What is the purpose of the Delphi technique in project management?

The Delphi technique is specifically designed to gather and consolidate knowledge and opinions from a group of experts in a particular field. Its primary purpose is to achieve consensus among these experts regarding a specific project-related issue, forecast, or decision. The process typically involves a series of rounds where experts respond to questionnaires, and their responses are aggregated and shared anonymously with the group. This iterative feedback loop allows participants to reconsider their views based on the collective input and reasoning of their peers, ultimately leading to a more refined and agreed-upon outcome.

This method is particularly beneficial in project management settings where decisions or estimates need to be made based on expert opinion rather than quantifiable data alone. It helps to mitigate the biases or dominance that may occur in face-to-face discussions and encourages more honest participation from all experts involved. The emphasis on anonymous feedback and the iterative nature of the process contribute to building a well-rounded consensus, which is valuable for informed decision-making in project management.