Critique on Multi-Criteria Assessment Applied to Alternative Data Processing Systems

Context It is assumed we are discussing the applicability of multicriteria analysis to the decision made during or at the end of a feasibility study. Prior to initiation of the feasibility study, an armchair analysis of possible applications has been made and one has been selected as meriting further study or some event has triggered off the desire to consider a new system. The systems analyst has been briefed to further explore the 'feasibility' of this application and, as a result of his fact finding, he now sees a set of prima facie viable designs, from which he wishes to choose the best and explore in more detail the technical and human alternatives and side effects, as well as the economic consequences, in order to support a 'go'/ 'no go'/'postpone' decision about introducing the new system.