher/api/controllers/v1/action_plan.py
index 7165e0f42..968f9f439 100644
--- a/watcher/api/controllers/v1/action_plan.py
+++ b/watcher/api/controllers/v1/action_plan.py
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ from watcher.api.controllers.v1 import utils as api_utils
 from watcher.applier import rpcapi
 from watcher.common import exception
 from watcher.common import policy
+from watcher.common import utils
 from watcher import objects
 from watcher.objects import action_plan as ap_objects
 
@@ -117,6 +118,8 @@ class ActionPlan(base.APIBase):
     """
 
     _audit_uuid = None
+    _strategy_uuid = None
+    _strategy_name = None
     _first_action_uuid = None
     _efficacy_indicators = None
 
@@ -177,6 +180,43 @@ class ActionPlan(base.APIBase):
         elif value and self._efficacy_indicators != value:
             self._efficacy_indicators = value
 
+    def _get_strategy(self, value):
+        if value == wtypes.Unset:
+            return None
+        strategy = None
+        try:
+            if utils.is_uuid_like(value) or utils.is_int_like(value):
+                strategy = objects.Strategy.get(
+                    pecan.request.context, value)
+            else:
+                strategy = objects.Strategy.get_by_name(
+                    pecan.request.context, value)
+        except exception.StrategyNotFound:
+            pass
+        if strategy:
+            self.strategy_id = strategy.id
+        return strategy
+
+    def _get_strategy_uuid(self):
+        return self._strategy_uuid
+
+    def _set_strategy_uuid(self, value):
+        if value and self._strategy_uuid != value:
+            self._strategy_uuid = None
+            strategy = self._get_strategy(value)
+            if strategy:
+                self._strategy_uuid = strategy.uuid
+
+    def _get_strategy_name(self):
+        return self._strategy_name
+
+    def _set_strategy_name(self, value):
+        if value and self._strategy_name != value:
+            self._strategy_name = None
+            strategy = self._get_strategy(value)
+            if strategy:
+                self._strategy_name = strategy.name
+
     uuid = wtypes.wsattr(types.uuid, readonly=True)
     """Unique UUID for this action plan"""
 
@@ -189,6 +229,14 @@ class ActionPlan(base.APIBase):
                                  mandatory=True)
     """The UUID of the audit this port belongs to"""
 
+    strategy_uuid = wsme.wsproperty(
+        wtypes.text, _get_strategy_uuid, _set_strategy_uuid, mandatory=False)
+    """Strategy UUID the action plan refers to"""
+
+    strategy_name = wsme.wsproperty(
+        wtypes.text, _get_strategy_name, _set_strategy_name, mandatory=False)
+    """The name of the strategy this action plan refers to"""
+
     efficacy_indicators = wsme.wsproperty(
         types.jsontype, _get_efficacy_indicators, _set_efficacy_indicators,
         mandatory=True)
@@ -219,6 +267,10 @@ class ActionPlan(base.APIBase):
         self.fields.append('efficacy_indicators')
 
         setattr(self, 'audit_uuid', kwargs.get('audit_id', wtypes.Unset))
+        fields.append('strategy_uuid')
+        setattr(self, 'strategy_uuid', kwargs.get('strategy_id', wtypes.Unset))
+        fields.append('strategy_name')
+        setattr(self, 'strategy_name', kwargs.get('strategy_id', wtypes.Unset))
         setattr(self, 'first_action_uuid',
                 kwargs.get('first_action_id', wtypes.Unset))
 
@@ -227,7 +279,8 @@ class ActionPlan(base.APIBase):
         if not expand:
             action_plan.unset_fields_except(
                 ['uuid', 'state', 'efficacy_indicators', 'global_efficacy',
-                 'updated_at', 'audit_uuid', 'first_action_uuid'])
+                 'updated_at', 'audit_uuid', 'strategy_uuid', 'strategy_name',
+                 'first_action_uuid'])
 
         action_plan.links = [
             link.Link.make_link(
@@ -275,8 +328,8 @@ class ActionPlanCollection(collection.Collection):
     @staticmethod
     def convert_with_links(rpc_action_plans, limit, url=None, expand=False,
                            **kwargs):
-        collection = ActionPlanCollection()
-        collection.action_plans = [ActionPlan.convert_with_links(
+        ap_collection = ActionPlanCollection()
+        ap_collection.action_plans = [ActionPlan.convert_with_links(
             p, expand) for p in rpc_action_plans]
 
         if 'sort_key' in kwargs:
@@ -284,13 +337,13 @@ class ActionPlanCollection(collection.Collection):
             if kwargs['sort_key'] == 'audit_uuid':
                 if 'sort_dir' in kwargs:
                     reverse = True if kwargs['sort_dir'] == 'desc' else False
-                collection.action_plans = sorted(
-                    collection.action_plans,
+                ap_collection.action_plans = sorted(
+                    ap_collection.action_plans,
                     key=lambda action_plan: action_plan.audit_uuid,
                     reverse=reverse)
 
-        collection.next = collection.get_next(limit, url=url, **kwargs)
-        return collection
+        ap_collection.next = ap_collection.get_next(limit, url=url, **kwargs)
+        return ap_collection
 
     @classmethod
     def sample(cls):
@@ -301,6 +354,7 @@ class ActionPlanCollection(collection.Collection):
 
 class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
     """REST controller for Actions."""
+
     def __init__(self):
         super(ActionPlansController, self).__init__()
 
@@ -314,7 +368,8 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
 
     def _get_action_plans_collection(self, marker, limit,
                                      sort_key, sort_dir, expand=False,
-                                     resource_url=None, audit_uuid=None):
+                                     resource_url=None, audit_uuid=None,
+                                     strategy=None):
 
         limit = api_utils.validate_limit(limit)
         api_utils.validate_sort_dir(sort_dir)
@@ -328,6 +383,12 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
         if audit_uuid:
             filters['audit_uuid'] = audit_uuid
 
+        if strategy:
+            if utils.is_uuid_like(strategy):
+                filters['strategy_uuid'] = strategy
+            else:
+                filters['strategy_name'] = strategy
+
         if sort_key == 'audit_uuid':
             sort_db_key = None
         else:
@@ -347,9 +408,9 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
             sort_dir=sort_dir)
 
     @wsme_pecan.wsexpose(ActionPlanCollection, types.uuid, int, wtypes.text,
-                         wtypes.text, types.uuid)
+                         wtypes.text, types.uuid, wtypes.text)
     def get_all(self, marker=None, limit=None,
-                sort_key='id', sort_dir='asc', audit_uuid=None):
+                sort_key='id', sort_dir='asc', audit_uuid=None, strategy=None):
         """Retrieve a list of action plans.
 
         :param marker: pagination marker for large data sets.
@@ -358,18 +419,20 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
         :param sort_dir: direction to sort. "asc" or "desc". Default: asc.
         :param audit_uuid: Optional UUID of an audit, to get only actions
             for that audit.
+        :param strategy: strategy UUID or name to filter by
         """
         context = pecan.request.context
         policy.enforce(context, 'action_plan:get_all',
                        action='action_plan:get_all')
 
         return self._get_action_plans_collection(
-            marker, limit, sort_key, sort_dir, audit_uuid=audit_uuid)
+            marker, limit, sort_key, sort_dir,
+            audit_uuid=audit_uuid, strategy=strategy)
 
     @wsme_pecan.wsexpose(ActionPlanCollection, types.uuid, int, wtypes.text,
-                         wtypes.text, types.uuid)
+                         wtypes.text, types.uuid, wtypes.text)
     def detail(self, marker=None, limit=None,
-               sort_key='id', sort_dir='asc', audit_uuid=None):
+               sort_key='id', sort_dir='asc', audit_uuid=None, strategy=None):
         """Retrieve a list of action_plans with detail.
 
