Help

Step 1: List Your Decision Alternatives

To use Decision.Help, start by listing the alternatives you are considering.

For example, if you are choosing the best car to buy, the alternatives would be the different makes and models of cars you are considering.

Step 2: List Your Criteria

Next, list the criteria that will influence your decision. These are the factors that matter to you when comparing alternatives.

• Price (lower is usually better)
• Miles per gallon (MPG) (higher is better)
• Running costs (maintenance, insurance, and tax)
• Reliability (how often the car breaks down)
• Safety rating
• Performance
• Comfort and features
• Cargo space
• Environmental impact
• Brand reputation

Step 3: Define Objective and Subjective Criteria

Some criteria are objective (numeric) and others are subjective (personal judgement).

• Miles per gallon – higher is better.
• Price – lower is better.

If a criterion cannot be measured precisely, you can rate it subjectively (e.g. “sportiness”).

Step 4: Assign Weights to Each Criterion

Assign a weight (1–100) to each criterion based on importance.

• Price may have the highest weight if you’re budget-conscious.
• Fuel efficiency may be less important for short trips.

Step 5: Enter Values for Each Alternative

Enter the actual values for each alternative under each criterion, e.g., price, MPG, reliability, etc.

If uncertainty exists, enter a range (e.g., “25–35 MPG”).

Step 6: Calculate the Best Alternative

Decision.Help calculates and displays your results visually.

The tallest and narrowest curve is most certain; wider, shorter curves indicate uncertainty.

You can run “what if” scenarios by adjusting weights or input values.