The Delphi technique: Survey and comment: Essentials for corporate use

Abstract This article, which examines certain issues required for the efficient utilization of Delphi forecasts in corporate planning, is the second in a series of articles dealing with the subject of technological forecasting. The authors describe, first, the methodology and process involved in the Delphi technique, which attempts to systematically develop expert opinion consensus concerning the future. Three recent extensions of methodology and actual case applications of the technique are outlined. Implications with respect to the behavior of Delphi responses are considered. While, it is apparent that the technique is extremely useful, a certain amount of caution should be used in applying it too vigorously.