‘Weighting and Scoring’ in Theory and in Practice

Starting with the Treasury's Green Book definition of the ‘weighting and scoring’ technique in option appraisal, the authors resolve a challenging theoretical paradox and then look at the strength of the current bridge between theory and its practical implementation. Two case studies in which the technique is treated as ‘standard NHS practice’ are critically evaluated. The article concludes with suggestions for better implementation of such easily abused quantitative methods.