Step 2: Define Objectives and Evaluation Criteria

Step 2: Objectives & Evaluation Criteria

The core of SDM is a set of well defined objectives and evaluation criteria. Together they define "what matters" about the decision, drive the search for creative alternatives, and become the framework for comparing alternatives.

Contents: Objectives
Introduction
Brainstorming Objectives
Stating Objectives
Separating Means from Ends
Objectives Hierarchies
Testing Objectives
The Difference between Objectives and Targets

Contents: Evaluation Criteria
Introduction
Using Influence Diagrams to Identify Evaluation Criteria
Good Evaluation Criteria
Natural Criteria and Constructed Scales
Problems with Proxies
Types of Evaluation Criteria: a Summary

Key Ideas

Objectives define 'what matters' about a decision

Evaluation Criteria are used to communicate the estimated impact of each alternative on each objective

SDM objectives and evaluation criteria are governed by special rules that may not apply in other management contexts; for example, SDM objectives are not targets



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