AKA | N/A |
Classification | Evaluating/Selecting (ES) |
First introduced by T. L. Saaty (1988), prioritization matrices are used to prioritize a particular project, issue, or option on the basis of team-established, weighted criteria. Three variations of matrix construction are used: (A) full analytical criteria method, (B) consensus criteria method, and (C) the combination interrelationship digraph/matrix method. Variation (A), the analytical method, is the most frequently used method.
To apply team consensus criteria to select and decide on further action.
To prioritize among activities, issues, or options based on weighted criteria.
To select and prioritize recommended change options.
To allocate limited resources to the most important option.
→ | 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 |
Research/statistics | |
Creativity/innovation | |
5 | Engineering |
1 | Project management |
3 | Manufacturing |
Marketing/sales | |
Administration/documentation | |
4 | Servicing/support |
Customer/quality metrics | |
2 | Change management |
before
Tree Diagram
Consensus Decision Making
Task Analysis
Information Needs Analysis
Nominal Group Technique (NGT)
after
Action Plan
Objectives Matrix (OMAX)
Responsibility Matrix
Process Mapping
Resource Requirements Matrix
The full analytical criteria method is very complex and time consuming; it is used when the decision outcome is of utmost importance to the team or organization.
Refer to Thomas L. Saaty's book Decision Making for Leaders, University of Pittsburgh (1988) for additional information on prioritization processes.
STEP 1 The team decides what project, issue, or option needs to be prioritized.
STEP 2 The team selects a particular prioritization matrix method to be constructed. The full analytical criteria method is used.
STEP 3 The team agrees to prioritize, for example, data collection methods and establish a list of criteria (see first matrix). This matrix serves to rank the established criteria using the "importance" scale, as shown.
STEP 4 Construct matrices (second to fourth) to rank data collection methods such as survey, interview, focus group, benchmarking, and quality function deployment (QFD). Apply the same rating scale for cost, time/effort, and amount of data. See matrix 2–4.
STEP 5 Construct a (fifth) matrix that rates (prioritizes) the overall best data collection method on the basis of the previously developed weighted criteria and data collection method ranks. In the example shown, survey is overall best data collection method.
STEP 6 Check all calculations and date all charts.