Analysis & Strategy
Decision Matrix
MyPMP
QMS Template
| Item / criterion | Option A | Option B | Option C | Score / winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
βοΈ
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π§ Analysis & Strategy
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About the Decision Matrix template
A Decision Matrix is a structured scoring tool that evaluates multiple options against a common set of weighted criteria to reveal the strongest choice objectively. It converts subjective debate into comparable numbers, so teams can defend a recommendation with evidence rather than gut feel. It's especially useful when several viable options each have trade-offs.
It's part of My QMS, MyPMP's Quality Management System: fill it in online, personalize it with your name and logo, then export a clean, branded PDF. Your work auto-saves in your browser.
When to use a Decision Matrix
- βΈSelecting between vendors, tools, or suppliers with competing strengths
- βΈPrioritizing features, projects, or initiatives against limited budget
- βΈChoosing a technical approach or design when stakeholders disagree
- βΈJustifying a recommendation to a steering committee or sponsor
What a good Decision Matrix includes
- βOptions or alternatives listed as rows
- βEvaluation criteria as columns (cost, risk, effort, fit, time-to-value)
- βA weight for each criterion reflecting its relative importance
- βA consistent scoring scale (e.g., 1-5) applied to every option
- βWeighted scores calculated per cell and totaled per option
- βA ranked result with notes on assumptions or disqualifiers
What's inside this template
The interactive form above gives you:
A table of Item / criterion, Option A, Option B, Option C, Score / winnerNotes / legend
Tips & common mistakes
- π‘Agree criteria and weights before scoring options, not after, to avoid bias toward a favored answer
- π‘Keep the scale simple and define what each score means so different reviewers rate consistently
- π‘Watch for near-ties; a 2-point gap rarely justifies overriding qualitative concerns, so treat totals as a guide, not a verdict
How it works
- 1. Fill it in β type directly into the fields, tables and sections above.
- 2. Brand it β add your organization name and logo with the Branding button.
- 3. Export β print to PDF, or become a member to white-label and sync across devices.
FAQ
How do you weight criteria in a Decision Matrix?οΌ
Assign each criterion a numeric weight based on how much it matters to the decision, commonly on a 1-5 or percentage scale. Each option's raw score for a criterion is multiplied by that weight, and the weighted values are summed to rank the options.
What is the difference between a weighted and unweighted Decision Matrix?οΌ
An unweighted matrix treats every criterion as equally important and simply adds the raw scores. A weighted matrix multiplies each score by a criterion weight first, which is more accurate when some factors (like cost or risk) matter far more than others.
When should you not use a Decision Matrix?οΌ
Avoid it for reversible, low-stakes choices where the analysis costs more than the decision, or for decisions driven by a single non-negotiable constraint. It also struggles with highly uncertain or emotional factors that resist honest numeric scoring.
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