Description
The Excel tool proposed here is an essential resource that simplifies comparisons between projects or actions, providing visual capabilities to assess, discuss, and prioritize them. The number of solutions for comparison can range from 2 up to 100. They can be organized by category (e.g., market segments, initiatives, business units). Excel filters can be utilized to display only selected ones. Color coding can be adjusted, as well as the size of “bubbles” used to represent each project.
The initial setup of the tool allows for the horizontal axis to represent the estimated impact, and the vertical axis to represent the complexity of implementation, making the bottom-right quadrant the most attractive. The bubble size represents initially the ROI. They can be renamed as needed. Color coding can be employed to represent each category, and Excel filters can be utilized to filter those.
Consider filtering the Excel table below the graph to display only some categories or projects needed. These filters allow the display of only selected ranges of values if filtering along the axes and bubble size is considered.
To enable a better presentation of results, the text size can be adjusted, and the bubble size can also be uniformly adjusted across the graph.
Key Features of the Decision Project Prioritization Tool
Impact vs Complexity Analysis
- Compare up to 100 projects using impact, complexity, and ROI for objective evaluation.
- Visualize priorities with customizable bubble charts and color coding.
ROI Evaluation
- Evaluate projects, investments, and initiatives with a structured framework.
- Use bubble size to represent ROI and adjust as needed.
Visual Project Prioritization
- Use the tool for B2B project prioritization, investment evaluation, and strategic planning.
Ideal for marketing, sales, and strategic planning teams.
How to Use the Tool
- Set Up Your Projects: Input your projects and categorize them by market segments, initiatives, or business units.
- Adjust Axes: Define the horizontal axis for impact and the vertical axis for complexity.
- Customize Bubbles: Use bubble size to represent ROI and color coding for categories.
- Filter and Analyze: Use Excel filters to focus on specific projects or categories.
- Review and Prioritize: Assess the visual matrix to identify high-impact, low-complexity projects.
Use Cases
Project Prioritization Matrix
- Use the tool to create a project prioritization matrix for comparing initiatives.
- Ideal for B2B teams looking to align projects with business objectives.
B2B Investment Prioritization
- Evaluate investments based on impact, complexity, and ROI.
- Use the visual matrix to justify decisions and allocate resources effectively.
Advanced Features
Data Selection
Select the green button “Show Toolbar” to display the advanced features on the left in the “toolbar” (click again to hide the toolbar):
- Select the number of lines for the table between 2 and 100.
- Erase all input data: This button erases all data in the table.
- Erase all input data that is not visible: Click this button to erase data from the table that is not visible. This can take a few tens of seconds.
- Names for axes and table legends can be updated.
Note: For a visualization where the top-right quadrant is most desirable, invert the vertical axis so that complexity decreases as you move upwards, while impact continues to increase to the right. The background tree image should then be removed.
Legends Capabilities
- Show Names on the graph bubbles.
- Hide names on the graph.
- Set bubble text size: Click this button once the bubble text size value is updated.
- Set relative bubble size (Excel default = 100%): Click this button once the relative bubble size is updated.
- Show horizontal axis value on the graph bubbles.
- Show vertical axis value on the graph bubbles.
Changing Color Schemes
- Setting color for bubbles as a function of category: For different colors, just modify the color assigned to the category. The value inside the cell represents the color code and is generated automatically. It is here for reference.
- Setting color for each graph bubble: For each graph bubble, a different color can be selected. You can set a color for each line. The value inside the cell represents the color code and is generated automatically. It is here for reference.
- Copying current bubble color code: Use this function if the color was changed directly in the graph. It will save the color in the table below. Use this if you want to keep the colors selected directly on the graph, by copying these colors in the column below “Set unit color for each graph bubble.”
Note: You have full access to the macros of this file, so you can adapt or create new macros. Please share the needs you’d like to see addressed in a future version.
Links and References
Project prioritization becomes more meaningful when aligned with solution value, pricing potential, and selling impact. For this overall framework, visit our Solution Mix page.
Campaign prioritization becomes clearer when tied to promotion objectives. Refer to Promotion Strategy for alignment with communication goals.
Prioritization works best when anchored in a clear WHY. See the Decision Mix for the principles behind structured choices.
Usage & Licensing
Please review the Sales Conditions published on this website to fully understand your rights and the restrictions regarding the use of this product. Our products are intended for professional use only and are not designed for consumer purposes.
The products provided under this agreement are exclusively for the individual buyer or members of the same business unit. Sharing, distributing, or making them available to individuals or teams outside the designated user or relevant business unit is strictly prohibited. For software licensing purposes, a business unit is limited to a maximum of 100 employees, including full-time, part-time, and temporary staff. Additional licenses must be purchased in multiples of 100 if this limit is exceeded.
The provided download link is valid for two months and allows up to 10 downloads. Be sure to save a copy before the link expires or the download limit is reached. Users have full access to the application product, including any embedded macros, and may make necessary adjustments to suit their needs. However, all branding, trademarks, and references to marketingdecision.org must remain visible and intact within the application.
Ensure that you have Microsoft Excel and a PC running Windows before purchasing this application. This application uses advanced dynamic range calculations introduced by Microsoft. Please ensure that you are using a compatible version of Excel, such as Microsoft 365, or any version released after Excel 2019 which supports this feature.
We appreciate your feedback on how to improve this application. Feel free to share your suggestions with us at contact@marketingdecision.org
