Part 5 of a series: As we set forth to make a decision and evaluate alternatives we use goal posts or criteria to measure each alternative. These criteria can fall into one of two categories. Mandatory criteria are those which are non-negotiable. Any alternative must meet these criteria or they fall from further consideration. This may be hard as one alternative may be your personal favorite. However, the whole point of a decision making process is the find the best alternative. Any alternative must be able to satisfy these mandatory requirements.

The other category of criteria is optional; sometimes called the