The Delphi method is a variant of the executive committee approach, but the interaction is indirect, iterative, and very structured. It was designed to minimize the adverse effects of interacting groups. While there are variations of the method, the basic premise is that once the experts are identified, each is given a reasonably structured set of questions or issues to which to respond. Responses are sent to a coordinator or monitoring group that does not actually participate in the Delphi process. Responses are then fed back to each respondent, without identifying any individual with any opinion.
Participants respond again in light of the views of their fellow respondents.
There may be several repetitions of the process until a consensus emerges. The group may be brought together at the end to reach final consensus. Using electronic technology can help shorten the required time. When conducting a survey of the sales force, data are gathered from members of sale force representing different products, segments or regions, and these data are combined. Managers may need to modify the aggregate numbers to ensure realistic estimates since there may be temptations to bias the reports.