Group decision-making methods (or expert evaluations) are necessary in the development and implementation of most innovations. Their essence is to receive optimal answers to questions posed to experts.
For the examination, an organizational group is usually formed, which provides the conditions in order to conduct effective work. Its main tasks are:
- statement of the main problem of examination;
- development of the basic procedure for its implementation;
- selection and formation of an expert group;
- conducting a survey among experts;
- processing and interpretation of this information.
There are different models and methods of decision making in group work. Let us consider in more detail the most common and used in practice.
The “Brainstorming” method is widely used and is aimed at forming the final solution based on ideas that are randomly put forward by a group in collaboration. In the future, they are specified and discussed.
Decision Techniques “635” is a variation of the previous method. But the exchange of data and opinions in the group will be carried out in writing and always in five rounds.
The targeted discussion method is used when there is no need to rush. This is an open discussion on the problem, which is held in order to develop a unified opinion of experts. Moreover, the collective opinion will be determined, as a rule, as a result of voting. But such decision-making methods have some disadvantages:
- there is no anonymity, which in some cases can lead to conformism;
- discussion often goes into polemics of authority.
The inversion method is a complex way to make decisions. He will require the leader of the group attention and special competence. The fact is that such decision-making methods involve the search for ideas in such directions that are contrary to ordinary beliefs, attitudes, logic and common sense. The method is very effective if used correctly.
Delphi Method. It was developed by Helmer and Delki. This method is a decision-making methods that are combined by common requirements for the conduct of examinations and the method of obtaining estimates. It implies that it is necessary to create conditions that can ensure a more productive activity of the commission.
This method is a multi-round survey procedure. After each stage, the data will be finalized, and the results will be reported to experts. In the first round no argument is given, in the second - any answer that is different from the others should have an evidence base. Only after the stabilization of the estimates, the survey will be stopped. The decision is made as proposed by experts, or else it is adjusted.
The method of nominal groups is usually used to find the best options in solving the problem. The main condition should be the following: to work in a team, the best experts who have never worked together are involved. They should not be connected by anything. The optimal group is one in which no more than fifteen, but no less than six people.
The content of the method. The leader sets a task for all participants, within ten minutes each person makes his proposals on the cards. After that, other experts should evaluate them, rejecting impossible, impracticable ideas and scoring. As a result, the solution to the same problem will contain at least fifteen options.
The most common group decision-making methods were presented, but it was very difficult to draw clear boundaries between them.