Delphi method

Competency Group: Business

Type: Process

Description: The Delphi method is a structured means of communication between experts used for forecasting. Typically experts are asked to answer questionnaires in two or more rounds. When the information is collected from the experts, this is independently formed into a summary of forecasts for the group of experts. When another round is devised the experts are advised to see what the mean of the answers from the last round were according to their previous answers. This iterative process is a method whereby a condensed amount of information about the future needs of a group from a selected amount of experts may be distilled into useful information.

Citation for Description: Delphi method. (2011). Retrieved from Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphi_method.

Units: Market forecasting

Advantages: This method employs the expertise of a large cross section of a highly qualified community. This information is extremely useful for competitive advantage.

Limitations: Can be very time consuming to collate all information from all parties. It can also be very difficult to get relevant information from experts in a given time frame.

Target Audience: Top management, Marketing, R&D

Relevant to Universal Design: Yes

Stages and Steps: 1.1, 1.2

Free Resource: Turnoff, M. & Linstone, H. (2002). The Delphi method: Techniques and applications. Retrieved from http://is.njit.edu/pubs/delphibook/]http://is.njit.edu/pubs/delphibook//url.

Free Resource: Skulmoski, G., J. & Hartman, F. T. (2007). The Delphi method for graduate research. Journal of Information Technology Education, 6. Retrieved from http://jite.org/documents/Vol6/JITEv6p001-021Skulmoski212.pdf.