A feasible means of methodological advance from Delphi methods: a case study

Abstract

The Delphi is reliable research tool of eliciting experts' opinion. Traditional Delphi method (TDM) consists of a series of rounds interspersed with feedback for the consensus. However, Fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) requires only one round of investigation to denote the consensus using the geometric mean in the fuzzy triangular approach. The obvious difference needs to be addressed as it could threaten the original values of the Delphi method. Therefore, the aim of this article is to overcome the drawbacks of the TDM and the FDM. Both techniques' principles and methodological areas were examined. A methodological proposal or framework was developed based on the mutual and positive characteristics of the methods. Subsequently, a case study was carried out and observations were gathered. The lessons learned from the theory and the application would render an insight for another methodological approach in Delphi methods.