Stage 3: Evaluation of Alternatives and Selection of the Best

Alternatives are evaluated for effectiveness mainly by use of two criteria:

    • how realistic the alternative is in terms of the goals and resources of the organization,
    • how well the alternative will help solve the problem.

Each alternative must be judged in the light of the goals and resources of the organization. A logical alternative which cannot be implemented for lack of resources is a useless one. Each alternative must also be judged in the light of its consequences on the organization e.g. how will it affect other departments and members in the organization. This stage requires enough information so that the selected alternative is the most viable or the best compromise among the factors that have been considered.