Technical Policy Briefing Notes - 6
Multi-Criteria Analysis
Strengths and Weaknesses
Policy Briefs
Multi-Criteria Analysis
Strengths and Weaknesses
A
key part of the MEDIATION project has been to identify the strengths
and weaknesses of different approaches.
The main strength of multi-criteria analysis is that it allows consideration of both quantitative and qualitative data, and can thus compare monetary and non-monetary units directly. This allows the consideration of a much broader set of criteria than other approaches, as well as elements that may be difficult to quantify. It thus allows application in non-market sectors, and can be broaden out to consider wider attributes (e.g. acceptability, equity) of adaptation options.
The approach also encourages consultation and engagement with stakeholders. This can help in identifying options, bringing in expert knowledge to the scoring process, and understanding stakeholder (and policy-makers) preferences in relation to weighting.
The potential weaknesses relate to the fact that the scoring and weighting exercise can be subjective, depending on the stakeholders or experts involved. This translates through to the consideration of uncertainty, which is often very qualitative in nature.
A summary of the strengths and weaknesses is presented below.
The main strength of multi-criteria analysis is that it allows consideration of both quantitative and qualitative data, and can thus compare monetary and non-monetary units directly. This allows the consideration of a much broader set of criteria than other approaches, as well as elements that may be difficult to quantify. It thus allows application in non-market sectors, and can be broaden out to consider wider attributes (e.g. acceptability, equity) of adaptation options.
The approach also encourages consultation and engagement with stakeholders. This can help in identifying options, bringing in expert knowledge to the scoring process, and understanding stakeholder (and policy-makers) preferences in relation to weighting.
The potential weaknesses relate to the fact that the scoring and weighting exercise can be subjective, depending on the stakeholders or experts involved. This translates through to the consideration of uncertainty, which is often very qualitative in nature.
A summary of the strengths and weaknesses is presented below.
| Key strengths Can combine quantitative and qualitative data, using monetary and non-monetary units, and can therefore consider a much wider set of criteria, even where quantification is challenging or limited. The method is relatively simple and transparent, and can be done at relatively low cost and within a limited time. Expert judgement can be used very efficiently. It involves stakeholders and can be based on local knowledge. | Potential weaknesses Results need further interpretation and elaboration in more detailed studies. Different experts may have different opinions and will provide different scores, i.e. there is a degree of subjectivity involved. Stakeholders may have lack of knowledge and can miss important options. It may be difficult to give consistent scores to the alternatives. Analysis of uncertainty often highly qualitative. |
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