The analytics team has established two equally strong potential recommendations which will deliver the desired outcomes with similar benefits to be derived from each one. On the surface there is no discernable difference in costs or schedule for either option.
To help the analytics team reach a recommendation the business analysis professional recommends the team:
When faced with two equally strong recommendations that deliver similar benefits and have no discernable differences in costs or schedule, assessing the risks for each option is essential. This helps in identifying any potential issues or uncertainties that might affect the success of the recommendations. Understanding the risks allows the team to make a more informed decision, taking into account potential future challenges. This approach is more thorough compared to market research, seeking management guidance, or using a voting mechanism, which do not directly address the core issue of evaluating the inherent uncertainties between the two options.
See BABOK pg 329 Technique 10.38 Risk Analysis and Management Risk Assessment: Identifying and evaluating the potential risks associated with each recommendation helps in understanding any uncertainties or potential issues that might affect the success of the recommendations. This can provide valuable insights that might not be immediately apparent when only comparing benefits, costs, and schedules. Decision-Making: Risks can significantly impact the feasibility and success of the recommendations in the long run. By analyzing the risks, the team can make a more informed decision that considers potential future challenges. Other options like market research, seeking management guidance, or voting might be useful in different contexts, but they don't directly address the core issue of evaluating the inherent uncertainties between the two equally viable options.