Tool 140: Prioritization Matrix-Analytical


AKA

N/A

Classification

Evaluating/Selecting (ES)

Tool description

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.

Typical application

  • 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.

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

5

Engineering

1

Project management

3

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

4

Servicing/support

Customer/quality metrics

2

Change management

start sidebar
links to other tools

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

end sidebar

Notes and key points

  • 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-by-step procedure

  • 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.

Example of tool application

click to expand

click to expand

click to expand

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

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net