’”ACH is not appropriate for all types of decisions. It is used to analyze hypotheses about what is true or what is likely to happen. One might also want to evaluate alternative courses of action, such as alternative business strategies, which computer to buy, or where to retire. In such cases, this software is of limited value. The ACH matrix can be used to break such a decision problem down into its component parts, with alternative choices (comparable to hypotheses) across the top of the matrix and goals or values to be maximized by making the right choice (comparable to evidence) down the side. However, this type of analysis requires a different type of calculation. The principle of refuting hypotheses (in this case alternative courses of action) cannot be applied to a decision based on goals or personal preferences. One would need a more traditional analysis of the pros and cons of each alternative.
Original source: ACH manual by Richards Heuer
“(ACH) prods you to look for additional evidence you had not realized was relevant, helps you question assumptions, identifies the most lucrative future areas of investigation, and generally stimulates systematic and creative thinking about the issue at hand. ”
Remember not to overextend analytical techniques!
’”ACH is not appropriate for all types of decisions. It is used to analyze hypotheses about what is true or what is likely to happen. One might also want to evaluate alternative courses of action, such as alternative business strategies, which computer to buy, or where to retire. In such cases, this software is of limited value. The ACH matrix can be used to break such a decision problem down into its component parts, with alternative choices (comparable to hypotheses) across the top of the matrix and goals or values to be maximized by making the right choice (comparable to evidence) down the side. However, this type of analysis requires a different type of calculation. The principle of refuting hypotheses (in this case alternative courses of action) cannot be applied to a decision based on goals or personal preferences. One would need a more traditional analysis of the pros and cons of each alternative.
Original source: ACH manual by Richards Heuer
“(ACH) prods you to look for additional evidence you had not realized was relevant, helps you question assumptions, identifies the most lucrative future areas of investigation, and generally stimulates systematic and creative thinking about the issue at hand. ”
— Richards Heuer, ACH Creator”″