The decision matrix is used to define the logic (rules) to be used in determining an assessment outcome. Decision matrices are configured for a determination package i.e., for a combination of product, gender and age. More than one decision matrix can be configured for a package, based on the number of factors that are being assessed. An example is a client being assessed to determine the support required to return to work. The assessment must be done for education and job skills factors. When an assessment is run a decision will be generated for each factor (decision matrix type), for which answers have been provided.
The decision matrix has questions, corresponding answer values, outcomes, scores and answer combinations for the outcomes. Each of these elements is described in Chapter 4.
The decision matrix can be considered as a table which has rows and sub rows, columns and sub columns. Each row in the matrix represents a question; each sub row represents an answer; each column represents a potential outcome; each sub column represents a combination of answers that lead to an outcome.
A decision matrix can have a single outcome, multiple outcomes, and/or a rating based on a scoring mechanism for each answer. While the next chapter provides more detail on scoring and outcomes for a decision matrix, the following table provides a high level overview of the outcome and scoring options for decision matrices.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Cumulative | When selected, this means that a total score will be calculated when the answers are passed through the decision matrix. Scores must be assigned to answers specified in the decision matrix. For example, the decision matrix for a family risk assessment can be configured to produce a total score; the higher the score, the greater the risk. Cumulative scores can be mapped to outcomes outside the matrix. For example, the score range of 1-5 can be mapped to low risk, 6-10 to medium risk and 11-15 to high risk. |
| Multiple Outcomes | When selected, this means that the execution of the decision matrix can result in more than one outcome. For example, the assessment is configured to assess the support required for the head of the family in order to get back to work. The client is asked a series of questions in a number of areas relating to the needs of the family. The result of running the responses through the rules is that the client requires support in the areas of Child Support, Education and Training, and Transportation. These outcomes are returned from the matrix. |
| Scoring by Outcomes | This configuration allows a score to be returned for each outcome which is generated from a decision matrix. The score for the outcome is calculated by adding together all the scores for each answer which is included in the logic for the generation of that outcome. |
For more information on the decision matrix setup please refer to Chapter 4.