When faced with multiple potential solutions, which tool helps compare options based on impact and feasibility?

When faced with multiple potential solutions, which tool helps compare options based on impact and feasibility?

• A. A calendar schedule.
• B. A flowchart.
• C. A decision matrix or pros/cons analysis.
• D. SWOT analysis.

Answer: (C)

When you have several potential solutions, you want a method that translates judgments into a clear, apples-to-apples comparison. A decision matrix, also called a pros/cons analysis, does that by evaluating each option against specific criteria such as impact and feasibility. You first define what each criterion means in your context—for example, impact might reflect how much benefit or harm a solution produces, while feasibility covers cost, time, resources, and practicality. Then you rate how well each option meets each criterion, and you can apply weights to show which criteria matter more. By summing or comparing the scores, you get an objective sense of which option offers the best balance of high impact and achievable feasibility, making the choice easier to justify and reducing bias. In contrast, a calendar schedule focuses on timing, a flowchart outlines steps in a process, and SWOT analysis examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats without directly comparing multiple options on impact and feasibility.

When you have several potential solutions, you want a method that translates judgments into a clear, apples-to-apples comparison. A decision matrix, also called a pros/cons analysis, does that by evaluating each option against specific criteria such as impact and feasibility. You first define what each criterion means in your context—for example, impact might reflect how much benefit or harm a solution produces, while feasibility covers cost, time, resources, and practicality. Then you rate how well each option meets each criterion, and you can apply weights to show which criteria matter more. By summing or comparing the scores, you get an objective sense of which option offers the best balance of high impact and achievable feasibility, making the choice easier to justify and reducing bias. In contrast, a calendar schedule focuses on timing, a flowchart outlines steps in a process, and SWOT analysis examines strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats without directly comparing multiple options on impact and feasibility.