Prioritisation matrix

1
Prioritisation matrix

• What is it?
• A framework to help prioritise a number of
  options or alternatives
• Each option is rated in terms of the impact it
  would have if it were implemented and in terms of
  how do-able the option is
• Helps to short-list the best candidates to take
  forward
• When would you use it?
• To identify the most pressing need(s) to address
• To select which alternative solution on which to
  act

High
4
HIGHER PRIORITY OPTIONS
3
Impact
2
1
Low
4
3
2
1
Low
High
Do-ability
2
Prioritisation matrix

• Are there any rules?
• Do a quick evaluation initially agree a time
  limit beforehand and dont debate
• Remember that all ratings are relative, not
  absolute!
• Do not over-play the need for a score some
  options may be ok to be top right
• Moderate your evaluations once all the
  alternatives have been rated
• Draw the priority segment last of all
• Best when at least six people contribute

3
Prioritisation matrix

• How is the tool used to evaluate options?
• List on separate post-it notes the options under
  consideration
• Define to the group what you mean by impact so
  everyone is working from the same understanding
• Similarly, define what you mean by do-ability
  (probably includes effort, cost, time, resources,
  risk etc)
• Work through each option by asking the group to
  agree where each option lies (1 low to 4
  high) for impact and do-ability
• Plot each score by placing each post-it on a
  prioritisation matrix drawn on a flipchart or
  large piece of paper
• To ensure the results are calibrated, the final
  results can be challenged and repositioned at the
  end of the exercise
• Make sure that everyone is happy with the
  resulting picture before finalising

4
An example from a school
Issue Behaviour during lunch break secondary
school

• Options
• Recruit and train additional staff to supervise
• Segregate classes
• Segregate year groups
• Shorten lunch hour
• Stagger lunch hour
• Abandon lunch hour have mini breaks
• Allow pupils out of school
• Lunch passes allow pupils home
• Shut school at lunch hour keep pupils out
• Provide lunch time clubs

5
An example from a school
Therefore higher priority options are
High
6
4
10
6. Abandoning the lunch break 4. Shortening the
lunch break 10. Providing lunch clubs 1. Recruit
and train additional staff
1
4
3
5
Impact
9
2
7
2
8
3
1
Low
1
2
3
4
Low
High
Do-ability
The options in the top right of the grid are
those that should be pursued as a priority