Development of a managerial tool for prioritization and selection of portfolio projects using the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology in software companies

Abstract This study presents a managerial tool for prioritization and portfolio selection of software development projects using the methodology Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The need for better results with scarce resources is a challenge for organizations to generate competitive advantage. The tool is structured according to the analysis of articles related to project prioritization and selection, portfolio management and the AHP methodology. The research approach was quantitative through an applied case study. The case was developed in a medium-sized software company in Santa Catarina, a leader in solutions for management excellence, provider of software and services for automation and business process improvement, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. It has more than 2000 clients, of diverse sizes and lines of action. A committee was set up with managers and analysts to define the groups and criteria, and the application of a pilot of projects. There were opportunities to use this managerial tool to minimize power play, integration, information sharing, learning, commitment among decision makers and selection of strategically aligned projects.