Multicriteria Mapping (MCM) is an interactive, multi-criteria appraisal method for exploring contrasting perspectives on complex strategic and policy issues. It aims to help 'open up' technical assessment by systematically 'mapping' the practical implications of alternative options, knowledges, framings and values.
MCM acknowledges that there is rarely a single 'best' solution to any given technical policy problem. Like other methods, it can yield a picture of what looks best overall. What's different is the way MCM links qualitative and quantitative information to help explore how pictures of strategic choices change, depending on how they are viewed.
An MCM exercise usually involves a series of one-to-one interviews with experts or stakeholders, using a dedicated software tool. Special efforts are made to include all relevant perspectives. Interviews are recorded and transcribed, providing a rich source of information on associated priorities, understandings and assumptions. The tool can also be used to help facilitate and document participatory group deliberation. A second software tool is used to support the analysis of a set of MCM sessions.
