[speedgibson] Speed Gibson: The Matrix

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Posted by Speed Gibson:
The Matrix
http://speedgibson.powerblogs.com/posts/1234765527.shtml


   I've seen this technique used many times in the public and private
   sector. It's used for selecting key suppliers or hiring key employees.
   Somebody builds a matrix listing various attributes. Somebody puts
   weighting factors on each. Everyone involved scores it, and somebody
   tabulates it. And either it supports the subjective consensus or it
   leads to making what proves to be the wrong choice.
   This is fine for Iron Chef, but I prefer the Top Chef judging model
   for the big decisions. Yes, the food and presentation matters most,
   but the judges take many other factors into consideration,
   particularly those that seem to drive the chefs' approach and decision
   making.
   The Matrix gives everyone cover when a mistake is made. Or so they
   think. Trouble is, everyone can later second guess the criteria or the
   weighting or even the scoring, as we saw with the facilities study.
   We'll likely hear a bit more of this at the three school closing
   public hearings coming up. In fact, you invite this by making an
   exhaustive matrix (pro's and con's in this case). Somebody will sooner
   or later see an item they really disagree with, especially those that
   work against your preferred action.
   Interview the candidates, take some notes of course, convene the
   "Judges' Table" and decide.