         :param marker: pagination marker for large data sets.
@@ -378,6 +441,7 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
         :param sort_dir: direction to sort. "asc" or "desc". Default: asc.
         :param audit_uuid: Optional UUID of an audit, to get only actions
             for that audit.
+        :param strategy: strategy UUID or name to filter by
         """
         context = pecan.request.context
         policy.enforce(context, 'action_plan:detail',
@@ -391,9 +455,8 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
         expand = True
         resource_url = '/'.join(['action_plans', 'detail'])
         return self._get_action_plans_collection(
-            marker, limit,
-            sort_key, sort_dir, expand,
-            resource_url, audit_uuid=audit_uuid)
+            marker, limit, sort_key, sort_dir, expand,
+            resource_url, audit_uuid=audit_uuid, strategy=strategy)
 
     @wsme_pecan.wsexpose(ActionPlan, types.uuid)
     def get_one(self, action_plan_uuid):
@@ -491,8 +554,8 @@ class ActionPlansController(rest.RestController):
             if action_plan_to_update[field] != patch_val:
                 action_plan_to_update[field] = patch_val
 
-            if (field == 'state'
-                    and patch_val == objects.action_plan.State.PENDING):
+            if (field == 'state'and
+                    patch_val == objects.action_plan.State.PENDING):
                 launch_action_plan = True
 
         action_plan_to_update.save()
diff --git a/watcher/api/controllers/v1/audit.py b/watcher/api/controllers/v1/audit.py
index 77754738b..8b724cc90 100644
--- a/watcher/api/controllers/v1/audit.py
+++ b/watcher/api/controllers/v1/audit.py
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ class Audit(base.APIBase):
             else:
                 strategy = objects.Strategy.get_by_name(
                     pecan.request.context, value)
-        except exception.GoalNotFound:
+        except exception.StrategyNotFound:
             pass
         if strategy:
             self.strategy_id = strategy.id
diff --git a/watcher/db/purge.py b/watcher/db/purge.py
index 975d307a1..e3e09a0a0 100644
--- a/watcher/db/purge.py
+++ b/watcher/db/purge.py
@@ -220,7 +220,8 @@ class PurgeCommand(object):
                      if audit not in orphans.audits]
         orphans.action_plans = [
             ap for ap in action_plans
-            if ap.audit_id not in audit_ids]
+            if ap.audit_id not in audit_ids or
+            ap.strategy_id not in strategy_ids]
 
         # Objects with orphan parents are themselves orphans
         action_plan_ids = [ap.id for ap in action_plans
diff --git a/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/api.py b/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/api.py
index d3b2ca4ef..394726bd3 100644
--- a/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/api.py
+++ b/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/api.py
@@ -347,10 +347,15 @@ class Connection(api.BaseConnection):
         if filters is None:
             filters = {}
 
-        plain_fields = ['uuid', 'state', 'audit_id']
-        join_fieldmap = {
-            'audit_uuid': ("uuid", models.Audit),
-        }
+        plain_fields = ['uuid', 'state', 'audit_id', 'strategy_id']
+        join_fieldmap = JoinMap(
+            audit_uuid=NaturalJoinFilter(
+                join_fieldname="uuid", join_model=models.Audit),
+            strategy_uuid=NaturalJoinFilter(
+                join_fieldname="uuid", join_model=models.Strategy),
+            strategy_name=NaturalJoinFilter(
+                join_fieldname="name", join_model=models.Strategy),
+        )
 
         return self._add_filters(
             query=query, model=models.ActionPlan, filters=filters,
diff --git a/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/models.py b/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/models.py
index ddce604c6..be210ce04 100644
--- a/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/models.py
+++ b/watcher/db/sqlalchemy/models.py
@@ -211,7 +211,8 @@ class ActionPlan(Base):
     id = Column(Integer, primary_key=True)
     uuid = Column(String(36))
     first_action_id = Column(Integer)
-    audit_id = Column(Integer, ForeignKey('audits.id'), nullable=True)
+    audit_id = Column(Integer, ForeignKey('audits.id'), nullable=False)
+    strategy_id = Column(Integer, ForeignKey('strategies.id'), nullable=False)
     state = Column(String(20), nullable=True)
     global_efficacy = Column(JSONEncodedDict, nullable=True)
 
diff --git a/watcher/decision_engine/audit/continuous.py b/watcher/decision_engine/audit/continuous.py
index 1711aa798..be2cc2d44 100644
--- a/watcher/decision_engine/audit/continuous.py
+++ b/watcher/decision_engine/audit/continuous.py
@@ -74,8 +74,8 @@ class ContinuousAuditHandler(base.AuditHandler):
 
     def do_execute(self, audit, request_context):
         # execute the strategy
-        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(audit.uuid,
-                                                          request_context)
+        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(
+            audit, request_context)
 
         if audit.audit_type == audit_objects.AuditType.CONTINUOUS.value:
             a_plan_filters = {'audit_uuid': audit.uuid,
diff --git a/watcher/decision_engine/audit/oneshot.py b/watcher/decision_engine/audit/oneshot.py
index d7b68d926..c689d6f13 100644
--- a/watcher/decision_engine/audit/oneshot.py
+++ b/watcher/decision_engine/audit/oneshot.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ from watcher.decision_engine.audit import base
 class OneShotAuditHandler(base.AuditHandler):
     def do_execute(self, audit, request_context):
         # execute the strategy
-        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(audit.uuid,
-                                                          request_context)
+        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(
+            audit, request_context)
 
         return solution
diff --git a/watcher/decision_engine/planner/default.py b/watcher/decision_engine/planner/default.py
index a645f710b..7662d61be 100644
--- a/watcher/decision_engine/planner/default.py
+++ b/watcher/decision_engine/planner/default.py
@@ -48,10 +48,11 @@ class DefaultPlanner(base.BasePlanner):
 
     @classmethod
     def get_config_opts(cls):
-        return [cfg.DictOpt(
-            'weights',
-            help="These weights are used to schedule the actions",
-            default=cls.weights_dict),
+        return [
+            cfg.DictOpt(
+                'weights',
+                help="These weights are used to schedule the actions",
+                default=cls.weights_dict),
         ]
 
     def create_action(self,
@@ -113,9 +114,13 @@ class DefaultPlanner(base.BasePlanner):
         return action_plan
 
     def _create_action_plan(self, context, audit_id, solution):
+        strategy = objects.Strategy.get_by_name(
+            context, solution.strategy.name)
+
         action_plan_dict = {
             'uuid': utils.generate_uuid(),
             'audit_id': audit_id,
+            'strategy_id': strategy.id,
             'first_action_id': None,
             'state': objects.action_plan.State.RECOMMENDED,
             'global_efficacy': solution.global_efficacy,
diff --git a/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/base.py b/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/base.py
index 28f8aec11..ca89d85d0 100644
--- a/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/base.py
+++ b/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/base.py
@@ -22,6 +22,16 @@ import six
 
 @six.add_metaclass(abc.ABCMeta)
 class BaseStrategyContext(object):
+
     @abc.abstractmethod
-    def execute_strategy(self, audit_uuid, request_context):
+    def execute_strategy(self, audit, request_context):
+        """Execute the strategy for the given an audit
+
+        :param audit: Audit object
+        :type audit: :py:class:`~.objects.audit.Audit` instance
+        :param request_context: Current request context
+        :type request_context: :py:class:`~.RequestContext` instance
+        :returns: The computed solution
+        :rtype: :py:class:`~.BaseSolution` instance
+        """
         raise NotImplementedError()
diff --git a/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/default.py b/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/default.py
index 4ac263a81..6ab2e6723 100644
--- a/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/default.py
+++ b/watcher/decision_engine/strategy/context/default.py
@@ -30,9 +30,7 @@ class DefaultStrategyContext(base.BaseStrategyContext):
         super(DefaultStrategyContext, self).__init__()
         LOG.debug("Initializing Strategy Context")
 
