Delphi vs. NGT (8/8)

The Delphi Method is a forecasting method that is developed based on questionnaire or survey results from a diverse panel of experts (Linestone & Turoff, 1975).  This is a flexible research method for doctoral students to discover new concepts inside and outside of the information systems and technology body of knowledge (Skulmoski & Hartman, 2007).  Questionnaires or surveys are distributed to a targeted audience of experts to gather information about a specific subject matter.  The experts are allowed to adjust their answers subsequently, and are kept anonymous.  The responses received are shared within the group, and then a correct response is reached through a consensus from the group as a whole.  In summary, the Delphi Method is established on the conjecture that a group judgment is more valid than an individual judgment.

 

The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) is an evaluation method that is developed based on questionnaire, survey, and evaluation results from a diverse group of experts (Dobbie et al., 2004; University of Oregon, 2012).  This is a structured (e.g., non-flexible) process where brainstorming is used in problem-solving sessions to encourage innovative thinking, with or without group interaction.  Each expert writes his/her ideas, comments, or concerns about a subject matter, problem, or issue at hand.  The multiple inputs are received and taken into account, discussed within the group, and prioritized in order of importance.  Like the Delphi Method, the NGT prevents the discussion from being dominated by one individual, encouraging all group members to participate in giving solutions or recommendations concerning to the problem (Sample, 2012).

 

The forces I found for this blog are: social and cultural.  The Delphi and NGT are social involving the each team member to actively participate both as an individual as well as a group. It is also cultural where organizations encourages personnel to work together as a team to get things done or to solve problems.

Lisa’s Choice…

To explore an innovative idea, I choose the Delphi with open collaboration.  It is flexible and versatile where it can be utilized in a wide range of environments.  It is cost efficient and cost effective where a diversity of group members can participate in the panel and provide their input.  And most importantly, the group members’ input remains anonymous.

References Cited

Harold A. Linstone, H.A. & Turoff, M. (1975).  The delphi method:  techniques and applications.  Reading, MA.: Addison-Wesley.
 

Sample, J.A. (1984). Nominal group technique:  an alternative to brainstorming. Received from http://www.joe.org/joe/1984march/iw2.php

Skulmoski, G.J., Hartman, F.T. & Krahn, J. (2007). The delphi method for graduate research. Retrieved from http://jite.org/documents/Vol6/JITEv6p001-021Skulmoski212.pdf
 

University of Oregon. (2012). Leading a discussion using the nominal group technique. Retrieved from http://tep.uoregon.edu/services/newsletter/year95-96/issue30/nominal.html