Scribd
Upload
52 views

What Is Decision Matrix?: Explanation

A decision matrix is a tool that allows individuals or teams to systematically evaluate and prioritize multiple options against important decision-making criteria. It involves establishing weighted criteria, rating each option based on the criteria, and selecting the option with the highest overall score. The document provides an example of using a decision matrix to select a class representative from five candidates by rating each candidate on criteria like confidence, leadership skills, and attendance. The candidate with the highest total score based on the weighted criteria is determined to be the best choice.

Uploaded by

Saira
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
52 views

What Is Decision Matrix?: Explanation

A decision matrix is a tool that allows individuals or teams to systematically evaluate and prioritize multiple options against important decision-making criteria. It involves establishing weighted criteria, rating each option based on the criteria, and selecting the option with the highest overall score. The document provides an example of using a decision matrix to select a class representative from five candidates by rating each candidate on criteria like confidence, leadership skills, and attendance. The candidate with the highest total score based on the weighted criteria is determined to be the best choice.

Uploaded by

Saira
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Page 1 of 3

 What is Decision Matrix?

According to the University of Albany, decision matrix is defined as

“A decision matrix is a chart that allows a team or individual to systematically identify, analyze,
and rate the strength of relationship between sets of information. The matrix is especially useful
for looking at large numbers of decision factors and assessing each factor’s relative

importance.”₁

It can also be defined as:

“A decision matrix evaluates and prioritizes a list of options and is a decision-making tool. The
teams first establish a list of weighted criteria and then evaluate each option against those

criteria.”₂

 EXPLANATION:

Martin Peterson in his book “An Introduction to Decision Theory 2nd Edition” stated about
decision matrix in the following way:

“Before you make a decision you have to determine what to decide about. Or, to put it

differently, you have to specify what the relevant acts, states and outcomes are.”₃

When to Use a Decision Matrix:

It can be used at the point when a rundown of choices must be limited to one decision. In other
words, when all the available options seem suitable but we have to choose and implement only
one. This one must be the best possible and above all others. The least appropriate options for the
given situation must be excluded or reduced. Selected one must meet/fulfill the given criteria in
order to precede others.

Procedure of Using Decision Matrix:

1. Think of the evaluation criteria suitable for the circumstance. For example: we have to
choose a Class Representative among 5 best applicants/candidates. According to this
Page 2 of 3

situation, the evaluation criteria would be consisting of certain qualities including:


confidence, CGPA=3+, Communication skills, Patience, Availability during non-working
hours, Leadership qualities, Management skills and Maximum Attendance as shown in
Figure 1.1 below.
2. Conduct a discussion session. Distinguish the measures which must be incorporated and
those which must not be incorporated. For example: After a discussion session, the team
decided to exclude three following criterions: CGPA, Availability and Communication
skills. The evaluation criteria now consist of a reduced list of 5 qualities.
3. Allot a comparative/suitable number to each criterion on the basis of its importance to the
situation. For example: see Fig 1.1: weightage
4. Draw a table. Write the evaluation criteria and their respective weightage at the left side
of the table and the included candidates/applicants on the other side.
5. Evaluate each student against the set weightage. (See Fig 1.1)
6. Choose the option with the highest score after adding all of the values and comparing
with the total of weightage. For example: In the example mentioned here, Student C is
the best suited for the position of Class Representative.

Figure 1.1: Selecting a Class representative out of five candidates

Criteria Weightage Student A Student B Student C Student D Student E

Confidence 4 2 4 4 4 3

Managemen 3 1 0 2 1 3
t Skills

Patience 4 0 1 4 3 2

Maximum 5 3 5 5 2 5
Attendance

Leadership 4 1 2 4 4 2
Skills

Total Score 20 7 12 19 14 15
Page 3 of 3

References:

₁. https://www.albany.edu/~gc227838/ist611/decision.pdf

₂. https://asq.org/quality-resources/decision-matrix

₃. Peterson, M. (2017). An Introduction to Decision Theory. Texas: Cambridge University


Press,.

You might also like