Decision Matrices

Decision Matrices

What are they?

A decision matrix is exactly what its name says it is. It is a matrix used to help make a decision. A matrix is a fancy math word for a table with rows and columns.

What do you use them for?

A decision matrix can be useful when you are trying to make a choice among several options. For example it can be useful when shopping for a television. This example is done her to give you an idea of how it works.

How are they done? Give me an example.

This is how I could use a decision matrix to choose a television to buy:

1) Decide which characteristics you will need to consider when choosing a television. I would look at size, price, special features (picture-in-picture, A/V connections, etc.), appearance and reputation of manufacturer.

2) Choose a rating scale. I choose a 1 for the worst and a 5 (or higher) for the best. The TV with the best size (largest that will fit in my entertainment center) will get the highest number, the next smallest the next highest number and so on.

3) Research several options. I took newspaper ads from several stores and shopped at home. All the TVs I looked at had remotes, stereo and at least basic rear A/V jacks. Models I considered are:

Sony 32" with Surround Sound, 849.99
GE 31" with Guide Plus, 399.99
GE 27" with Sleep timer 239.99
GE 25" with Sleep timer 199.99
Panasonic 32" 499.92
JVC 27" with picture in picture, sleep timer 499.99
RCA 27" with sleep timer 269.99
Panasonic 27" with front and rear A/v inputs, 349.99
Sharp 25" with Front A/V inputs 219.99
Sony 32" 699.99

4) Make a matrix with the characteristics as column headings and each TV as a row heading.

5) Size and features are rated on a scale of 1 to 5. I chose a rating scale from 1 to 10 for price because low cost is twice as important to me than size or features. I chose 1 to 6 for brand because reliability is slightly more important than size or features.

	Size	Brand	Features	Price	Total Rating
Sony 32" with Surround Sound, 849.99	5	6	3	1	15
GE 31" with Guide Plus, 399.99	4	4	2	5	15
GE 27" with Sleep timer 239.99	3	4	3	8	18
GE 25" with Sleep timer 199.99	2	4	3	10	19
Panasonic 32" 499.92	5	5	1	4	15
JVC 27" with picture in picture, sleep timer 499.99	3	2	5	3	13
RCA 27" with sleep timer 269.99	3	3	3	7	16
Panasonic 27" with front and rear A/v inputs, 349.99	3	5	4	6	18
Sharp 25" with Front A/V inputs 219.99	2	1	4	9	16
Sony 32" 699.99	5	6	1	2	14

Based upon this rating system, I should buy the GE 25" with Sleep timer for $199.99 because it had the highest total score.

You will use the method of decision matrices to determine which attractions to visit in each city. Some suggested characteristics to consider are cultural relevancy, cost, interest level and location.