Weighted Scoring Method

The Weighted Scoring Method is a quantitative technique used to prioritize requirements by assigning scores based on multiple criteria, each with an associated weight reflecting its relative importance. This method involves identifying key criteria relevant to the project's success—such as cost, benefit, risk, strategic alignment, and customer satisfaction—and then evaluating each requirement against these criteria. To implement the Weighted Scoring Method, stakeholders first agree on the selection of criteria and assign a weight to each criterion, typically on a scale where the total weights sum up to 100% or 1.0. The weights represent the significance of each criterion relative to the others. Each requirement is then scored against each criterion, usually on a consistent scale such as 1 to 5 or 1 to 10, where higher scores indicate better fulfillment of the criterion. The weighted score for each requirement is calculated by multiplying the score it received for each criterion by the weight of that criterion and then summing these values across all criteria. The requirements can then be ranked based on their total weighted scores, with higher scores indicating higher priority. The Weighted Scoring Method offers several benefits: it accommodates multiple evaluation factors, providing a balanced view of each requirement's importance; it transforms qualitative judgments into quantitative scores, facilitating objective comparison; and it enhances transparency and stakeholder buy-in by making the prioritization process explicit. However, the method's effectiveness relies heavily on the careful selection of criteria, accurate weighting, and consistent scoring. Biases can be introduced if stakeholders manipulate weights or scores to favor certain requirements. It can also become complex if too many criteria are used, making the process cumbersome. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Weighted Scoring Method remains a widely used and effective tool for requirements prioritization, enabling teams to make informed, strategic decisions aligned with project goals.