Tool 151: Process Selection Matrix

AKA

N/A

Classification

Changing/Implementing (CI)

Tool description

A process selection matrix uses a set of criteria for prioritization to determine a team's first choice. Typically, the team establishes the criteria and rating method. Team consensus is the basis for completing the matrix.

Typical application

• To prioritize processes, projects, or systems to be used in a problem-soving or major organizational change effort.

• To identify a process or tool that promises the greatest return on total investment.

• To determine ways to improve the organization.

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
3	Engineering
2	Project management
4	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Benchmarking

• Consensus Decision Making

• Process Analysis

• Potential Problem Analysis (PPA)

after

• Activity Cost Matrix

• Action Plan

• Information Needs Analysis

• Decision Process Flowchart

• Basili Data Collection Method

Notes and key points

• If two total scores are tied, add both ranks and divide to assign median to both rank positions. Example: Two scores = 19 for rank position (2) and (3), therefore 2 + 3 =5/2 = 2.5. Rank 2.5 is assigned to both positions, as shown in the example.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team facilitator prepares a selection matrix and lists all previously determined processes. See example Organizational Change—Process Selection.

• STEP 2 Participants brainstorm a set of criteria to be used in the rating process.

• STEP 3 Next, participants rate each process on a scale of high, medium, low using the consensus decision-making technique.

• STEP 4 The facilitator records each rating and totals all rows.

• STEP 5 Finally, the process selection matrix is dated and Rank 1 (best choice) is circled.

Example of tool application