RATIONAL-COMPREHENSIVE

INCREMENTAL

1. Define the problem so that it is separate from other problems

1. It is accepted that problems arise in a context, that problems are not distinct from one another.

2. List all the goals and objectives and their relative weights or values

2. The guiding criteria are program objectives.

3. List all the alternatives

3. A few alternatives are considered, which differ only marginally from the existing program.

4. List the costs and consequences of each alternative

4. Some of the consequences of each alternative are considered.

5. Calculate the ratio of costs to benefits for each alternative

5. The problem may be continually re-defined as different means are proposed to achieve the desired ends; it is adjusted to make it more manageable.

6. Identify the alternative that maximizes attainment of goals and objectives

6. Agreement is reached on at least one good solution, even if it is not the best possible solution.

7. The best alternative is that which most efficiently achieves the given goal.

7. A good decision is one which is agreed upon and which produces better conditions in the short run.