decision-matrix

Decision Matrix

Use this skill to run Decision Matrix as a practical consulting method, not as a generic framework explanation.

Method Notes

• Define criteria before scoring options.
• Weights should reflect the real decision, not post-hoc preference.

Required Inputs

Collect or infer these inputs before execution:

• options
• decision criteria
• weights
• evidence for scoring

If an input is missing, do not block automatically. Mark it as missing, state the assumption used, and add a validation action.

When Not To Use

Do not use when there is only one viable option, the decision criteria are not agreed, or mandatory requirements remain unresolved. Apply hard gates before weighted scoring.

Adjacent Methods

• weighted-scorecard: repeatable governance evaluation across comparable entities.
• rice-scoring: product or initiative backlog prioritization.
• wsjf-prioritization: sequencing by Cost of Delay and Job Size.

Step-by-Step Execution

Step	Required input	How to execute	Output
Define decision	Decision statement, options, must-have constraints.	Remove non-viable options before scoring.	Viable option set.
Choose criteria	Objectives, stakeholder priorities, risk constraints.	Select criteria that actually decide success.	Criteria list.
Weight criteria	Criteria and decision priorities.	Assign weights totaling 100 percent or another explicit scale.	Weighted criteria.
Score options	Options, criteria, evidence.	Score each option against each criterion and record rationale.	Completed decision matrix.
Recommend and test	Scores and uncertain assumptions.	Pick recommendation, show tradeoffs, and test whether weight changes alter the choice.	Decision recommendation.

Output Template

### 1. Decision And Eligibility
Decision:
Options:
Must-have gates:
Evidence cut-off date:

### 2. Weighted Criteria
| Criterion | Weight | Scoring anchor | Evidence source |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  |  |  |

### 3. Option Scores
| Option | Criterion scores | Weighted total | Rationale / evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|  |  |  |  |

### 4. Sensitivity And Recommendation
Recommendation:
Tradeoff accepted:
Weight / score that changes the result:
Validation action:

### Evidence And Next Decision
- Confirmed facts:
- Assumptions:
- Missing evidence:
- Next action, owner, and timing:
- Expected signal and decision threshold: