This is a Multi-Criteria Analysis Tool which is an effective
tool for making decisions because it analyses and assesses a number of
possibilities or alternatives systematically against a set of
predetermined criteria.
Multi-Criteria Analysis is a decision-making technique that
takes into account multiple criteria or factors when evaluating
alternatives or options/scenarios. It helps decision-makers consider
various dimensions or perspectives simultaneously, enabling a more
comprehensive assessment of the available choices.
Key steps involving in conducting a Multi-Criteria Analysis are as
following -
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Identify the Decision Problem: Clearly define the decision
problem and the objectives or goals you want to achieve. This step
involves understanding the decision context, the stakeholders
involved, and the available alternatives.
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Define Evaluation Criteria: Identify the criteria or factors
that are relevant to the decision problem. These criteria should be
measurable, specific, and represent the objectives or concerns of
the decision-makers. Examples of criteria include cost, time,
quality, environmental impact, and stakeholder satisfaction.
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Weight the Criteria: Assign weights or importance values to
each criterion to reflect their relative significance in the
decision-making process. The weighting process can be based on
expert judgment, surveys, or other methods that capture the
preferences of the decision-makers.
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Assess Alternatives: Evaluate each alternative or option
against the identified criteria. This step involves collecting data
and information on how well each alternative satisfies each
criterion. The information can be obtained through research,
surveys, experiments, or other data collection methods.
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Normalise the Data: Normalise the data to ensure that
different criteria are on a comparable scale. This step is necessary
when the criteria are measured in different units or have different
ranges. Normalisation helps prevent one criterion from dominating
the decision simply because it has a larger scale.
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Evaluate Alternatives or options/scenarios: Apply a decision
rule or method to assess the performance of each alternative.
Several methods can be used, such as weighted sum models, weighted
product models, or more advanced techniques like Analytic Hierarchy
Process (AHP).
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Analyse Results and Sensitivity: Analyse the results of the
evaluation and identify the most preferred alternative(s). Conduct
sensitivity analysis to examine how changes in the criteria weights
or alternative scores affect the rankings or recommendations.
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Make a Decision: Based on the analysis and results, make an
informed decision or recommendation. The decision-makers can
consider the results of the Multi-Criteria Analysis along with other
relevant information or constraints to make the final decision.
Multi-Criteria Analysis is a powerful technique that helps
decision-makers handle complex decision problems involving multiple
criteria. It provides a structured and systematic approach to
decision-making, facilitating a more transparent and inclusive
process.