-    def execute_strategy(self, audit_uuid, request_context):
-        audit = objects.Audit.get_by_uuid(request_context, audit_uuid)
-
+    def execute_strategy(self, audit, request_context):
         osc = clients.OpenStackClients()
         # todo(jed) retrieve in audit parameters (threshold,...)
         # todo(jed) create ActionPlan
diff --git a/watcher/decision_engine/sync.py b/watcher/decision_engine/sync.py
index 0f292b672..1bb6951c7 100644
--- a/watcher/decision_engine/sync.py
+++ b/watcher/decision_engine/sync.py
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@ from watcher._i18n import _LI, _LW
 from watcher.common import context
 from watcher.decision_engine.loading import default
 from watcher import objects
+from watcher.objects import action_plan as apobjects
+from watcher.objects import audit as auditobjects
 
 LOG = log.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -54,6 +56,8 @@ class Syncer(object):
         self.strategy_mapping = dict()
 
         self.stale_audit_templates_map = {}
+        self.stale_audits_map = {}
+        self.stale_action_plans_map = {}
 
     @property
     def available_goals(self):
@@ -118,7 +122,7 @@ class Syncer(object):
 
             self.strategy_mapping.update(self._sync_strategy(strategy_map))
 
-        self._sync_audit_templates()
+        self._sync_objects()
 
     def _sync_goal(self, goal_map):
         goal_name = goal_map.name
@@ -177,25 +181,45 @@ class Syncer(object):
 
         return strategy_mapping
 
-    def _sync_audit_templates(self):
-        # First we find audit templates that are stale because their associated
-        # goal or strategy has been modified and we update them in-memory
+    def _sync_objects(self):
+        # First we find audit templates, audits and action plans that are stale
+        # because their associated goal or strategy has been modified and we
+        # update them in-memory
         self._find_stale_audit_templates_due_to_goal()
         self._find_stale_audit_templates_due_to_strategy()
 
-        # Then we handle the case where an audit template became
-        # stale because its related goal does not exist anymore.
+        self._find_stale_audits_due_to_goal()
+        self._find_stale_audits_due_to_strategy()
+
+        self._find_stale_action_plans_due_to_strategy()
+        self._find_stale_action_plans_due_to_audit()
+
+        # Then we handle the case where an audit template, an audit or an
+        # action plan becomes stale because its related goal does not
+        # exist anymore.
         self._soft_delete_removed_goals()
-        # Then we handle the case where an audit template became
-        # stale because its related strategy does not exist anymore.
+        # Then we handle the case where an audit template, an audit or an
+        # action plan becomes stale because its related strategy does not
+        # exist anymore.
         self._soft_delete_removed_strategies()
 
         # Finally, we save into the DB the updated stale audit templates
+        # and soft delete stale audits and action plans
         for stale_audit_template in self.stale_audit_templates_map.values():
             stale_audit_template.save()
             LOG.info(_LI("Audit Template '%s' synced"),
                      stale_audit_template.name)
 
+        for stale_audit in self.stale_audits_map.values():
+            stale_audit.save()
+            LOG.info(_LI("Stale audit '%s' synced and cancelled"),
+                     stale_audit.uuid)
+
+        for stale_action_plan in self.stale_action_plans_map.values():
+            stale_action_plan.save()
+            LOG.info(_LI("Stale action plan '%s' synced and cancelled"),
+                     stale_action_plan.uuid)
+
     def _find_stale_audit_templates_due_to_goal(self):
         for goal_id, synced_goal in self.goal_mapping.items():
             filters = {"goal_id": goal_id}
@@ -228,6 +252,72 @@ class Syncer(object):
                     self.stale_audit_templates_map[
                         audit_template.id].strategy_id = synced_strategy.id
 
+    def _find_stale_audits_due_to_goal(self):
+        for goal_id, synced_goal in self.goal_mapping.items():
+            filters = {"goal_id": goal_id}
+            stale_audits = objects.Audit.list(
+                self.ctx, filters=filters)
+
+            # Update the goal ID for the stale audits (w/o saving)
+            for audit in stale_audits:
+                if audit.id not in self.stale_audits_map:
+                    audit.goal_id = synced_goal.id
+                    self.stale_audits_map[audit.id] = audit
+                else:
+                    self.stale_audits_map[audit.id].goal_id = synced_goal.id
+
+    def _find_stale_audits_due_to_strategy(self):
+        for strategy_id, synced_strategy in self.strategy_mapping.items():
+            filters = {"strategy_id": strategy_id}
+            stale_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx, filters=filters)
+            # Update strategy IDs for all stale audits (w/o saving)
+            for audit in stale_audits:
+                if audit.id not in self.stale_audits_map:
+                    audit.strategy_id = synced_strategy.id
+                    audit.state = auditobjects.State.CANCELLED
+                    self.stale_audits_map[audit.id] = audit
+                else:
+                    self.stale_audits_map[
+                        audit.id].strategy_id = synced_strategy.id
+                    self.stale_audits_map[
+                        audit.id].state = auditobjects.State.CANCELLED
+
+    def _find_stale_action_plans_due_to_strategy(self):
+        for strategy_id, synced_strategy in self.strategy_mapping.items():
+            filters = {"strategy_id": strategy_id}
+            stale_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(
+                self.ctx, filters=filters)
+
+            # Update strategy IDs for all stale action plans (w/o saving)
+            for action_plan in stale_action_plans:
+                if action_plan.id not in self.stale_action_plans_map:
+                    action_plan.strategy_id = synced_strategy.id
+                    action_plan.state = apobjects.State.CANCELLED
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[action_plan.id] = action_plan
+                else:
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[
+                        action_plan.id].strategy_id = synced_strategy.id
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[
+                        action_plan.id].state = apobjects.State.CANCELLED
+
+    def _find_stale_action_plans_due_to_audit(self):
+        for audit_id, synced_audit in self.stale_audits_map.items():
+            filters = {"audit_id": audit_id}
+            stale_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(
+                self.ctx, filters=filters)
+
+            # Update audit IDs for all stale action plans (w/o saving)
+            for action_plan in stale_action_plans:
+                if action_plan.id not in self.stale_action_plans_map:
+                    action_plan.audit_id = synced_audit.id
+                    action_plan.state = apobjects.State.CANCELLED
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[action_plan.id] = action_plan
+                else:
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[
+                        action_plan.id].audit_id = synced_audit.id
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[
+                        action_plan.id].state = apobjects.State.CANCELLED
+
     def _soft_delete_removed_goals(self):
         removed_goals = [
             g for g in self.available_goals
@@ -235,12 +325,24 @@ class Syncer(object):
         for removed_goal in removed_goals:
             removed_goal.soft_delete()
             filters = {"goal_id": removed_goal.id}
+
             invalid_ats = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx, filters=filters)
             for at in invalid_ats:
                 LOG.warning(
                     _LW("Audit Template '%(audit_template)s' references a "
-                        "goal that does not exist"),
-                    audit_template=at.uuid)
+                        "goal that does not exist"), audit_template=at.uuid)
+
+            stale_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx, filters=filters)
+            for audit in stale_audits:
+                LOG.warning(
+                    _LW("Audit '%(audit)s' references a "
+                        "goal that does not exist"), audit=audit.uuid)
+                if audit.id not in self.stale_audits_map:
+                    audit.state = auditobjects.State.CANCELLED
+                    self.stale_audits_map[audit.id] = audit
+                else:
+                    self.stale_audits_map[
+                        audit.id].state = auditobjects.State.CANCELLED
 
     def _soft_delete_removed_strategies(self):
         removed_strategies = [
@@ -265,6 +367,32 @@ class Syncer(object):
                 else:
                     self.stale_audit_templates_map[at.id].strategy_id = None
 
