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Global Expert Studies

Using Real Time Delphi

Question: Has the Real Time Delphi method been used frequently before?

Answer: This is a new method, but it already has been employed in many global studies, including studies of the future of energy, priorities to be assigned projects competing for resources, product configurations likely to garner the largest customer approval, the future of education, organization of complex reports, measures of the state of the future, and resource allocation models. Clients have included UNESCO, South Africa, South Korea, and the World Bank..

 

Question: Who developed this method?

Answer: The first work was done by Ted Gordon and Adam Pease for the Department of Defense under a contract designed to develop a method for quickly collecting and synthesizing opinions in a military combat environment. To see the opiginal publication, click here.

 

Question: Who has been the biggest user of the method?

Answer: Large scale users have included The Millennium Project itself, the World Federation of United Nations Associations, UNESCO, and the World Bank (through its subcontractor.).

 

Question: How many people have participated in a single study?

Answer: From 10 in one study to 250 in another. Thousands are possible; the database imposes no practical limit.

 

Question: Who can use the system?

Answer: Any organization can sponsor a study which is accomplished in this site. In addition, organizations can license the system for their own use, employing their own servers or using the Real Time Delphi servers. .

 

Question: Who chooses the participants?

Answer: The clients. In the case of global studies, the nominations are made in each major geographic area by a local designee of the sponsor. In general the choice is jointly determined by the study team and the sponsor.

 

Question: Isn't it true that the results depend heavily on who participates?

Answer: Absolutely. That is why much thought is always given to the choice of true experts in the domain of the study. Futhermore, to encourage only informed answers, the participants are encouraged to skip any questions about which they fell uncomfortable or have inadequate information.

 

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