In many situations, you have several options to choose from, and many people want to share their opinions. Some will strongly support a few choices, others may disagree, and some might not care either way.
In such cases, you need a method that organizes these opinions, builds consensus, and leads to the best decision. The Modified Borda Count (MBC) is one such method. It helps you fairly weigh all views, even those that are less vocal.
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore how the Modified Borda Count works and examine its advantages and disadvantages in decision-making.
What is Modified Borda Count?
The Borda Count method was developed by French mathematician Jean-Charles de Borda in 1971. It was first used to elect representatives at French universities. The Modified Borda Count (MBC) is a modern version of this method.
In this system, voters rank their options from most to least preferred. They give the top choice the highest mark and the least preferred option one point. If a voter ranks five options, the top one receives five points, the next receives four points, and so on. You then add up all the points for each option—the option with the highest total wins.
This method ensures that every vote counts and helps reflect the group’s preferences. The Modified Borda Count is a fair and straightforward method for making group decisions, particularly when individuals hold diverse opinions and values.
MBC method encourages consensus and is helpful in both formal and informal decision-making processes.
How to Use Modified Borda Count?
You can follow the following steps to use the MBD method:
1. List all Options
Start by writing down every option or choice that needs to be considered. Make sure the list is clear and includes all possible alternatives. Everyone should have the same list to review before voting begins.
2. Ask Each Voter to Rank the Options
Each voter should rank all the options from most to least preferred. They must give each option a unique rank without skipping or repeating any numbers. This step ensures fairness and equal treatment of all choices.
3. Assign Points to Each Rank
Now, assign points based on the ranks. If there are five options, the first choice receives 5 points, the second receives 4 points, and so on, until the last option receives 1 point. This step turns ranks into scores for easy comparison.
4. Add the Points for Each Option
Once all voters have submitted their rankings, add the points for each option across all ballots. This gives you the total score for each choice. A higher score means broader overall support.
5. Identify the Winning Option
The option with the highest total score is the winner. This result reflects the group’s overall preference, not just the view of a few people. It helps make fair and balanced decisions, especially in groups with different opinions.
Example of the Modified Borda Count Method
Let’s say there are three candidates, and a voter ranks Candidate A first and Candidate B second, then leaves Candidate C unranked.
In this case, Candidate A will receive 3 points; Candidate B will receive 2 points, and Candidate C will receive 0 points.
Suppose you have three candidates, A, B, and C, and five voters.
The voters rank the candidates as follows:
- Voter 1: A, B, C
- Voter 2: B, A, C
- Voter 3: C, A, B
- Voter 4: B, C, A
- Voter 5: C, B, A
The Modified Borda Count Method scores for the candidates are as follows:
- Candidate A: 11 Points
- Candidate B: 10 Points
- Candidate C: 9 Points
Therefore, candidate A is the winner under the modified Borda count.
The Modified Borda Count Method is often considered fairer than the classic Borda Count Method because it gives more weight to the voters who rank all the candidates. However, it can also be considered less fair because it may disadvantage candidates who are not as well-known or among the frontrunners.
Pros of the MBC Method
- Encourages Consensus: It reflects the group’s overall preference, not just a few strong opinions.
- Fair to All Options: Every ranked option receives points, ensuring that all choices are considered.
- Reduces Bias: It limits the power of extreme or highly vocal voters.
- Simple Process: The method is easy to understand and use.
- Suitable for Group Decisions: It works well in teams, committees, or public consultations.
Cons of the MBC Method
- Requires Full Ranking: Voters must rank all options for their vote to count.
- Takes More Time: Ranking many choices can be slow and tiring.
- Can Confuse Voters: Some people may find the ranking rules hard to follow.
- Weakens strong support: A top favorite may lose if many rank it second or third.
- Requires Careful Instructions: Mistakes in voting can significantly impact the results.
Summary
The Modified Borda Count method provides a fair and balanced approach to collecting and comparing opinions. It reduces the likelihood of strategic voting and allows people to express their true preferences. While it is not perfect and may still encounter some issues, it remains a strong choice for group decision-making.
Like any voting system, its success depends on how and where it is used. Always choose a method that fits the goals of your decision and the needs of your voters.
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I am Mohammad Fahad Usmani, B.E. PMP, PMI-RMP. I have been blogging on project management topics since 2011. To date, thousands of professionals have passed the PMP exam using my resources.
