Delphi technique

Delphi technique

Collection of independent opinions without group discussion by the analysts providing the opinions; used for various sorts of evaluations (such as country risk assessment).

Delphi Technique

A system of forecasting in which different experts give their professional opinions without knowing what the other experts' opinions are. That is, the experts share their opinions anonymously and discuss them in a series of rounds. These rounds continue until they reach some consensus. The Delphi technique exists to ensure that a famous or well-regarded expert's opinion does not drown out those of lesser known analysts.

Delphi technique

an approach to generating new ideas or problem-solving amongst a GROUP or team. Each member or interested party submits his or her recommendations or views on the issue under review to a central contact point. All ideas generated in this way are then circulated to all those participating in the process, who then have the opportunity to submit comments on them. This process is repeated until a consensus emerges. Although time consuming, it can be an effective approach to the management of change since it enables all interested parties to express their views, generates consensus and, by incorporating all in the decisionmaking process, tends to generate commitment to the final outcome. See TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING, BRAINSTORMING, NOMINAL GROUP TECHNOLOGY.