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Improving the practical application of the Delphi method in group-based judgment: A six-step prescription for a well-founded and defensible process

Author

Listed:
  • Belton, Ian
  • MacDonald, Alice
  • Wright, George
  • Hamlin, Iain

Abstract

This paper provides a practical, systematic approach to the design and delivery of a Delphi survey. We prescribe a sequence of six steps to do with (i) setting up the Delphi process – including selecting respondents and generating a requisite number of focal issues, (ii) software/delivery choice, (iii) developing question items and response scales, (iv) providing feedback between a requisite number of Delphi rounds, (v) preventing and dealing with panellist drop out, and (vi) analysing and presenting the Delphi yield. At each step, the Delphi administrator has a range of choice options and we provide discussion of the pros and cons of each option - in order that the overall design and delivery of a particular Delphi survey is both well-founded and defensible.

Suggested Citation

  • Belton, Ian & MacDonald, Alice & Wright, George & Hamlin, Iain, 2019. "Improving the practical application of the Delphi method in group-based judgment: A six-step prescription for a well-founded and defensible process," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 72-82.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:147:y:2019:i:c:p:72-82
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2019.07.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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