Tool 142: Prioritization Matrix-Consensus

AKA

N/A

Classification

Evaluating/Selecting (ES)

Tool description

First introduced by T. L. Saaty (1988), prioritization matrices are used to prioritize among particular projects, issues, or options on the basis of team-established, weighted criteria. Three variations of matrix construction are used: (A) the full analytical criteria method, (B) the consensus criteria method, and (C) the combination interrelationship digraph/matrix method. The consensus criteria method is used when a team experiences difficulty in arriving at a decision.

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 resoures 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

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

Notes and key points

• The consensus criteria method

  This method is less difficult and more flexible for a team to use when prioritizing. Simple consensus for criteria weighting and ranking techniques can be used.

• 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 Select a particular prioritization matrix method to be constructed. There are three alternatives:

  • Full analytical criteria method

  • Consensus criteria method

  • Combination ID/matrix method

• STEP 3 The team agrees to prioritize data collection methods and establishes a list of criteria. See example Consensus Criteria Method.

• STEP 4 Next, the team ranks data collection methods as shown in the matrix.

• STEP 5 All matrix cells are calculated and row totals indicated as shown in the matrix.

• STEP 6 Check calculations and date the matrix.

Example of tool application