+            stale_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx, filters=filters)
+            for audit in stale_audits:
+                LOG.warning(
+                    _LW("Audit '%(audit)s' references a "
+                        "strategy that does not exist"), audit=audit.uuid)
+                if audit.id not in self.stale_audits_map:
+                    audit.state = auditobjects.State.CANCELLED
+                    self.stale_audits_map[audit.id] = audit
+                else:
+                    self.stale_audits_map[
+                        audit.id].state = auditobjects.State.CANCELLED
+
+            stale_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(
+                self.ctx, filters=filters)
+            for action_plan in stale_action_plans:
+                LOG.warning(
+                    _LW("Action Plan '%(action_plan)s' references a "
+                        "strategy that does not exist"),
+                    action_plan=action_plan.uuid)
+                if action_plan.id not in self.stale_action_plans_map:
+                    action_plan.state = apobjects.State.CANCELLED
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[action_plan.id] = action_plan
+                else:
+                    self.stale_action_plans_map[
+                        action_plan.id].state = apobjects.State.CANCELLED
+
     def _discover(self):
         strategies_map = {}
         goals_map = {}
diff --git a/watcher/objects/action_plan.py b/watcher/objects/action_plan.py
index 52aece120..f6f63d984 100644
--- a/watcher/objects/action_plan.py
+++ b/watcher/objects/action_plan.py
@@ -97,6 +97,7 @@ class ActionPlan(base.WatcherObject):
         'id': int,
         'uuid': obj_utils.str_or_none,
         'audit_id': obj_utils.int_or_none,
+        'strategy_id': obj_utils.int_or_none,
         'first_action_id': obj_utils.int_or_none,
         'state': obj_utils.str_or_none,
         'global_efficacy': obj_utils.dict_or_none,
@@ -253,7 +254,7 @@ class ActionPlan(base.WatcherObject):
                     self[field] = current[field]
 
     def soft_delete(self, context=None):
-        """soft Delete the Action plan from the DB.
+        """Soft Delete the Action plan from the DB.
 
         :param context: Security context. NOTE: This should only
                         be used internally by the indirection_api.
diff --git a/watcher/tests/api/v1/test_actions_plans.py b/watcher/tests/api/v1/test_actions_plans.py
index ff3e694a4..7c492bfcc 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/api/v1/test_actions_plans.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/api/v1/test_actions_plans.py
@@ -13,39 +13,18 @@
 import datetime
 import itertools
 import mock
-import pecan
 
 from oslo_config import cfg
 from oslo_serialization import jsonutils
-from wsme import types as wtypes
 
-from watcher.api.controllers.v1 import action_plan as api_action_plan
 from watcher.applier import rpcapi as aapi
-from watcher.common import context
 from watcher.common import utils
 from watcher.db import api as db_api
 from watcher import objects
 from watcher.tests.api import base as api_base
-from watcher.tests.api import utils as api_utils
-from watcher.tests import base
 from watcher.tests.objects import utils as obj_utils
 
 
-class TestActionPlanObject(base.TestCase):
-
-    @mock.patch.object(objects.EfficacyIndicator,
-                       'list', mock.Mock(return_value=[]))
-    @mock.patch.object(pecan, 'request')
-    def test_action_plan_init(self, m_request):
-        m_request.context = context.make_context()
-        act_plan_dict = api_utils.action_plan_post_data()
-        del act_plan_dict['state']
-        del act_plan_dict['audit_id']
-        del act_plan_dict['first_action_id']
-        act_plan = api_action_plan.ActionPlan(**act_plan_dict)
-        self.assertEqual(wtypes.Unset, act_plan.state)
-
-
 class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
 
     def test_empty(self):
@@ -53,20 +32,21 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         self.assertEqual([], response['action_plans'])
 
     def _assert_action_plans_fields(self, action_plan):
-        action_plan_fields = ['uuid', 'audit_uuid', 'state', 'global_efficacy',
-                              'efficacy_indicators']
+        action_plan_fields = [
+            'uuid', 'audit_uuid', 'strategy_uuid', 'strategy_name',
+            'state', 'global_efficacy', 'efficacy_indicators']
         for field in action_plan_fields:
             self.assertIn(field, action_plan)
 
     def test_one(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(self.context)
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context)
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans')
         self.assertEqual(action_plan.uuid,
                          response['action_plans'][0]["uuid"])
         self._assert_action_plans_fields(response['action_plans'][0])
 
     def test_one_soft_deleted(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(self.context)
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context)
         action_plan.soft_delete()
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans',
                                  headers={'X-Show-Deleted': 'True'})
@@ -100,7 +80,7 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         self._assert_action_plans_fields(response)
 
     def test_get_one_soft_deleted(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(self.context)
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context)
         action_plan.soft_delete()
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans/%s' % action_plan['uuid'],
                                  headers={'X-Show-Deleted': 'True'})
@@ -112,15 +92,14 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         self.assertEqual(404, response.status_int)
 
     def test_detail(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context,
-                                                        audit_id=None)
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context)
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans/detail')
         self.assertEqual(action_plan.uuid,
                          response['action_plans'][0]["uuid"])
         self._assert_action_plans_fields(response['action_plans'][0])
 
     def test_detail_soft_deleted(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(self.context)
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context)
         action_plan.soft_delete()
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans/detail',
                                  headers={'X-Show-Deleted': 'True'})
@@ -141,7 +120,7 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
     def test_many(self):
         action_plan_list = []
         for id_ in range(5):
-            action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+            action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
                 self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
             action_plan_list.append(action_plan.uuid)
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans')
@@ -225,7 +204,7 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
     def test_many_without_soft_deleted(self):
         action_plan_list = []
         for id_ in [1, 2, 3]:
-            action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+            action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
                 self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
             action_plan_list.append(action_plan.uuid)
         for id_ in [4, 5]:
@@ -240,11 +219,11 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
     def test_many_with_soft_deleted(self):
         action_plan_list = []
         for id_ in [1, 2, 3]:
-            action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+            action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
                 self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
             action_plan_list.append(action_plan.uuid)
         for id_ in [4, 5]:
-            action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+            action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
                 self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
             action_plan.soft_delete()
             action_plan_list.append(action_plan.uuid)
@@ -272,8 +251,7 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
 
     def test_links(self):
         uuid = utils.generate_uuid()
-        obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(self.context,
-                                                   id=1, uuid=uuid)
+        obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(self.context, id=1, uuid=uuid)
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans/%s' % uuid)
         self.assertIn('links', response.keys())
         self.assertEqual(2, len(response['links']))
@@ -284,7 +262,7 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
 
     def test_collection_links(self):
         for id_ in range(5):
-            obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+            obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
                 self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans/?limit=3')
         self.assertEqual(3, len(response['action_plans']))
@@ -296,9 +274,8 @@ class TestListActionPlan(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         cfg.CONF.set_override('max_limit', 3, 'api',
                               enforce_type=True)
         for id_ in range(5):
-            obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
-                self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
-                audit_id=None)
+            obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
+                self.context, id=id_, uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         response = self.get_json('/action_plans')
         self.assertEqual(3, len(response['action_plans']))
 
@@ -310,7 +287,7 @@ class TestDelete(api_base.FunctionalTest):
 
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestDelete, self).setUp()
-        self.action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+        self.action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
             self.context)
         p = mock.patch.object(db_api.BaseConnection, 'destroy_action_plan')
         self.mock_action_plan_delete = p.start()
@@ -366,7 +343,7 @@ class TestPatch(api_base.FunctionalTest):
 
