HKSM

Methods used to choose a specific course of action from several available options.

Key Points

• Provides structured ways to pick among alternatives using defined criteria or rules.
• Common approaches include multicriteria decision analysis (weighted scoring), decision trees, voting (unanimity, majority, plurality), and cost-benefit analysis.
• Helps balance scope, cost, schedule, quality, risk, and stakeholder priorities.
• Improves transparency and traceability by documenting how and why the choice was made.

Example

A project team must select a vendor. They define criteria (cost 40%, security 30%, performance 20%, support 10%), score each bidder, calculate weighted totals, and choose the highest-scoring vendor. The scoring model and results are recorded to justify the decision.

PMP Example Question

While planning procurement, the team uses a weighted scoring model with cost, technical capability, and schedule to select among three sellers. This is an example of which tool or technique?

1. Expert judgment
2. Decision-making techniques
3. Data gathering
4. Make-or-buy analysis

Correct Answer: B — Decision-making techniques

Explanation: A weighted scoring model is a form of multicriteria decision analysis, which falls under decision-making techniques used to choose among alternatives.