Policy support tool

Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA)

A Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) can be used to identify and compare different policy options by assessing their effects, performance, impacts, and trade-offs.

Aim of the resource

MCA provides a systematic approach for supporting complex decisions according to pre-determined criteria and objectives. MCA is particularly suitable for complex decision problems that involve multiple and conflicting objectives and criteria. It allows identifying a single preferred alternative, or to rank or short-list possible alternatives. MCA provides a framework to explore trade-offs between different options.

Potential benefits from using the resource
Openness to divergent values and opinions.
Capability to incorporate qualitative and intangible factors.
Accountability (systematic, transparent).
Useful for conflict resolution and to help reaching a political compromise.
Encourages stakeholder participation.
Potential limitations from using the resource
Potentially time consuming and complex.
Difficult comparison of case studies.
Used in a top-down manner by decision-makers: Risk of “false” objectivity of decisions, that are, in fact, highly subjective.
The same ecosystem can be evaluated from different perspectives, but it has to be clarified for what reason it is included.
Choice of stakeholders and timing of their participation.
GIZ ValuES
[email protected]
Website
http://aboutvalues.net
Links
ValuES Methods Database
Is the resource freely available?
No
Do you want to add more details?
No
Assessment of effectiveness of the tool or instrument

See "Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) - Method Profile" (down below in "links").

Assessment

06/08/2019

Fourth National Climate Assessment

Assessment

31/07/2019

Assessment of Climate Change in the Southwest United States

Policy support tool

30/07/2019

Global change and conservation triage on National Wildlife Refuges

Policy support tool

29/07/2019

Management to mitigate and adapt to climate change

Policy support tool

15/07/2019

Informing Strategic Efforts to Expand and Connect Protected Areas Using a Model of Ecological Flow, with Application to the Western United States

Policy support tool

09/07/2019

Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation in Indian Country

Policy support tool

02/07/2019

Economic and environmental implications of alternative landscape designs in the Walnut Creek Watershed of Iowa

Policy support tool

01/07/2019

A sustainable biomass industry for the North American Great Plains

Policy support tool

25/06/2019

Designing Impact Assessments for Evaluating Ecological Effects of Agricultural Conservation Practices on Streams

Policy support tool

20/06/2019

Ecosystem resilience to disruptions linked to global climate change: An adaptive approach to federal land management

Comments