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestPatch, self).setUp()
-        self.action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+        self.action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
             self.context, state=objects.action_plan.State.RECOMMENDED)
         p = mock.patch.object(db_api.BaseConnection, 'update_action_plan')
         self.mock_action_plan_update = p.start()
@@ -459,7 +436,7 @@ class TestPatch(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         response = self.patch_json(
             '/action_plans/%s' % self.action_plan.uuid,
             [{'path': '/state', 'value': new_state,
-             'op': 'replace'}])
+              'op': 'replace'}])
         self.assertEqual('application/json', response.content_type)
         self.assertEqual(200, response.status_code)
         applier_mock.assert_called_once_with(mock.ANY,
@@ -509,7 +486,7 @@ class TestPatchStateTransitionDenied(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         db_api.BaseConnection, 'update_action_plan',
         mock.Mock(side_effect=lambda ap: ap.save() or ap))
     def test_replace_state_pending_denied(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
             self.context, state=self.original_state)
 
         initial_ap = self.get_json('/action_plans/%s' % action_plan.uuid)
@@ -533,7 +510,7 @@ class TestPatchStateDeletedNotFound(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         db_api.BaseConnection, 'update_action_plan',
         mock.Mock(side_effect=lambda ap: ap.save() or ap))
     def test_replace_state_pending_not_found(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
             self.context, state=objects.action_plan.State.DELETED)
 
         response = self.get_json(
@@ -561,15 +538,14 @@ class TestPatchStateTransitionOk(api_base.FunctionalTest):
         mock.Mock(side_effect=lambda ap: ap.save() or ap))
     @mock.patch.object(aapi.ApplierAPI, 'launch_action_plan', mock.Mock())
     def test_replace_state_pending_ok(self):
-        action_plan = obj_utils.create_action_plan_without_audit(
+        action_plan = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
             self.context, state=self.original_state)
 
         initial_ap = self.get_json('/action_plans/%s' % action_plan.uuid)
 
         response = self.patch_json(
             '/action_plans/%s' % action_plan.uuid,
-            [{'path': '/state', 'value': self.new_state,
-             'op': 'replace'}])
+            [{'path': '/state', 'value': self.new_state, 'op': 'replace'}])
         updated_ap = self.get_json('/action_plans/%s' % action_plan.uuid)
 
         self.assertNotEqual(self.new_state, initial_ap['state'])
diff --git a/watcher/tests/db/test_purge.py b/watcher/tests/db/test_purge.py
index f94b2668e..dfa128198 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/db/test_purge.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/db/test_purge.py
@@ -155,14 +155,14 @@ class TestPurgeCommand(base.DbTestCase):
 
         with freezegun.freeze_time(self.expired_date):
             self.action_plan1 = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
-                self.context, audit_id=self.audit1.id,
-                id=self._generate_id(), uuid=None)
+                self.context, id=self._generate_id(), uuid=None,
+                audit_id=self.audit1.id, strategy_id=self.strategy1.id)
             self.action_plan2 = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
-                self.context, audit_id=self.audit2.id,
-                id=self._generate_id(), uuid=None)
+                self.context, id=self._generate_id(), uuid=None,
+                audit_id=self.audit2.id, strategy_id=self.strategy2.id)
             self.action_plan3 = obj_utils.create_test_action_plan(
-                self.context, audit_id=self.audit3.id,
-                id=self._generate_id(), uuid=None)
+                self.context, id=self._generate_id(), uuid=None,
+                audit_id=self.audit3.id, strategy_id=self.strategy3.id)
 
             self.action1 = obj_utils.create_test_action(
                 self.context, action_plan_id=self.action_plan1.id,
diff --git a/watcher/tests/db/utils.py b/watcher/tests/db/utils.py
index a3b20a249..f78c4cee5 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/db/utils.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/db/utils.py
@@ -124,6 +124,7 @@ def get_test_action_plan(**kwargs):
         'uuid': kwargs.get('uuid', '76be87bd-3422-43f9-93a0-e85a577e3061'),
         'state': kwargs.get('state', 'ONGOING'),
         'audit_id': kwargs.get('audit_id', 1),
+        'strategy_id': kwargs.get('strategy_id', 1),
         'global_efficacy': kwargs.get('global_efficacy', {}),
         'first_action_id': kwargs.get('first_action_id', 1),
         'created_at': kwargs.get('created_at'),
diff --git a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/audit/test_audit_handlers.py b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/audit/test_audit_handlers.py
index 4a7c5c248..98c693b10 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/audit/test_audit_handlers.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/audit/test_audit_handlers.py
@@ -13,10 +13,11 @@
 # implied.
 # See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
 # limitations under the License.
-import mock
+
 import uuid
 
 from apscheduler.schedulers import background
+import mock
 
 from watcher.decision_engine.audit import continuous
 from watcher.decision_engine.audit import oneshot
@@ -30,13 +31,17 @@ from watcher.tests.objects import utils as obj_utils
 
 
 class TestOneShotAuditHandler(base.DbTestCase):
+
     def setUp(self):
         super(TestOneShotAuditHandler, self).setUp()
         obj_utils.create_test_goal(self.context, id=1, name="dummy")
+        self.strategy = obj_utils.create_test_strategy(
+            self.context, name='dummy')
         audit_template = obj_utils.create_test_audit_template(
-            self.context)
+            self.context, strategy_id=self.strategy.id)
         self.audit = obj_utils.create_test_audit(
             self.context,
+            strategy_id=self.strategy.id,
             audit_template_id=audit_template.id)
 
     @mock.patch.object(manager.CollectorManager, "get_cluster_model_collector")
@@ -79,11 +84,12 @@ class TestContinuousAuditHandler(base.DbTestCase):
         obj_utils.create_test_goal(self.context, id=1, name="DUMMY")
         audit_template = obj_utils.create_test_audit_template(
             self.context)
-        self.audits = [obj_utils.create_test_audit(
-            self.context,
-            uuid=uuid.uuid4(),
-            audit_template_id=audit_template.id,
-            audit_type=audit_objects.AuditType.CONTINUOUS.value)
+        self.audits = [
+            obj_utils.create_test_audit(
+                self.context,
+                uuid=uuid.uuid4(),
+                audit_template_id=audit_template.id,
+                audit_type=audit_objects.AuditType.CONTINUOUS.value)
             for i in range(2)]
 
     @mock.patch.object(background.BackgroundScheduler, 'add_job')
diff --git a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/fake_goals.py b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/fake_goals.py
index 3e5618b07..435253daf 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/fake_goals.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/fake_goals.py
@@ -81,8 +81,3 @@ class FakeDummy1(FakeGoal):
 class FakeDummy2(FakeGoal):
     NAME = "dummy_2"
     DISPLAY_NAME = "Dummy 2"
-
-
-class FakeOtherDummy2(FakeGoal):
-    NAME = "dummy_2"
-    DISPLAY_NAME = "Other Dummy 2"
diff --git a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/planner/test_default_planner.py b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/planner/test_default_planner.py
index 341c33b3c..effd5269d 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/planner/test_default_planner.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/planner/test_default_planner.py
@@ -59,11 +59,16 @@ class SolutionFakerSingleHyp(object):
 
 class TestActionScheduling(base.DbTestCase):
 
