Although the nominal group technique (NGT) is also a long-run, qualitative demand forecasting method, it differs from the Delphi technique in several important respects. First, unlike in the Delphi technique, the group does, in fact, meet face to face and interact, but only after individual written, preparatory work has been done and all the demand estimates (idea generation) have been publicly tabled, or written on a flip chart, without discussion. Second, each demand estimate is considered to be the property of the entire group and to be impersonal in nature, which minimizes the potential for dominance, personal attacks, and defensive behaviour in support of estimates presented in the group forum. Finally, the expert forecast is determined by a secret vote of all group members on their choice of the tabled demand forecasts. The estimate receiving the highest ranking or rating during the voting process is deemed to be the group’s forecast.
A primary advantage to NGT is that it allows all participants to contribute to the process at an equal level by reducing the tendency for more extroverted individuals to dominate the process.
Refer to HR Planning Today 5.3.

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