Choosing by Advantages Decision-Making System

Summary/Abstract

This article aims to provide a deeper insight into the Choosing by Advantages Decision-Making System. The model described in this article is a collaborative and transparent decision making system developed by Jim Suhr in 1999.

The basis for the whole methodology relies on providing assistance to simplify the decision-making process. With this tool, decision-makers can reach consensus, focus on outcomes, and understand all of the factors considered during the decision-making process.[1] For instance, it is useful to apply the CBA system in situations where it is complex to have a clear visualization of the proper decision to take. It must be mentioned that decision-making often involves the decision-makers' personal interests, intuitions and emotions, which can sometimes lead to a domination of the personal interests among the rational decisions. [2]

In order to assess this issue, multiple tools can be used to facilitate the decision-making procedure. The main objective of this technique is to apply this type of methodology in any case that involves making an important decision. This means that it is suitable for either big or small companies, as it supports sound decision-making by using comparisons among advantages of the diverse alternatives. Furthermore, the CBA system involves a multiple step procedure that aims to facilitate the implementation of the tool. The first step involves identifying the existing alternatives, the second one aims to define the factors with the purpose of differentiating between the alternatives, the third one defines the must have criteria for each factor, the fourth describes the attributes of each alternative, the fifth decides the advantages, the step number six decided the importance of each advantage, and the last one evaluates the cost data. [3] The implementation of these steps is flexible, meaning that can be removed or combined depending on the situation they are applied. Furthermore, it must be highlighted that the decision-making techniques such as the CBA not just evaluate the advantages, but also can be useful to identify and assess the possible risk of each alternative. As a result, decision-making techniques can help prioritize risk response strategies. [4]

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Definition of the methodology

3. Steps

4. Application

5. Limitations

References

1. Lean Construction Institute; "Choosing by Advantages" (Visited on 12/02/21). https://www.leanconstruction.org/media/docs/chapterpdf/israel/Choosing_by_Advantages.pdf

2. Züst & Troxler: "No more Muddeling Through: Mastering complex projects in engineering and management" (Visited on 12/02/21). https://findit.dtu.dk/en/catalog/2305335675

3. "Project Management: A guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" (PMBOK guide) 6th Edition. (Visited on 12/02/21). https://app-knovel-com.proxy.findit.dtu.dk/web/view/khtml/show.v/rcid:kpGPMBKP02/cid:kt011DXLA1/viewerType:khtml//root_slug:11122-data-analysis/url_slug:project-ri-data-analysis?kpromoter=federation&b-toc-cid=kpGPMBKP02&b-toc-root-slug=&b-toc-url-slug=project-ri-data-analysis&b-toc-title=Guide%20to%20the%20Project%20Management%20Body%20of%20Knowledge%20(PMBOK®%20Guide)%20(6th%20Edition)&page=60&view=collapsed&zoom=1