The Delphi method: a powerful tool for strategic management

Summary

The Delphi method structures and facilitates group communication that focus, upon a complex problem so that, over a series of iterations, a group consensus can be achieved about some future direction. It has five major characteristics:

1. The sample consists of a "panel" of carefully selected experts representing a broad spectrum of opinion on the topic or issue being examined. 
2. Participants are usually anonymous. 
3. The "moderator" (i.e. researcher) constructs a series of structured questionnaires and feedback reports for the panel over the course of the Delphi.
4. It is an iterative process often involving three to four iterations or “rounds” of questionnaires and feedback reports.       
5. There is an output typically in form of a research report with the Delphi results, the forecasts, policy and program options with their strengths and weaknesses, recommendations to senior management and, possibly, action plans for developing and implementing the policies and programs.

        It has some advantages over some other group decision-making techniques like the nominal group technique (NGT) and interacting group method (IGM). First, panel members are not swayed by group pressures or vocal members as can easily happen with NGT and IGM. Second, interpersonal conflicts and communication problems are virtually nonexistent because panel members do not interact. Third, travel costs and the problem of coordination to get everyone at the same place at the same time are not factors. The Delphi method consists of four key planning and execution activities: 

1.       Problem definition: It is necessary to define the nature and scope of the problem, expected outcomes of the study and the appropriateness of the Delphi method.
2.       Panel Selection: The Delphi method requires a panel of subject-matter experts (SMEs). The criteria for determining who qualifies as a SME may rest not only on knowledge, but could include criteria such as personal experiences or being stakeholders. Besides, it is important to inform prospective panel members that their commitment to participate would involve several rounds of questionnaires and feedback possibly extending over a period of months. On the hand, Panel selection might not be random because, in some research fields, there might be very few SMEs; thus, one might select all known SMEs.
3.       Determining the panel size: While there is no one sample size advocated for Delphi studies, rules-of-thumb suggest that 15-30 carefully selected SMEs could be used for a heterogeneous population and as few as five to ten for a homogeneous population. The careful selection of SMEs is a key factor in the Delphi method that enables a researcher confidently to use a small panel. That is not to say that large panels are never used. Indeed, some Delphi studies have used large panels numbering over 100 members.
4.       Conducting the Delphi rounds: A Delphi study usually involves three to four rounds or iterations, not just a one-time effort; thus, the moderator is able to set up Round 1 according to some strategy knowing that another two to three rounds could be conducted to achieve consensus or other goals. Although three to four rounds are typically used, the moderator should stop the rounds when the criteria for consensus are achieved, when results become repetitive, or when an impasse is reached. Following the final round, the moderator prepares a comprehensive report and distributes it or a short version to all members.              

The Delphi method deserves serious consideration because the careful design and execution of a Delphi study should lead to useful findings for policy makers and program managers. However, it is recommended that researchers consider using a triangulation of methods rather than the reliance upon a single method. For many situations, researchers may find the combination of a Delphi study and a survey with two independent samples useful and practical.

      

        Critique

        This paper describes the characteristics of the Delphi method, including criticisms of the method, and steps in conducting a Delphi study as well as pitfalls to avoid. It is a good overview in order to understand the basics of the method. However, the author does not mention an important weakness of the Delphi method. From my point of view, this method is heavily contingent upon the researcher’s ability. If the researcher have enough knowledge and ability to conduct this method, it can produce valuable results. Otherwise, it is just a fruitless time-consumption.   

      

        Source:

        Robert Loo, (2002) "The Delphi method: a powerful tool for strategic management", Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, Vol. 25 Iss: 4, pp.762 – 769. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.mercyhurst.edu/docview/211297480/A90AEE4047D44C01PQ/1?accountid=27687