INVESTIGATION CATALYST
Matrix Analyses

© 2004 by Starline Software Ltd.

DOCUMENT TRADEOFFS

After evaluating the problems and options, the next step is to analyze tradeoffs that will have a bearing on the option(s) selected.
Identify tradeoffs

Document the reasons for and against each change (tradeoffs) and balance them against each other.

  1. Click on the number in the first column of the Options pane to select the option for which tradeoffs will be developed.

  2. Then click on the [ + ] box below the Tradeoffs pane. The number 1 appears in the first row.

  3. Click on the Pros field in row 1 to activate it, and begin entering the first argument for (pro).

  4. Tab to next field to enter a weight from 1 (little) to 10 (great) for argument. For Pros Weights, enter + before the number to indicate favorable argument.

  5. Tab to the Cons column to enter arguments against taking that action.

  6. Shift_Tab to the weight column and enter a - and the numerical weight for that argument.

    • DO THIS CAREFULLY, BECAUSE THESE ARGUMENTS WILL BE NEEDED TO "SELL" ANY PROPOSED ACTIONS, AND ARE LIKELY TO BE CHALLENGED BY WHOEVER HAS TO ACT..
Sum weights

When all the pros and cons have been entered,

  1. combine the + and - values to arrive at a net sum for the entries,
  2. enter it in the Rank column.

That is the number with which to compare the relative desirability of the options listed in the Controls Pane.

Use this value to rank the relative merits of the options, for each control, and guide the selection of the "best" control.


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