Select the Criteria
Strong criteria are the backbone of an effective recommendation report. They are the yardsticks you use to measure how well each option meets your identified needs. This help page offers ideas and tips for selecting the criteria for your report.
What to Do
1️⃣Brainstorm a list of 5+ factors that could be comparison points in your report. Initially, list as many potential criteria as possible (cost, feasibility, potential impact, sustainability, etc.). Then, narrow it down to the 2-3 that are most important for this specific report. You might start playing your favorite song, and DO NOT stop writing ideas down until the song ends.
2️⃣Run informal “What If…” tests on the factors. Ask yourself, “What if an option scores well on this criterion?” Does it make the option significantly more appealing and indicate a better solution to the problem? If not, it may not be a strong criterion.
3️⃣Put yourself in the shoes of decision-makers. What are their key priorities, concerns, or constraints? Select criteria that will address these needs.
To select 2-3 impactful criteria, you need first to identify the purpose of your selection. Ask yourself, what goal are you trying to achieve? Once you clearly understand your objective, brainstorm different criteria that align with that goal. For example, if you are selecting criteria for a job candidate, you might consider their qualifications, experience, and communication skills. Once you have a list of potential criteria, evaluate their impact on achieving your objective. Choose the top 2-3 criteria with the most significant impact and will help you achieve your goal. Remember to keep your criteria objective, fair, and relevant.
Align with Your Purpose and Audience
- Your criteria should directly connect to the problem you’re addressing, and the goals of your report. Ask yourself: What factors are crucial for a successful solution?
- Consider what factors matter most to the decision-makers relying on your recommendations. What are their key concerns and priorities?
For example, a report comparing renewable energy options (wind turbines vs. solar panels) to supplement the electric grid in a city could be tailored to many stakeholders: homeowners, city officials, or the utilities office.
🏡A homeowners association might care more about noise levels, safety, and aesthetics as factors for residents in the neighborhood because they will live with the equipment in their backyards.
👩💼The city officials might care about safety, implementation costs, and public opinion because they need to manage the budget while serving the voters.
⚡The city utilities office would care more about wattage production, grid connections, and maintenance because they monitor the power grid and take care of the infrastructure.
The best choice changes depending on the factors you choose and the audience you select.
Examples of Common Criteria
The options are vast since it all depends on your CAMP site 🏕️– but there are many standard or common criteria that most topics and audiences consider.
- Cost: Development, implementation, and maintenance costs associated with each option.
- Feasibility: The practicality and ease of implementing each option. Consider technological capabilities, resource availability, and potential logistical hurdles.
- Effectiveness: How well each option addresses the core problem or fulfills the stated need. Consider data and evidence of effectiveness where possible.
- Impact: The broader consequences of each option. Think about environmental impact, social impact, or long-term sustainability.
- Public Attitudes: The perception, likability, and acceptance of the options from the community or public
- Regulations: How the options intersect with laws, regulations, policies, or other legal/political barriers
Remember, you don’t need to cover everything! Choose 2-3 criteria most relevant to your specific recommendation report.
You can use the concept of a PESTLE Analysis to help brainstorm factors related to your purpose and audience.
Explain Your Choices in the Report
In your report’s “Evaluation Criteria” section, explain why you selected the specific criteria you did. Elaborate briefly on why each criterion is important for evaluating the potential solutions. You should define the criteria and describe what they mean for your report–remember the skills from the Technical Descriptions project–and offer concrete boundaries on the criteria. You will also need to describe how you researched the content.
General Example: Evaluating Electric Vehicle Charging Station Options for a City
This report investigates three potential solutions for expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in [City Name]. We will evaluate these options based on the following key criteria:
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Accessibility and Equity: One of the city’s primary goals is to ensure equitable access to charging stations for all residents, regardless of income or neighborhood. We will assess the geographic distribution of proposed stations and consider factors like proximity to public transportation and multi-unit dwellings.
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Cost-Effectiveness: The upfront installation costs and ongoing maintenance expenses are significant considerations. We will analyze the cost per charging point for each option, taking into account potential infrastructure upgrades or partnerships with private companies.
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Scalability and Future Needs: The ideal solution should accommodate the anticipated growth in EVs over the next decade. We will evaluate the scalability of each option, considering factors like ease of adding additional charging points and compatibility with future charging technologies.”
This example goes beyond simply listing the criteria. It explains the rationale behind each choice, specifically linking them to the city’s goals and addressing potential concerns. Phrases like “One of the city’s primary goals…” and “The ideal solution…” demonstrate a clear understanding of the audience’s priorities.
AI Disclosure: Base Content generated with Google Gemini. Prompt: Write examples of standard criteria for a recommendation report with tips for choosing the best one. 3/14/2024.
