#Software selection decision matrix series#

When creating a decision matrix, Kurniawan said, it is important to understand the problem and its implications. It is not ideal when emotion or personal preference is involved. Key takeaway: A decision matrix is best used when you need a purely logical solution. However, she advised against relying solely on it. For example, if you are choosing a course of action for a business strategy or deciding among scenarios for a long-term career plan, Devero believes that a decision matrix could be a useful tool. The matrix can be used on its own or in tandem with other decision-making tools and techniques. It’s best to use a decision matrix to assess a situation from a logical viewpoint and have enough comparable variables to conduct a weighted analysis. “The does remove some of the gut feelings that are often indicative of strong intuitions and can sometimes point to something valuable,” Devero said. However, she noted that it removes intuition, which is sometimes an essential factor. For example, Devero said, the matrix is not ideal when choices are purely a matter of taste or style. The decision matrix process is best used when deciding on something that does not require a sense of emotion, as it is a logical tool by nature. In general, three to eight is the proper number where a decision matrix is viable.” “On the other hand, if there are too many variables involved, the matrix can be very complex. “When there are only two possible solutions that don’t involve too many variables, it’s better to use other decision-making tools,” he said. Steve Kurniawan, a content specialist and growth strategist at Nine Peaks Media, said that there is a sweet spot for the number of variables each solution should have.

It is an ideal decision-making tool if you are choosing among a few comparable solutions with multiple quantitative criteria. When to use a decision matrix (and when not to)Ī decision matrix can help you not only make complex decisions, but also prioritize tasks, solve problems and craft arguments to defend a decision you’ve already made. Key takeaway: A decision matrix is a simple tool you can use to make complex business decisions easier to manage by removing subjective feelings from the process. That’s the most powerful position to be in as a business leader.” “Then we are choosing between good, better and best. “By creating a visible table to assess the options, and then forcing ourselves to imagine an extra, we can see that there are many more possible outcomes and choices than we believe,” Devero told Business News Daily. Unlike a simple list of pros and cons, a decision matrix allows you to place a relative value on each factor and weigh them accordingly.Īmie Devero, managing partner of Amie Devero Coaching & Consulting, said that a decision matrix is a useful tool to help people find more viable options when they believe they are faced with a binary choice. This quantitative method can remove emotion as well as confusion to help you lead your business to success. When you are faced with multiple choices and several variables, a decision matrix can clear up confusion and highlight considerations that may influence the outcome. Also known as the Pugh method, grid analysis or the multi-attribute utility theory, a decision matrix reduces subjectivity to help you draw a sound conclusion.

Since then, the tool has evolved into a general decision-making aid, especially in the business world. Stuart Pugh, who was a professor and head of design at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, created the decision matrix method to help in selecting design alternatives. However, sometimes it requires a more thorough decision-making process, like a decision matrix. Making those decisions can be as simple as weighing the pros and cons. Running a business poses many challenges that require you to make many important decisions.

This article is for professionals and business owners who want to visualize their decision-making process to help them make the best possible choice.

Use a decision matrix when you need to assess a situation from a logical viewpoint and you have enough comparable variables to weigh.

A decision matrix can not only help you select the best course of action for your business, but it can also aid you in prioritizing tasks, problem-solving and crafting arguments to defend a decision you’ve already made.

#Software selection decision matrix series#

A decision matrix is a series of values in columns and rows that allow you to visually compare possible solutions by weighing variables based on importance.