+    def setUp(self):
+        super(TestActionScheduling, self).setUp()
+        self.strategy = db_utils.create_test_strategy(name="dummy")
+        self.audit = db_utils.create_test_audit(
+            uuid=utils.generate_uuid(), strategy_id=self.strategy.id)
+        self.default_planner = pbase.DefaultPlanner(mock.Mock())
+
     def test_schedule_actions(self):
-        default_planner = pbase.DefaultPlanner(mock.Mock())
-        audit = db_utils.create_test_audit(uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         solution = dsol.DefaultSolution(
-            goal=mock.Mock(), strategy=mock.Mock())
+            goal=mock.Mock(), strategy=self.strategy)
 
         parameters = {
             "source_node": "server1",
@@ -74,11 +79,12 @@ class TestActionScheduling(base.DbTestCase):
                             input_parameters=parameters)
 
         with mock.patch.object(
-                pbase.DefaultPlanner, "create_action",
-                wraps=default_planner.create_action) as m_create_action:
-            default_planner.config.weights = {'migrate': 3}
-            action_plan = default_planner.schedule(self.context,
-                                                   audit.id, solution)
+            pbase.DefaultPlanner, "create_action",
+            wraps=self.default_planner.create_action
+        ) as m_create_action:
+            self.default_planner.config.weights = {'migrate': 3}
+            action_plan = self.default_planner.schedule(
+                self.context, self.audit.id, solution)
 
         self.assertIsNotNone(action_plan.uuid)
         self.assertEqual(1, m_create_action.call_count)
@@ -87,10 +93,8 @@ class TestActionScheduling(base.DbTestCase):
         self.assertEqual("migrate", actions[0].action_type)
 
     def test_schedule_two_actions(self):
-        default_planner = pbase.DefaultPlanner(mock.Mock())
-        audit = db_utils.create_test_audit(uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         solution = dsol.DefaultSolution(
-            goal=mock.Mock(), strategy=mock.Mock())
+            goal=mock.Mock(), strategy=self.strategy)
 
         parameters = {
             "source_node": "server1",
@@ -105,11 +109,12 @@ class TestActionScheduling(base.DbTestCase):
                             input_parameters={})
 
         with mock.patch.object(
-                pbase.DefaultPlanner, "create_action",
-                wraps=default_planner.create_action) as m_create_action:
-            default_planner.config.weights = {'migrate': 3, 'nop': 0}
-            action_plan = default_planner.schedule(self.context,
-                                                   audit.id, solution)
+            pbase.DefaultPlanner, "create_action",
+            wraps=self.default_planner.create_action
+        ) as m_create_action:
+            self.default_planner.config.weights = {'migrate': 3, 'nop': 0}
+            action_plan = self.default_planner.schedule(
+                self.context, self.audit.id, solution)
         self.assertIsNotNone(action_plan.uuid)
         self.assertEqual(2, m_create_action.call_count)
         # check order
@@ -119,10 +124,8 @@ class TestActionScheduling(base.DbTestCase):
         self.assertEqual("migrate", actions[1].action_type)
 
     def test_schedule_actions_with_unknown_action(self):
-        default_planner = pbase.DefaultPlanner(mock.Mock())
-        audit = db_utils.create_test_audit(uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         solution = dsol.DefaultSolution(
-            goal=mock.Mock(), strategy=mock.Mock())
+            goal=mock.Mock(), strategy=self.strategy)
 
         parameters = {
             "src_uuid_node": "server1",
@@ -137,11 +140,12 @@ class TestActionScheduling(base.DbTestCase):
                             input_parameters={})
 
         with mock.patch.object(
-                pbase.DefaultPlanner, "create_action",
-                wraps=default_planner.create_action) as m_create_action:
-            default_planner.config.weights = {'migrate': 0}
-            self.assertRaises(KeyError, default_planner.schedule,
-                              self.context, audit.id, solution)
+            pbase.DefaultPlanner, "create_action",
+            wraps=self.default_planner.create_action
+        ) as m_create_action:
+            self.default_planner.config.weights = {'migrate': 0}
+            self.assertRaises(KeyError, self.default_planner.schedule,
+                              self.context, self.audit.id, solution)
         self.assertEqual(2, m_create_action.call_count)
 
 
@@ -158,6 +162,7 @@ class TestDefaultPlanner(base.DbTestCase):
         }
 
         obj_utils.create_test_audit_template(self.context)
+        self.strategy = obj_utils.create_test_strategy(self.context)
 
         p = mock.patch.object(db_api.BaseConnection, 'create_action_plan')
         self.mock_create_action_plan = p.start()
@@ -179,14 +184,18 @@ class TestDefaultPlanner(base.DbTestCase):
         action.create()
         return action
 
-    def test_schedule_scheduled_empty(self):
+    @mock.patch.object(objects.Strategy, 'get_by_name')
+    def test_schedule_scheduled_empty(self, m_get_by_name):
+        m_get_by_name.return_value = self.strategy
         audit = db_utils.create_test_audit(uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         fake_solution = SolutionFakerSingleHyp.build()
         action_plan = self.default_planner.schedule(self.context,
                                                     audit.id, fake_solution)
         self.assertIsNotNone(action_plan.uuid)
 
-    def test_scheduler_warning_empty_action_plan(self):
+    @mock.patch.object(objects.Strategy, 'get_by_name')
+    def test_scheduler_warning_empty_action_plan(self, m_get_by_name):
+        m_get_by_name.return_value = self.strategy
         audit = db_utils.create_test_audit(uuid=utils.generate_uuid())
         fake_solution = SolutionFaker.build()
         action_plan = self.default_planner.schedule(self.context,
diff --git a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/strategy/context/test_strategy_context.py b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/strategy/context/test_strategy_context.py
index 65d5f8783..3f376042c 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/strategy/context/test_strategy_context.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/strategy/context/test_strategy_context.py
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ class TestStrategyContext(base.DbTestCase):
         mock_call.return_value = strategies.DummyStrategy(
             config=mock.Mock())
         solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(
-            self.audit.uuid, self.context)
+            self.audit, self.context)
         self.assertIsInstance(solution, default.DefaultSolution)
 
     @mock.patch.object(manager.CollectorManager, "get_cluster_model_collector",
@@ -65,8 +65,7 @@ class TestStrategyContext(base.DbTestCase):
             uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
         )
 
-        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(
-            audit.uuid, self.context)
+        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(audit, self.context)
 
         self.assertEqual(len(solution.actions), 3)
 
@@ -92,7 +91,6 @@ class TestStrategyContext(base.DbTestCase):
             uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
         )
 
-        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(
-            audit.uuid, self.context)
+        solution = self.strategy_context.execute_strategy(audit, self.context)
 
         self.assertEqual(solution, expected_strategy)
diff --git a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/test_sync.py b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/test_sync.py
index 3f5a0cbe2..704fd7205 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/decision_engine/test_sync.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/decision_engine/test_sync.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ from watcher.common import utils
 from watcher.decision_engine.loading import default
 from watcher.decision_engine import sync
 from watcher import objects
+from watcher.objects import action_plan as ap_objects
 from watcher.tests.db import base
 from watcher.tests.decision_engine import fake_goals
 from watcher.tests.decision_engine import fake_strategies
@@ -73,6 +74,27 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
         self.addCleanup(p_goals_load.stop)
         self.addCleanup(p_strategies.stop)
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def _find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(befores, afters):
+        created = {
+            a_item.id: a_item for a_item in afters
+            if a_item.uuid not in (b_item.uuid for b_item in befores)
+        }
+
+        modified = {
+            a_item.id: a_item for a_item in afters
+            if a_item.as_dict() not in (
+                b_items.as_dict() for b_items in befores)
+        }
+
+        unmodified = {
+            a_item.id: a_item for a_item in afters
+            if a_item.as_dict() in (
+                b_items.as_dict() for b_items in befores)
+        }
+
+        return created, modified, unmodified
+
     @mock.patch.object(objects.Strategy, "soft_delete")
     @mock.patch.object(objects.Strategy, "save")
     @mock.patch.object(objects.Strategy, "create")
@@ -257,15 +279,18 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
         strategy1 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=1, name="strategy_1", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             display_name="Strategy 1", goal_id=goal1.id)
-        # Should stay unmodified after sync()
+        # Should be modified after sync() because its related goal has been
+        # modified
         strategy2 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=2, name="strategy_2", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             display_name="Strategy 2", goal_id=goal2.id)
-        # Should be modified by the sync()
+        # Should be modified after sync() because its strategy name has been
+        # modified
         strategy3 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=3, name="strategy_3", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
-            display_name="Original", goal_id=goal2.id)
-        # Should be modified by the sync()
+            display_name="Original", goal_id=goal1.id)
+        # Should be modified after sync() because both its related goal
+        # and its strategy name have been modified
         strategy4 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=4, name="strategy_4", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             display_name="Original", goal_id=goal2.id)
@@ -279,18 +304,18 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
 
