Evaluating Alternatives

Your group can weigh a range of variables...


Once your group has generated alternatives to consider, it’s time to evaluate those alternatives and select one as the final decision. How to pick the best solution? Your group can weigh a range of variables as well as use one or more systematic methods for reaching a decision: the prioritization matrix, the trade-off technique, or the decision tree.

To evaluate the alternatives your group has generated, members can take stock of how well each alternative meets the objectives you established at the outset of the decision-making process.

Variable Questions to ask

Costs:
How much will this alternative cost?
Will it result in a cost savings now or over the long term?
Are there any hidden costs?
Are there likely to be additional costs down the road?
Does this alternative meet budget constraints?

Benefits:
What kind of profits will we realize with this alternative?
Will in increase the quality of the product?
Will customer satisfaction increase?

Intangibles:
Will our reputation improve if we implement this?
Will our customers and/or our employees be more loyal?

Time:
How long will it take to implement this alternative?
Could there be delays? What impact will they have?

Feasibility:
Can this alternative be implemented realistically?
Are there any obstacles that must be overcome?

Resources:
How many people are needed to implement this alternative?
Are they available?
What other projects will suffer if individuals focus on this option?

Risks:
What are the risks associated with this alternative?
Could this option result in loss of profits or competitive advantage?
How will competitors respond?

Ethics:
Is this alternative legal?
Is it in the bet interests of the customer, the employees and the
community where we operate?
Would I feel comfortable if other people knew about this alternative?

ACTION POINT: Evaluate alternatives by asking the questions above.