Critical Thinking
...cific assigned weight is located with each criteria. An evaluation scale is established for the whole matrix. The ranking of the alternative based on its ability to address the specific criteria is entered into the appropriate cell. The total scores are then available to use in ranking alternatives. The weighted criteria matrix is just one means of evaluating proposed workplace strategies. Often, rather than not having enough ideas for the strategies, organizations find themselves with too many. The weighted criteria matrix can help organizations narrow the list of options using criteria such as cost against other criteria such as quality or efficiency. Use the weighted criteria matrix whenever a decision or series of decisions are necessary in a project. It can also be used to help resolve conflicts during the change management stage of a project, and in the establishment of initial project goals. All project team members should be involved in the development of a weighted criteria matrix. When decisions will affect user groups, representatives of those groups should have input to the weighted criteria matrix process (Joe Ouye, 2002). The Criteria Matrix is helpful for choosing among alternatives. It forces a committee or group to identify characteristics of a "winning" or successful choice (E.g. costs less than what we are doing now, creates an interdisciplinary link, increases opportunities for extramural funding, eliminates paperwork, eliminates duplication, etc.). These criteria may be weighted if some are more important than others. All options are then discussed against the success criteria and a numerical score is created for each. The group making the decision should be clear at the start whether they will make the final decision based on the numerical choice or use the numerical ranking to in inform the final decision. Step 1: Define the question that is to be answered. An example might be, “Where should on-going responsibility for assessment of student learning lie in our department?” Step 2: Brainstorm with others involved a list of criteria for a successful decision. To identify the success criteria, begin with a question such as, “What are the characteristics of a good solution regarding responsibility for assessment of student learning?” See Figure 1. Success Criteria:A. Solution is self-sustaining B. Ensures that assessment data are actually used for decisions about the curriculumC. Does not duplicate work done in existing committees or by individualsD. Enables data on student learning to be widely shared and discussed in the department Figure 1. Sample success criteria Step 3: You may need to provide a clear definition for each success criteria. (See Figure 2.) Criterion Definition A. Self-Sustaining Doesn't have to be rethought every year. It's business-as-usual. B. C. D. Figure 2. Definitions Step 4: Create a matrix with criteria across the top and options down the side Options Criteria for Success A. Self-Sustaining B. Ensures Action C. Non-duplicative D. Enables information sharing 1. Chair appoints someone each year 2. Create a standing assessment committee 3.Make Undergrad Curriculum Committee responsible Figure 3. Sample matrix Step 5: Assign a weight to each criterion from 1-5, with 5 being high. (This is not a ranking. Each criterion receives its own weight independent of the others.) Criterion Weight A: Solution is self-sustaining 4 B. Ensures that assessment data are actually used for decisions about the curriculum 5 C. Does not duplicate work done in existing committees or by individuals 4 D. Enables data on student learning to be widely shared and discussed in the department 3 Figure 4. Criteria Weights Step 6: Discuss the extent to which each potential option meets the success criteria. If a choice meets the criteria, it receives a check mark or "X". (See Figure 5.) Note that these same criteria may be used later in evaluating how well the implementation worked. Options Criteria for Success Total Points A. Self-Sustainingweight: 4 B. Ensures ActionWeight: 5 C. Non-duplicativeWeight: 4 D. Enables inf...