Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

What is Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)?

MCDA (also called Multi-Criteria Evaluation/Analysis or Multi-Criteria Decision Modelling) is a tool for exploring issues and making decisions that involve multiple dimensions or criteria. It allows economic, social and environmental criteria, including competing priorities, to be systematically evaluated by groups of people.

Both quantitative and qualitative data can be incorporated to understand the relative (non-monetary) value placed on different dimensions of decision options (e.g. management options).

Broadly, the process involves context or problem definition, representation of evaluation criteria and management options, and evaluation.

This method can be used in a participatory way with multiple stakeholders and is a useful way of evaluating decisions where there are competing interests.

This small guidance document is an annex to the resource Stakeholder Engagement Handbook.