Delphi and NGT Use

� In a focused, short post, discuss one of the innovations you identified from the Delphi Wiki and note whether you would use Delphi, NGT, both methods or a different choice for exploring the alternatives.

The self-sustaining vehicle that a user can travel via the land, air, water and/or space is an innovation that would need the Delphi method, which is the �consultation begins as a query set, with the experts asked to provide feedback on a group of questions. For emerging situations, these questions concern trends or possible outcomes. The organizer collates the results and then uses them to generate a second query round, which is submitted and processed� (Alexander, 2009). These experts would provide input and direction in the design and creation of the vehicle.

�The nominal group technique (NGT) is an evaluation method that provides semi-quantitative, rankordered feedback about a group of learners� perceptions of the good and bad aspects of an educational program � (Dobbie, Rhodes, Tysinger, & Freeman, 2004). This technique would not be useful for exploring the creation of the self-sustaining multi-terrain vehicle.

� Discuss two forces that may support it -- and two forces that may impede its success?

Political and economical forces may impede the new vehicles progress. It may be too costly to make from a materials standpoint. It may threaten the existing way of life for those currently making a living from the current vehicle creation process, and cause political pressure as a result. The environmental force which supports self-sustaining eco-friendly solutions may support this type of vehicles progress. Global diminishing of resources like oil may be a supportive force that may support the success of this type of vehicle.

� How does open or closed collaboration affect the results? Anonymity takes time, yet may reduce peer pressure or bias.

In the Delphi method �one problem is that Delphi outcomes can be driven by a desire for consensus, rather than actual agreement, meaning that divergent ideas can get quashed.13 In addition, the process can be resource-intensive, especially in terms of time�(Alexander, 2009). Anonymity could be introduced by using virtual anonymous collaboration techniques, such as online polling or online surveying.

� Include a reference and link to supporting content in your post.

Alexander, B. (2009). Apprehending the future: Emerging technologies, from science fiction to campus reality. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume44/ApprehendingtheFutureEmergingT/171774

Dobbie, A., Rhodes, M., Tysinger, J. W., & Freeman, J. (2004). Using a modified nominal group technique as a curriculum evaluation tool. Family Medicine, 36(6), 402-406. Retrieved January 25, 2011, from http://www.stfm.org/fmhub/fm2004/June/Alison402.pdf