Prioritization Funnel#

Metadata#

• Name: prioritization-funnel
• Description: Structured opportunity filtering and prioritization
• Triggers: prioritization, resource allocation, opportunity filtering, project ranking

Instructions#

Apply a multi-stage filtering process to prioritize opportunities or projects.

Framework#

The Funnel Process#

text

ALL OPPORTUNITIES (20-50 options)
          │
    STAGE 1: DEFINITION
    ↓ Apply 4 criteria filters
    (Narrow to 20-30)
          │
    STAGE 2: RAPID APPRAISAL
    ↓ Quick evaluation on key dimensions
    (Narrow to 5-15)
          │
    STAGE 3: FINANCIAL MODELLING
    ↓ Assess quantitative impact
    (Narrow to 3-7)
          │
    STAGE 4: DECISION MAKING
    ↓ Strategic evaluation
    (Select top 1-3)

Stage 1: Definition Filters#

CriterionThresholdPass RateStrategic FitMust align60% passMarket SizeMust exceed threshold50% passRequired InvestmentWithin budget40% passTime HorizonMeets window70% passResource AvailabilityFeasible50% pass

Result: [Opportunities passed to Stage 2]

Stage 2: Rapid Appraisal#

DimensionWeightScale (1-5)DescriptionStrategic Alignment30%[High/Med/Low]Fit with goalsMarket Potential25%[H/M/L]Growth opportunityProfitability Impact20%[H/M/L]NPV or marginImplementation Ease15%[Easy/Med/Hard]FeasibilityRisk Level10%[H/M/L]Project riskScore[Calculated total]

Result: [Opportunities passed to Stage 3]

Stage 3: Financial Modeling#

OpportunityNPVIRRPaybackSensitivity[Opportunity A]$X MY%Z yearsAnalysis[Opportunity B]$X MY%Z yearsAnalysis

Result: [Opportunities ranked for final decision]

Stage 4: Final Selection#

RankOpportunityTotal ScoreKey Differentiator1[Opportunity Name][Score][Why #1?]2[Opportunity Name][Score][Why #2?]3[Opportunity Name][Score][Why #3?]

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Selected Opportunities#

Priority 1: [Opportunity Name]

• Action: [Description]
• Owner: [Who's responsible]
• Timeline: [Start - completion]
• Budget: [Allocation]

Priority 2: [Opportunity Name]

• Action: [Description]
• Owner: [Who's responsible]
• Timeline: [Start - completion]
• Budget: [Allocation]

Priority 3: [Opportunity Name]

• Action: [Description]
• Owner: [Who's responsible]
• Timeline: [Start - completion]
• Budget: [Allocation]

---

Resource Allocation#

| Priority | Allocated Capital | % of Budget | Personnel | Timeline | |----------|-----------------|-----------------|------------------| | 1 | $X M | Y% | [Team lead] | Q1-Q2 | | 2 | $Y M | Z% | [Team lead] | Q2-Q3 | | 3 | $Z M | W% | [Team lead] | Q3-Q4 | | Hold | $V M | V% | - | - |

Governance#

Decision Authority: [Who has final approval] Approval Process: [Stage gate process] Review Timeline: [When to review priorities]

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Monitoring#

MetricTargetActualVarianceAction# of opportunities in funnel2018🔴 -10Reassess funnelAverage NPV of top 3$X M$Y M🟢 +10%Continue investmentResource utilization90%75%🟡 -15%Optimize capacity

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Funnel Metrics#

StageInputPass RateCycle TimeDefinition50 options60%1 weekAppraisal30 options50%2 daysFinancial Modeling15 options33%1 weekSelection7 options100%Decision made

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Strategic Implications#

Portfolio Balance:

• [Analysis of opportunity mix]

Resource Constraints:

• [Budget constraint analysis]
• [Capacity constraint analysis]
• [Timeline constraint analysis]

Risk Factors:

• [Over-prioritizing quick wins]
• [Under-prioritizing strategic opportunities]

Tips#

• Be transparent about scoring - make criteria explicit
• Use quantitative thresholds where possible
• Balance qualitative and quantitative factors
• Don't rush Stage 2 - financial modeling matters
• Consider resource constraints realistically
• Review funnel regularly - opportunities and conditions change
• Document decision rationale for accountability
• Use weighted scoring to reflect strategic priorities

References#

• Various project management and portfolio management sources
• McKinsey, BCG project management frameworks
• PMI prioritization methods
• Stage-gate process best practices