Multi-criteria option assessment

In the process of solving a problem, you will be faced with the daunting task of selecting among a number of options, where each option has its own merits according to several criteria. These criteria could come from different stakeholder groups and could range from objective to subjective.

How are you going to decide between these alternative options? How about when a team should make these decisions and there are different opinions about them? How should you reach the decision?

This course introduces Multi-criteria analysis to help you analyse these decisions. Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) is a tool that can be used to compare alternative options. When applied consistently and transparently, it is a suitable approach for comparing options where impacts are not easily quantifiable. MCA uses objectives, criteria, measures, weightings and scoring approaches to rank and compare options. In this course, you will learn about MCA and you will apply it in a practical application.

No prior knowledge is assumed.

Duration: 1 Day

Delivery Mode: On-campus and remote. You choose how you would like to attend.

What you will receive

UNSW Canberra certificate of completion/attendance
Masters credit: UNSW Canberra allows students who have successfully completed a minimum of 12 days of approved professional education courses to use those courses as credit in eligible postgraduate programs.

Who should attend

The multi-criteria option assessment course is for any member or leader in Defence, Industry and Government groups. The content in this course can be applied to a range of decision-making situations from team management and public services decisions to the defence and industry sectors.

Presenter Information

Fateme Zare, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) Research Associate

Fateme Zare, Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
Research Associate

Fateme Zare is a researcher at the University of New South Wales Canberra and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). Fateme has more than 10 years of research, teaching and practical experience in model-based decision support processes using Systems Thinking and critical thinking with a focus on the integration of human–natural systems modelling. She has substantial experience in participatory, transdisciplinary and complex research. She has studied the integration of different aspects of problem-solving and modelling. One aspect of her research focuses on using different methodology and techniques to develop a comprehensive problem definition in integrated, interconnected, and complex human-natural systems. Social aspects of the decision-making and human aspect of the process are critical to the structure and evaluate decision support processes and enhance complex systems' robustness.

Course Information

Course Outline

Recognize the factors that influence the process of assessing alternative solutions
Define criteria and objectives to prioritize alternatives
Understand the value of a systematic option appraisal approach, and related applications in your organizations (e.g., business case development)
Practice the use of the multi-criteria assessment method to compare options in a transparent and objective manner

Cancellation policy

Courses will be held subject to sufficient registrations. UNSW Canberra reserves the right to cancel a course up to five working days prior to commencement of the course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If registrant cancels within 10 days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply. UNSW Canberra is a registered ACT provider under ESOS Act 2000-CRICOS provider Code 00098G.