Exploring Standard-Based Policy Updates Using a Modified Policy Delphi: “The Categorical Delphi Technique”

Abstract

The Delphi technique is a systematic method for evaluating anonymized expert opinions to achieve convergence on complex issues. As a modified Classical Delphi, Policy Delphi explores diverse relationships between policy options rather than forcing consensus. This study explores the idea of “Categorical Delphi", a novel adaptation of Policy Delphi.

The research evaluates categorical relationships between regulatory policy and its addendum policy metrics. It also explores practitioners’ attribution of quality and value of the metrics of the addendum policy within the regulatory environment. Predefined categorical relationships between two policies are established to guide the experts’ reflection on the updates made by an addendum policy on a primary policy’s metrics. Categorical Delphi employs multiple rounds of questionnaires increasingly refining their positional consensus. Attributions of quality of the metrics and the relative importance are determined by rating and ranking the quality of the addendum metrics.

The Categorical Delphi Technique effectively evaluated the categorical relationships between primary and addendum policies. The addendum metrics were perceived by faculty and managers as moderate-to-high quality additions to the quality environment. The Categorical Delphi Technique offers a robust approach for evaluating categorical relationships between a regulatory policy and a policy addendum, providing actionable insights for institutions.