In DECIDE, which step involves establishing criteria to judge possible options?

• A. Establish the criteria
• B. Define the problem
• C. Evaluate and monitor the solution
• D. Identify the best alternative

Answer: (A)

In this decision-making flow, the step that sets the standards by which each option will be judged is establishing criteria. This means deciding what factors matter for the decision—cost, time, feasibility, impact, risk, ethics, and so on—and defining how you’ll measure or weigh them. Having clear criteria early creates a consistent way to compare options and prevents judgments based on mood or incomplete information. Once these criteria are in place, you gather information about each option and evaluate how well it meets the standards, which guides you toward identifying the best alternative. Other steps focus on defining the problem, evaluating and monitoring the chosen solution after implementation, and selecting the option that best satisfies the established criteria.