The process involves individuals or groups deciding how each option should be scored, according to the pre-determined scoring methodology, against each of the pre-determined evaluation criteria.
There are numerous ways of organising this process. Specialist groups may be set up to focus on one or more of the criteria to ensure the scoring methodology is applied consistently across each option.
It is also possible to have an iterative process which starts with multiple individuals or groups scoring each option in isolation. This initial process is then followed by a moderation meeting where the individual scores are brought together and decisions taken in relation to the final scoring. Such an approach has the advantage of identifying any outlying scores and allowing that score to be examined in a wider forum. This leads either to the individual proposing that score to amend the suggested score to reflect the majority view or the majority view may shift if it is agreed the outlying score is actually justified.
Whichever approach is adopted it is important that any sub-groups meet collectively at a later stage to ensure that linkages between the criteria are identified and given due consideration. For example, factors that lead to a low cost solution may also result in a lower qualitative score where there is a trade-off between cost and quality.