I can assign defensible weights and ratings, calculate weighted totals, and justify a concept selection.
POE Unit 5 • Lesson 5.7
Decision Matrix and Concept Selection
Focus question: How can a weighted trade study identify the concept that best satisfies stakeholder priorities and mission requirements?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the capstone without creating unnecessary documentation.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided workInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Weighted concept decision matrix
Weights reflect stakeholder priorities, ratings cite evidence, and the recommendation acknowledges uncertainty.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step produces a decision, artifact, or test result needed for the capstone.
1. Choose criteria and weights
Connect decision factors to requirements and stakeholder priorities.
2. Rate with evidence
Use research, calculations, and feasibility—not preference.
3. Test the decision
Perform a sensitivity check before committing.
Lesson Interactive
Calculate the Concept Trade Study
Apply the lesson concept to a capstone aerospace-systems scenario. Use the feedback to correct your reasoning before completing the main deliverable.
Weighted Ratings
| Criterion | Weight | A | B | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | 0.35 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Reliability | 0.30 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
| Manufacturability | 0.20 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Cost | 0.15 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Multiply each rating by its weight and add the results for each concept.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Weighted concept decision matrix
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s capstone progress.
- Complete a weighted matrix for at least three concepts.
- Write a recommendation that cites the strongest criteria and one uncertainty.
Exit Ticket
Capstone Debrief
State the most important engineering decision your team made today.
Name the evidence, requirement, interface, or risk that supports that decision.
Identify the next action and the person responsible for completing it.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 5.7 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Aerospace Systems Capstone
Return to Unit 5 to review the capstone sequence, deliverables, and project challenges.