The Quadrant Enabled Delphi℠ Method
A Structured, Science-based, Legally Defensible Method That:
- Uses a heavily modified Delphi Method base in unique combination with the Nominal Group Technique/Pareto N3 Dot Exercise.
- QED replaces cumbersome and inaccurate traditional Delphi pre-workshop surveys with recursive, in-person processes: experts are brought together and elicitation of expert knowledge and consensus-building occurs through iterative facilitated group and individual choice selection sessions.
- The meeting venue is divided into quadrants based on broad topic areas (e.g., ‘land border’ or ‘cyber’) related to the overall workshop topic.
- There are typically five facilitators. A facilitator (or “quadrant manager”) familiar with the quadrant topic is assigned for each quadrant. The central facilitator (or “room manager”) coordinates the overall discussion and roams among the different quadrants.
- The central facilitator initiates the session by presenting a series of carefully crafted and unbiased challenge questions to a diverse “Delphi” group to initiate discussion (brainstorm). Facilitators then systematically record participant opinions concisely and accurately while recording the points raised.
- Each quadrant facilitator engages the participants in their quadrant through verbal, visual, and physical cues. Quadrant facilitators work with the central facilitator to adjust information elicitation based on the social dynamics in the room.
Want to Know More?
To learn more about the QED methodology, including its application in developing Operator Driven Policy and a case study, please see our paper in Homeland Security Affairs or contact us at: