Wideband Delphi
Wideband Delphi is a consensus-based estimation technique that extends the Delphi method by adding team discussion between anonymous estimation rounds to improve estimate accuracy.
Explanation
Wideband Delphi is a variation of the traditional Delphi technique adapted for software and project estimation. Like the original Delphi, it uses multiple rounds of anonymous estimation. However, Wideband Delphi adds group discussion between rounds, allowing estimators to share their reasoning, ask clarifying questions, and understand different perspectives before re-estimating.
The process typically involves a moderator presenting the work item, the team independently recording their estimates, all estimates being revealed simultaneously, the team discussing the highest and lowest estimates to understand the reasoning, and then re-estimating. This cycle continues until the estimates converge within an acceptable range.
Planning poker, widely used in agile teams, is a direct descendant of Wideband Delphi. Both techniques combine the bias-reduction benefits of anonymous estimation with the information-sharing benefits of team discussion. Wideband Delphi produces more accurate estimates than either individual expert judgment or simple group averaging.
Key Points
- •Extends Delphi with team discussion between anonymous estimation rounds
- •Reduces bias while sharing information that improves accuracy
- •Planning poker is a popular variant used in agile
- •Produces more accurate estimates than individual judgment or simple averaging
Exam Tip
Wideband Delphi differs from classic Delphi by adding face-to-face discussion between rounds. Planning poker is essentially Wideband Delphi adapted for agile teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Delphi Technique
The Delphi technique is an iterative, anonymous forecasting and consensus-building method where experts provide estimates or opinions in multiple rounds, with summarized feedback between rounds.
Agile Estimation Techniques
Agile estimation techniques are lightweight methods used by agile teams to estimate the size, effort, or complexity of work items, including story points, planning poker, T-shirt sizing, and relative estimation.
Expert Judgment
Expert judgment is the application of specialized knowledge or training from individuals or groups with expertise in a specific area to guide project decisions.
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