Kepner-Tregoe Matrix

Knowledge Center

What is the Kepner-Tregoe Matrix? Description

The Kepner-Tregoe Matrix™ is a special, well-orchestrated, synchronized and documented Root Cause Analysis and decision-making method.

It is a conscious, step-by-step approach for systematically solving problems, making good decisions, and analyzing potential risks and opportunities. It helps you maximize critical thinking skills, systematically organize and prioritize information, set objectives, evaluate alternatives, and analyze impact.

The Kepner-Tregoe analysis provides assistance with unbiased decision-making. It is a structured methodology for identifying and ranking all factors critical to the decision. As a tool, this process is used primarily because it limits conscious and unconscious biases that tend to track a decision away from its primary objectives. This methodology can be applied to nearly all decisions ranging from product marketing to site selection.
The user of Kepner-Tregoe analytics comprehensively evaluates alternative courses of action to optimize the ultimate results based on explicit objectives.

Kepner-Tregoe approach to decision analysis. Steps

1. Prepare a decision statement having both an action and a result component.
2. Establish strategic requirements (Musts), operational objectives (Wants), and restraints (Limits)
3. Rank objectives and assign relative weights.
4. Generate alternatives.
5. Assign a relative score for each alternative on an objective-by-objective basis.
6. Calculate a weighted score for each alternative and identify the top two or three.
7. List adverse consequences for each top alternative and evaluate probability (high, medium, low) and severity (high, medium, low).
8. Make a final, single choice between top alternatives.

Book: Charles H. Kepner and Benjamin B. Tregoe - The New Rational Manager -

Book: Dean L. Gano a.o. - Apollo Root Cause Analysis -

Forum - Kepner-Tregoe Problem-solving   Discussions about Kepner-Tregoe Problem-solving. Recent Developments in Kepner Thinking and Tools Here's some further background on Dr. Charles (Chuck) Kepner and recent developments. Dr. Kepner and some of the consul (...)

Expert Tips - Kepner-Tregoe Problem-solving Here you will find advices by experts.   An 8-Step Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Applying Root Cause Analysis (...)       The 5 Whys Method. Definition and How to Apply Alternative to RCA (...)       Leading RCA Activities Should one ask: Why? or What? (...)       4 Steps in Root Cause Analyses Root Cause Analysis Process (...)       Root Cause Analysis Categories Understanding Root Cause Analysis (...)       3 Potential Categories of Root Causes Root Cause Analysis (...)       8-D Problem Solving Process Team-oriented method (...)

Resources - Kepner-Tregoe Problem-solving Here you find powerpoint presentations, micro-learning videos and further information sources. Introduction Into Kepner-Tregoe: Processes and Steps Kepner-Tregoe (...)   Kepner-Tregoe Process (2nd part) Kepner-Tregoe Process (...)   Kepner-Tregoe Process (1st part) Kepner-Tregoe Process (...)

Compare with: Root Cause Analysis  |  Theory of Constraints  |  Brainstorming  |  Crisis Management  |  Scenario Planning  |  Game Theory  |  Real Options  |  Dialectical Inquiry  |  Analogical Strategic Reasoning  |  RACI  |  Cause and Effect Diagram

Return to Management Hub: Communication & Skills  |  Decision-making & Valuation  | Strategy

More Management Methods, Models and Theory