To compare technology choices, score each option against the criteria in the case, weight the criteria that matter most, and let the totals guide a careful recommendation.
This lesson is part of SPM Business physical and technological resources. It extends the method in selecting resources for a business need.
What are the steps?
- List the criteria the case supplies.
- Score each option from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) on each criterion.
- Give each criterion a weight, larger for what matters more.
- Multiply score by weight, then add.
- Write the recommendation, and say how close the result is.
The numbers support your reasoning but do not replace it.
How does it work in one case?
Kedai Fotostat Anis compares two printers. The case says cost matters most, ease of use next, and speed least. Weights: cost 3, ease 2, speed 1.
| Criterion | Weight | Printer A score | A weighted | Printer B score | B weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 3 | 4 | 12 | 3 | 9 |
| Ease of use | 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 10 |
| Speed | 1 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 23 | 22 |
Printer A scores 23 and Printer B scores 22. The gap is one point.
What does a careful answer sound like?
A weak answer says, “Printer A is better because it scores higher.” A careful answer says, “Printer A scores 23 against 22, so it has a slight edge mainly because it costs less, which the case rates most important. The gap is small, so if staff find Printer A hard to use, Printer B’s ease of use may be worth the higher price.”
The answer states the totals, the reason for the lead and the condition that could change the choice.
How do you check a small gap?
Change one weight and see if the winner changes. If ease of use had weight 3, A would score 12 + 9 + 5 = 26 and B would score 9 + 15 + 3 = 27.
The winner flips. That tells you the result depends on how the case values ease of use, so your conclusion should be cautious.
Which mistakes cost marks?
- Scoring with no link to case facts, such as giving a 5 with no reason.
- Forgetting to multiply by the weight.
- Declaring a clear winner from a one-point gap.
Check yourself
Using weights cost 2, security 3, speed 1, Option P scores cost 5, security 2, speed 4. Option Q scores cost 3, security 4, speed 2. Which leads?
Answer
P: 5×2 + 2×3 + 4×1 = 10 + 6 + 4 = 20. Q: 3×2 + 4×3 + 2×1 = 6 + 12 + 2 = 20. They tie, so the answer should say the scores are equal and decide by the case’s strongest concern. Because security has the largest weight and Q scores higher on it, Q may be the safer choice.
What to study next
Move on to interpreting intellectual-property concepts without giving legal advice, then try the practice set.
If you want a teacher to test your reasoning on new cases, see online one-to-one Business tuition.