Technical Policy Briefing Notes - 6
Multi-Criteria Analysis
Key Messages
Policy Briefs
Multi-Criteria Analysis
Key Messages
- There is increasing
interest in the appraisal of options, as adaptation moves from theory
to practice. In response, a number of existing and new decision support
tools are being considered, including methods that address uncertainty.
- The
FP7 MEDIATION project has undertaken a detailed review of these tools,
and has tested them in a series of case studies. It has assessed their
applicability for adaptation and analysed how they consider
uncertainty. The findings have been used to provide information and
guidance for the MEDIATION Adaptation Platform and are summarised in a
set of policy briefing notes.
- One
of the tools widely recommended for adaptation is Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA).
MCA is an approach that allows consideration of both quantitative and
qualitative data in the ranking of alternative options.
- The
approach provides a systematic method for assessing and scoring options
against a range of decision criteria, some of which are expressed in
physical or monetary units, and some which are qualitative. The various
criteria can then be weighted to provide an overall ranking of options.
These steps are undertaken using stakeholder consultation and/or expert
input.
- MCA has been widely
applied in the environmental domain. It is also used as a complementary
tool to support cost-benefit analysis, to consider the performance of
options against criteria that may be difficult to value or involve
qualitative aspects.
- The
approach has high relevance for adaptation. Criteria can be included to
consider uncertainty or various elements of good adaptation, and the
approach brings the flexibility to work with qualitative information,
which is particularly useful given there are often data gaps.
- The
review has considered the strengths and weakness of the approach for
adaptation. The main strength is that it allows consideration of both
quantitative and qualitative data together, and can compare monetary
and non-monetary criteria directly. This allows the consideration of a
much broader set of criteria than other approaches.
- The
potential weaknesses involve the fact that the scoring and weighting
can be quite subjective, influenced by the stakeholders involved in the
process. The consideration of uncertainty is also usually more
qualitative.
- Previous
applications of MCA for adaptation have been reviewed, and adaptation
case studies are summarised. MCA has been used as the main decision
support tool in early national adaptation policy analysis, but has also
been used alongside CBA in adaptation project appraisal to consider
broader criteria and aspects.
- The review and case studies provide useful information on the types of adaptation problem types where MCA might be appropriate, as well as data needs, resource requirements and good practice lessons. MCA is particularly applicable in areas where quantification is difficult, or for sectors where broader objectives are important. The approach is considered particularly useful to identify promising options, which can then be subject to more detailed appraisal.
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