Delphi and NGT

The Delphi technique is a tool for soliciting expert experience, opinion and ideas on problems, opportunities, solution or new development. Delphi method is characterized by its flexible and iterative nature which supports its implementation in varying scenarios. The participants are anonymous who provide controlled feedback to refine results the number of participants may span from 4 to 171. The Delphi process consist of the following; development the Research Question and purposeful sampling to identify participants, develop and implement question through pilot study, analyze verify and document results, verify results through feedback, define rounds of iteration feedback to refine results. The first questionnaire is open but as the iteration continues the questionnaire is focused on the previous findings (Skulmoski, Hartman & Jennifer Krahn, 2007). Similarly the nominal group technique (NGT) is used to gain consensus on issues. In NGT individuals in a group are encouraged to contribute the thoughts on issues. On the contrarily NGT produces semi qualitative data which can be used to address the issues on under study. The process involves formulating the evaluating question and groups. Individuals are asked to contribute data without discussion, clarifications of data, voting or ranking of contribution, small and large group gathering and aggregation and determination of dominating themes. The face to face nature of the grouping may influence individual’s contribution (Dobbie, Rhodes, Tysinger & Freeman, 2004). The forces affecting the choice include methodology and nature of grouping. The methodology includes qualitative or mixed methods. The nature of the group interaction preferred affect the decision to used either Delphi or NGT. I use Delphi method over NGT to explore my innovative idea. I will use the open form of questionnaire during the pilot study and narrow the focus on the results of the previous interaction (closed). References Dobbie, A., Rhodes, M., Tysinger, J.W., Freeman, J. (2004) Using a Modified Nominal Group Technique as a Curriculum Evaluation Tool. FamMed 2004;36(6):402-6. Skulmoski, G.J., Hartman, F. T and Jennifer Krahn, J. (2007). The Delphi Method for Graduate Research. Journal of Information Technology Education Volume 6 Okoli, C. & Pawlowski, S. D. (2004).The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design consideration and application. Information & management42, 15-29