Project Management Decisions, Decisions, Decisions (Tools and Techniques)

I've introduced the importance of the team planning a decision-making process (team agreement to the process is very important), I've provided some principles associated with a decision-making process, and I've sited some sources for decision-making processes. I thought it might be helpful to talk about some tools and techniques associated with decision-making.

The first stop is to take a look at what is already available rather than invent any new information. The number of sites and texts providing guidance in decision making tools are numerous. Let's start with the Web sites available.

Mind Tools supports both problem solving and decision making. The list of tools associated with each are listed under the associated headings. The information is free, the instructions are clear and the site outlines when and why you should use the specific tool. This is the easiest and richest site I found for tools and techniques.

Decision Making is a very interesting site. It contains a well researched process for making various types of decisions in a team environment. Everything on the site is not copyrighted and is free for the taking. It contains a decision-making worksheet in short and long form. The short form is four steps and the long form is 14 steps. Be sure to apply the principles to this tool.

The Businessballs.com site contains links to some of the tools and techniques for making decisions. It provides both process and the tools and techniques during the different steps of the process.

Wikipedia has a site on group decision making containing links to a laundry list of tools and techniques. I mention it here for purely providing the information regarding where you can find more information. The other sites cover the topic well and this site doesn't add much additional value.

The next list is for books available. These are for tools and techniques only. The drawback to these is that you have to spend money which the sites above don't require.

Goal/QPC has a number of helpful reference books for process and decision making. The Memory Jogger II has always been a favorite. When I got my copy, I spent all of $5. It has a great list of tools and explains their use and provides an example. It is a great pocket companion.

How to Make Meetings Work is another favorite. Michael Doyle and David Straus authored this book some time ago and it is still useful today. It provides guidance on the facilitation skills needed to effectively use the tools listed on the sites above. The price of less than $10 makes this one a great bargain.

There is a whole class of books for decision theory and making decisions under uncertainty which I haven't mentioned. These books are helpful in studying how we get to the decisions we make or our internalization of decision making We'll touch on that information some other time. The keys to effective decision making are to have a process in place before the emotions of making decisions take hold and to have the ability to call upon the various tools and techniques available based on the project, the decision and the available information.

Ride On, Manage On.