         # Should stay unmodified after sync()
         audit_template1 = objects.AuditTemplate(
-            self.ctx, id=1, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
-            name="Synced AT1", goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id)
+            self.ctx, id=1, name="Synced AT1", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id)
         # Should be modified by the sync() because its associated goal
-        # should be modified
+        # has been modified (compared to the defined fake goals)
         audit_template2 = objects.AuditTemplate(
             self.ctx, id=2, name="Synced AT2", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             goal_id=goal2.id, strategy_id=strategy2.id)
         # Should be modified by the sync() because its associated strategy
-        # should be modified
+        # has been modified (compared to the defined fake strategies)
         audit_template3 = objects.AuditTemplate(
             self.ctx, id=3, name="Synced AT3", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
-            goal_id=goal2.id, strategy_id=strategy3.id)
+            goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy3.id)
         # Modified because of both because its associated goal and associated
         # strategy should be modified
         audit_template4 = objects.AuditTemplate(
@@ -301,9 +326,70 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
         audit_template3.create()
         audit_template4.create()
 
-        before_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
+        # Should stay unmodified after sync()
+        audit1 = objects.Audit(
+            self.ctx, id=1, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id)
+        # Should be modified by the sync() because its associated goal
+        # has been modified (compared to the defined fake goals)
+        audit2 = objects.Audit(
+            self.ctx, id=2, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal2.id, strategy_id=strategy2.id)
+        # Should be modified by the sync() because its associated strategy
+        # has been modified (compared to the defined fake strategies)
+        audit3 = objects.Audit(
+            self.ctx, id=3, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy3.id)
+        # Modified because of both because its associated goal and associated
+        # strategy should be modified (compared to the defined fake
+        # goals/strategies)
+        audit4 = objects.Audit(
+            self.ctx, id=4, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal2.id, strategy_id=strategy4.id)
+
+        audit1.create()
+        audit2.create()
+        audit3.create()
+        audit4.create()
+
+        # Should stay unmodified after sync()
+        action_plan1 = objects.ActionPlan(
+            self.ctx, id=1, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            audit_id=audit1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id,
+            first_action_id=None, state='DOESNOTMATTER',
+            global_efficacy={})
+        # Stale after syncing because the goal of the audit has been modified
+        # (compared to the defined fake goals)
+        action_plan2 = objects.ActionPlan(
+            self.ctx, id=2, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            audit_id=audit2.id, strategy_id=strategy2.id,
+            first_action_id=None, state='DOESNOTMATTER',
+            global_efficacy={})
+        # Stale after syncing because the strategy has been modified
+        # (compared to the defined fake strategies)
+        action_plan3 = objects.ActionPlan(
+            self.ctx, id=3, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            audit_id=audit3.id, strategy_id=strategy3.id,
+            first_action_id=None, state='DOESNOTMATTER',
+            global_efficacy={})
+        # Stale after syncing because both the strategy and the related audit
+        # have been modified (compared to the defined fake goals/strategies)
+        action_plan4 = objects.ActionPlan(
+            self.ctx, id=4, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            audit_id=audit4.id, strategy_id=strategy4.id,
+            first_action_id=None, state='DOESNOTMATTER',
+            global_efficacy={})
+
+        action_plan1.create()
+        action_plan2.create()
+        action_plan3.create()
+        action_plan4.create()
+
         before_goals = objects.Goal.list(self.ctx)
         before_strategies = objects.Strategy.list(self.ctx)
+        before_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
+        before_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx)
+        before_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(self.ctx)
 
         # ### Action under test ### #
 
@@ -314,30 +400,51 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
 
         # ### Assertions ### #
 
-        after_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
         after_goals = objects.Goal.list(self.ctx)
         after_strategies = objects.Strategy.list(self.ctx)
+        after_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
+        after_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx)
+        after_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(self.ctx)
 
         self.assertEqual(2, len(before_goals))
         self.assertEqual(4, len(before_strategies))
         self.assertEqual(4, len(before_audit_templates))
+        self.assertEqual(4, len(before_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(4, len(before_action_plans))
         self.assertEqual(2, len(after_goals))
         self.assertEqual(4, len(after_strategies))
         self.assertEqual(4, len(after_audit_templates))
+        self.assertEqual(4, len(after_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(4, len(after_action_plans))
+
         self.assertEqual(
             {"dummy_1", "dummy_2"},
             set([g.name for g in after_goals]))
         self.assertEqual(
             {"strategy_1", "strategy_2", "strategy_3", "strategy_4"},
             set([s.name for s in after_strategies]))
-        created_goals = {
-            ag.name: ag for ag in after_goals
-            if ag.uuid not in [bg.uuid for bg in before_goals]
-        }
-        created_strategies = {
-            a_s.name: a_s for a_s in after_strategies
-            if a_s.uuid not in [b_s.uuid for b_s in before_strategies]
-        }
+
+        created_goals, modified_goals, unmodified_goals = (
+            self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                before_goals, after_goals))
+
+        created_strategies, modified_strategies, unmodified_strategies = (
+            self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                before_strategies, after_strategies))
+
+        (created_audit_templates, modified_audit_templates,
+         unmodified_audit_templates) = (
+             self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                 before_audit_templates, after_audit_templates))
+
+        created_audits, modified_audits, unmodified_audits = (
+            self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                before_audits, after_audits))
+
+        (created_action_plans, modified_action_plans,
+         unmodified_action_plans) = (
+             self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                 before_action_plans, after_action_plans))
 
         dummy_1_spec = [
             {'description': 'Dummy indicator', 'name': 'dummy',
@@ -351,40 +458,34 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
 
         self.assertEqual(1, len(created_goals))
         self.assertEqual(3, len(created_strategies))
-
-        modified_audit_templates = {
-            a_at.id for a_at in after_audit_templates
-            if a_at.goal_id not in (
-                # initial goal IDs
-                b_at.goal_id for b_at in before_audit_templates) or
-            a_at.strategy_id not in (
-                # initial strategy IDs
-                b_at.strategy_id for b_at in before_audit_templates
-                if b_at.strategy_id is not None)
-        }
-
-        unmodified_audit_templates = {
-            a_at.id for a_at in after_audit_templates
-            if a_at.goal_id in (
-                # initial goal IDs
-                b_at.goal_id for b_at in before_audit_templates) and
-            a_at.strategy_id in (
-                # initial strategy IDs
-                b_at.strategy_id for b_at in before_audit_templates
-                if b_at.strategy_id is not None)
-        }
+        self.assertEqual(0, len(created_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(0, len(created_action_plans))
 
         self.assertEqual(2, strategy2.goal_id)
-        self.assertIn(strategy2.name, created_strategies)
-        self.assertNotEqual(strategy2.id,
-                            created_strategies[strategy2.name].id)
 
