Tool 82: Forced Choice

AKA

Forced Comparison

Classification

Decision Making (DM)

Tool description

The forced choice technique is a team decision making process in which previously identified options are compared against team-established criteria. Criteria may include implementation time, cost of change, feasibility, effectiveness, and so on. Options are systematically compared with all other options, and a tally mark is assigned to the option considered best. Total marks for each option determine ranking.

Typical application

• To identify a preferred alternative or choice on the basis of rating and ranking criteria.

• To search for quick results and choices.

• To arrive at a team decision from a list of options.

Problem-solving phase

	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
3	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
2	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Brainstorming

• Consensus decision

• Starbursting

• Problem selection matrix

• Solution matrix

after

• Numerical prioritization

• Cost-benefit analysis

• Resource Requirement Matrix

• Factor analysis

• What-if analysis

Notes and key points

• If two options receive the same number of evaluation marks (see this example, options number 3-4), then rank this tie as 5.5 for both to account for rank positions 5-6.

• Lowest rank is considered best option.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The facilitator displays a list of previously recorded options for solutions or improvements. See example Reduce Defects per Unit (DPU) Levels.

• STEP 2 Next, the facilitator asks participants if any of the options shown need clarification.

• STEP 3 The criteria or standard for evaluation of options against each other is discussed and finalized.

• STEP 4 The team starts to compare each option against all other options in descending order, for example, option 1 and option 2 as compared to stated criteria. Best option receives a tally mark. Continue with options 1 and 3, etc.

• STEP 5 When all options have been compared with option 1, then option 2 is compared with all subsequent options and best options receive a mark. This process continues until all comparisons have been made.

• STEP 6 The number of marks are totaled and the highest total is assigned rank 1. Rank 1 is the best option for lowering the DPU level quickly, as shown in this example.

Example of tool application