Guide on Wideband Delphi: Importance, Functioning, and Exam Tips

What is Wideband Delphi?

Developed by the RAND Corporation, the Wideband Delphi technique is a project estimation method widely used in Agile project management and systems engineering. It incorporates the perspective of multiple experts in order to forecast realistic timelines and budgets.

Significance of Wideband Delphi:

The primary advantage of this technique is that it reduces human error and bias. By involving a variety of experts, the Wideband Delphi method ensures a diverse range of inputs, increasing the chances of obtaining a comprehensive and accurate estimation. Furthermore, it promotes communication and collaboration among team members, encouraging consensus on various matters.

How it Functions:

There are typically four stages to this process. In stage one, the coordinator presents a problem to the experts independently. Secondly, the experts submit their estimates anonymously. In the third stage, the coordinator collates these estimates. Finally, the experts review this aggregated data and re-estimate until a consensus is reached. This repetitive process, known as 'iteration', helps to refine and enhance the precision of the final estimate.

Exam Tips - Answering Questions on Wideband Delphi:

1. Familiarize with the technique: Understand the process, importance, and advantages of the Wideband Delphi technique. Don't confuse it with other estimation techniques.

2. Know the steps: Grasp the step-by-step process of this estimation technique and the significance of each step.

3. Focus on iteration: Examiners often focus on the iterative nature of Wideband Delphi - remember that estimates are refined before consensus arrives.

4. Understand coordinator's role: The coordinator's role is crucial in this process. Be sure to understand how a coordinator collates estimates and leads the consensus process.