decision-matrix

Overview

Based on Software Requirements by Karl Wiegers & Joy Beatty - the Wiegers Priority Matrix that scores options across 4 factors (relative benefit, relative penalty, relative cost, relative risk) to produce a data-driven ranking. Also draws on Business Analysis Techniques by James Cadle for Decision Tables, Decision Trees, and Force-Field Analysis, and Lean Business Analysis by Mark Sherrington for Real Options thinking - deferring irreversible decisions until the last responsible moment. The key insight from Wiegers: gut-feel prioritization always favors the loudest stakeholder. A structured matrix makes trade-offs visible and defensible.

Workflow

Step 1: Define the decision and options

DECISION: [What are we choosing between?]
CONTEXT: [Why this decision matters now]
OPTIONS:
  A: [option name and brief description]
  B: [option name and brief description]
  C: [option name and brief description]
DECISION MAKER: [who has final authority]
DEADLINE: [when must this be decided]