A decision aid for selecting improvement methodologies

Abstract

Competitive pressures increasingly force companies to consider the adoption of new business improvement methodologies. The multi-criteria decision aid described in this article provides managers with a comprehensive set of selection criteria, within a structured and formalized evaluation process. The decision aid employs multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods and is underpinned by a selection framework which aims to promote rational decision-making and assists decision-makers to structure their evaluation process, compile useful information and reach a consensus decision with confidence. This article describes the theoretical background to the development of both selection framework and decision aid and explains the operation of the decision aid. A case example of a multi-national company is used to illustrate the operation of the decision support process. Practical testing of the decision aid provides evidence of its feasibility, usability, and utility. The article concludes by discussing how this approach can help managers make more rational decisions, when deciding to adopt new improvement methodologies.

Keywords:

• Quality management
• Improvement initiatives
• Multi-criteria decision aid
• Decision support
• Selecting improvement methodologies