-        self.assertEqual(set([audit_template2.id,
-                              audit_template3.id,
-                              audit_template4.id]),
-                         modified_audit_templates)
+        self.assertNotEqual(
+            set([strategy2.id, strategy3.id, strategy4.id]),
+            set(modified_strategies))
+        self.assertEqual(set([strategy1.id]), set(unmodified_strategies))
+
+        self.assertEqual(
+            set([audit_template2.id, audit_template3.id, audit_template4.id]),
+            set(modified_audit_templates))
         self.assertEqual(set([audit_template1.id]),
-                         unmodified_audit_templates)
+                         set(unmodified_audit_templates))
+
+        self.assertEqual(
+            set([audit2.id, audit3.id, audit4.id]),
+            set(modified_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(set([audit1.id]), set(unmodified_audits))
+
+        self.assertEqual(
+            set([action_plan2.id, action_plan3.id, action_plan4.id]),
+            set(modified_action_plans))
+        self.assertTrue(
+            all(ap.state == ap_objects.State.CANCELLED
+                for ap in modified_action_plans.values()))
+        self.assertEqual(set([action_plan1.id]), set(unmodified_action_plans))
 
     def test_end2end_sync_goals_with_removed_goal_and_strategy(self):
         # ### Setup ### #
@@ -417,11 +518,13 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
         strategy1 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=1, name="strategy_1", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             display_name="Strategy 1", goal_id=goal1.id)
-        # To be removed by the sync()
+        # To be removed by the sync() because strategy entry point does not
+        # exist anymore
         strategy2 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=2, name="strategy_2", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             display_name="Strategy 2", goal_id=goal1.id)
-        # To be removed by the sync()
+        # To be removed by the sync() because the goal has been soft deleted
+        # and because the strategy entry point does not exist anymore
         strategy3 = objects.Strategy(
             self.ctx, id=3, name="strategy_3", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             display_name="Original", goal_id=goal2.id)
@@ -435,9 +538,9 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
         # The strategy of this audit template will be dereferenced
         # as it does not exist anymore
         audit_template1 = objects.AuditTemplate(
-            self.ctx, id=1, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
-            name="Synced AT1", goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id)
-        # Stale even after syncing because the goal has been soft deleted
+            self.ctx, id=1, name="Synced AT1", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id)
+        # Stale after syncing because the goal has been soft deleted
         audit_template2 = objects.AuditTemplate(
             self.ctx, id=2, name="Synced AT2", uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
             goal_id=goal2.id, strategy_id=strategy2.id)
@@ -445,9 +548,39 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
         audit_template1.create()
         audit_template2.create()
 
-        before_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
+        # Should stay unmodified after sync()
+        audit1 = objects.Audit(
+            self.ctx, id=1, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id)
+        # Stale after syncing because the goal has been soft deleted
+        audit2 = objects.Audit(
+            self.ctx, id=2, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            goal_id=goal2.id, strategy_id=strategy2.id)
+        audit1.create()
+        audit2.create()
+
+        # Stale after syncing because its related strategy has been be
+        # soft deleted
+        action_plan1 = objects.ActionPlan(
+            self.ctx, id=1, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            audit_id=audit1.id, strategy_id=strategy1.id,
+            first_action_id=None, state='DOESNOTMATTER',
+            global_efficacy={})
+        # Stale after syncing because its related goal has been soft deleted
+        action_plan2 = objects.ActionPlan(
+            self.ctx, id=2, uuid=utils.generate_uuid(),
+            audit_id=audit2.id, strategy_id=strategy2.id,
+            first_action_id=None, state='DOESNOTMATTER',
+            global_efficacy={})
+
+        action_plan1.create()
+        action_plan2.create()
+
         before_goals = objects.Goal.list(self.ctx)
         before_strategies = objects.Strategy.list(self.ctx)
+        before_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
+        before_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx)
+        before_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(self.ctx)
 
         # ### Action under test ### #
 
@@ -458,54 +591,66 @@ class TestSyncer(base.DbTestCase):
 
         # ### Assertions ### #
 
-        after_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
         after_goals = objects.Goal.list(self.ctx)
         after_strategies = objects.Strategy.list(self.ctx)
+        after_audit_templates = objects.AuditTemplate.list(self.ctx)
+        after_audits = objects.Audit.list(self.ctx)
+        after_action_plans = objects.ActionPlan.list(self.ctx)
 
         self.assertEqual(2, len(before_goals))
         self.assertEqual(3, len(before_strategies))
         self.assertEqual(2, len(before_audit_templates))
+        self.assertEqual(2, len(before_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(2, len(before_action_plans))
         self.assertEqual(1, len(after_goals))
         self.assertEqual(1, len(after_strategies))
         self.assertEqual(2, len(after_audit_templates))
+        self.assertEqual(2, len(after_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(2, len(after_action_plans))
         self.assertEqual(
             {"dummy_1"},
             set([g.name for g in after_goals]))
         self.assertEqual(
             {"strategy_1"},
             set([s.name for s in after_strategies]))
-        created_goals = [ag for ag in after_goals
-                         if ag.uuid not in [bg.uuid for bg in before_goals]]
-        created_strategies = [
-            a_s for a_s in after_strategies
-            if a_s.uuid not in [b_s.uuid for b_s in before_strategies]]
+
+        created_goals, modified_goals, unmodified_goals = (
+            self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                before_goals, after_goals))
+
+        created_strategies, modified_strategies, unmodified_strategies = (
+            self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                before_strategies, after_strategies))
+
+        (created_audit_templates, modified_audit_templates,
+         unmodified_audit_templates) = (
+             self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                 before_audit_templates, after_audit_templates))
+
+        created_audits, modified_audits, unmodified_audits = (
+            self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                before_audits, after_audits))
+
+        (created_action_plans, modified_action_plans,
+         unmodified_action_plans) = (
+             self._find_created_modified_unmodified_ids(
+                 before_action_plans, after_action_plans))
 
         self.assertEqual(0, len(created_goals))
         self.assertEqual(0, len(created_strategies))
-
-        modified_audit_templates = {
-            a_at.id for a_at in after_audit_templates
-            if a_at.goal_id not in (
-                # initial goal IDs
-                b_at.goal_id for b_at in before_audit_templates) or
-            a_at.strategy_id not in (
-                # initial strategy IDs
-                b_at.strategy_id for b_at in before_audit_templates
-                if b_at.strategy_id is not None)
-        }
-
-        unmodified_audit_templates = {
-            a_at.id for a_at in after_audit_templates
-            if a_at.goal_id in (
-                # initial goal IDs
-                b_at.goal_id for b_at in before_audit_templates) and
-            a_at.strategy_id in (
-                # initial strategy IDs
-                b_at.strategy_id for b_at in before_audit_templates
-                if b_at.strategy_id is not None)
-        }
+        self.assertEqual(0, len(created_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(0, len(created_action_plans))
 
         self.assertEqual(set([audit_template2.id]),
-                         modified_audit_templates)
+                         set(modified_audit_templates))
         self.assertEqual(set([audit_template1.id]),
-                         unmodified_audit_templates)
+                         set(unmodified_audit_templates))
+
+        self.assertEqual(set([audit2.id]), set(modified_audits))
+        self.assertEqual(set([audit1.id]), set(unmodified_audits))
+
+        self.assertEqual(set([action_plan2.id]), set(modified_action_plans))
+        self.assertTrue(
+            all(ap.state == ap_objects.State.CANCELLED
+                for ap in modified_action_plans.values()))
+        self.assertEqual(set([action_plan1.id]), set(unmodified_action_plans))
diff --git a/watcher/tests/objects/utils.py b/watcher/tests/objects/utils.py
index 0c1da4c03..9143e5e12 100644
--- a/watcher/tests/objects/utils.py
+++ b/watcher/tests/objects/utils.py
@@ -100,16 +100,6 @@ def create_test_action_plan(context, **kw):
     return action_plan
 
 
-def create_action_plan_without_audit(context, **kw):
-    """Create and return a test action_plan object.
-
-    Create a action plan in the DB and return a ActionPlan object with
-    appropriate attributes.
-    """
-    kw['audit_id'] = None
-    return create_test_action_plan(context, **kw)
-
-
 def get_test_action(context, **kw):
     """Return a Action object with appropriate attributes.