Tool 96: Importance Weighting


AKA

Weighted Averages Matrix

Classification

Decision Making (DM)

Tool description

An importance weighting matrix is useful in a decision-making process where a particular product must be chosen on the basis of importance to the problem-solving or improvement-opportunity effort. A relative weight (percentage) is assigned to each characteristic as a multiplier to a product rating. The product with the highest weighted total is chosen as rank (1) importance.

Typical application

  • To compare and select a product or service on the basis of importance weighting considerations.

  • To apply importance weighting in the decision-making process.

  • To identify the best choice.

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

1

Research/statistics

Creativity/innovation

Engineering

4

Project management

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

Servicing/support

2

Customer/quality metrics

3

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Multivoting

  • Starbursting

  • Matrix Diagram

  • Information Needs Analysis

  • Opportunity analysis

after

  • Prioritization Matrix

  • Consensus decision

  • Matrix data analysis

  • Nominal group technique(NGT)

  • Cost-benefit analysis

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Notes and key points

  • Sum of all distributed factor weights must equal 1.00 (100%)

  • Rating scales: 1 to 5, 5 being most supportive. 1 to 10, 10 being most supportive. Also, 1 to 10 provides greater precision.

  • Ranking: Lowest rank (1) is of highest importance

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 The team facilitator lists all products or services to be considered in the decision-making process.

  • STEP 2 Next, the technique of importance weighting is reviewed with the participants and key product or service-related characteristics identified. See example Videotape Purchase Decision.

  • STEP 3 Participants reach consensus on the distribution of importance weight factor for all characteristics.

    Note: Sum of weight factors must equal 1 (100 percent).

  • STEP 4 The participants rate all products (or services) using a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being most supportive.

  • STEP 5 Each product (or service) rating is multiplied by the weight factor and recorded as shown. This process continues until all products have been "weight" calculated as shown in the example.

  • STEP 6 Finally, the calculated products are summed and ranked. Rank (1) is the selection made.

  • STEP 7 The matrix is dated and given to the process owner.

Example of tool application

click to expand




Six Sigma Tool Navigator(c) The Master Guide for Teams
Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams
ISBN: 1563272954
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 326

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