Purpose:

Once the most severe problems or priority issues have been identified by the participants (achieved through the Pairwise Ranking Matrix and prior exercises), the Options Assessment Chart encourages discussion on more detailed technical analysis of potential opportunities to address the problem. It can be very helpful if at some point during this phase that outsiders are brought in to provide necessary technical information in order to better assess the viability of possible opportunities. 
 

Materials:

Options Assessment Chart, flip chart paper, markers, tacks, and tape.
 

Instructions:

·Begin with a discussion of the identified Options Assessment Chart. Explain the following criteria used to assess each opportunity expressed.

Productivity: Does the opportunity productively or efficiently address the problem? (inputs and the return on resources required to make the option work)

Stability: Will the opportunity face opposition and be challenged by others?

Sustainability:Is the opportunity long-lasting and will it stand the test of time? (local availability of resources, skills, and materials, and the capacity of the local people to manage the option over time)

Equitability:Does the opportunity fairly distribute the benefits that it provides? (the distribution of benefits that will flow from the project to the community)

Time of Benefit: When would the benefits from the opportunity take effect—in the short, medium, or long-term? 

Cost: Is the cost for the opportunity low, medium, or high?

Technical and Social Feasibility:Is the opportunity technically possible and socially acceptable? Rank low, medium, or high.

Priority:Evaluate the opportunity’s total viability by ranking its priority in relation to other opportunities that were assessed.

·Once the facilitators feel that the chart is understood, take one opportunity and use it as a trial. Make sure that the various criteria are fully covered. The participants must assess each opportunity on its own merits and not begin choosing between opportunities before ranking is complete. The participants rank the criteria for the first opportunity as a means to make sure people understand the chart. If using pluses is too confusing, devise a simpler system of letters or numbers to set rankings. The main point is that the facilitators should adapt the chart so that it helps the participants reach a consensus about ranking a set of options. 

Debrief:

·Together assess the level of consensus among the participants on the top opportunities that were collectively reached.

·The next step involves developing an action plan. Begin discussion on the distribution of tasks in order to realize the top opportunities reached by the group.

·Discuss effectiveness of the methodology.