This method takes the average of all points to arrive at the Level. Normal rounding rules are used.
The Default Method is simple and straight-forward in it's calculation. The average of all points are used with standard rounding rules applied.
For example, an average of 3.4 would be a level 3, while 3.5 would be a level 4.
It is effective for all Ladder designs, but is particularly useful for simple Ladders.
This method treats criteria as a rubric, using the lowest point value within each criteria to determine the total points.
Using this method, any criteria that forms a rubric will cause the lowest points to be used. For example, a ladder defines 3 skills from a skills framework, and the climber is assessed at rank 2 in Skill A, rank 3 in Skill B, and level 4 in Skill C. This calculation would evaluate the climber at a rank 2, because this is the lowest of the skill ranks in the set.
These criteria are treated as rubrics:
These criteria are not treated as rubrics, but instead derive points from a mapping:
These criteria are not treated as rubrics, but select the total point value from the specified criteria.
This method is more strict than the others. Improving one's Level increases in difficulty with each criteria option.
This method takes the total all of the climber's points and compares it to a points-level mapping specific to the ladder.
The Davis Method is named for the creator of the Basis HR system. It represents the original algorithm for Level calculation.
This method offers a high degree of control over the Level calculation.
If, for whatever reason, a points to level mapping does not exist, the average of all points is converted to the Level (i.e. it uses the Default Method).
This method compares total available points to points scored during an assessment. The Level being expressed as a percentage.
The Percentage Method is most useful in situations where only one or two criteria are assessed, or when a relatively small number of points are up for grabs.
When a large number of points are available, the Level can be deceiving -- especially when other calculation methods are in use.
This method takes the average of all points from criteria (omitting experience) and compares this to a mapping of experience to the points average.
The Spolksy method is named in honor of FogCreek Software founder Joel Spolsky. FogCreek adapted their professional ladder system from Construx.
See the related article.