1. Introduction to the Technique
The Delphi Technique is a structured communication method used to gather expert opinions and build consensus on complex issues—particularly useful in risk assessment and planning. Internal auditors use it when dealing with uncertain or emerging risks where there may be no clear data or agreement. It relies on rounds of anonymous feedback and controlled facilitation, making it ideal for encouraging honest input without influence from hierarchy or dominant personalities. For Auren, the internal auditor at ACME Corp, the Delphi Technique is a practical way to surface hidden insights from various departments while supporting risk-aware decision-making.
2. Template for Applying the Delphi Technique
Here’s a step-by-step template:
Step 1: Identify the topic or problem (e.g., emerging risks).
Step 2: Select a panel of diverse experts/stakeholders.
Step 3: Round 1 – Distribute anonymous questionnaire to gather individual input.
Step 4: Summarize responses and share results (anonymously) with the panel.
Step 5: Round 2 – Allow participants to revise their views based on feedback.
Step 6: Continue rounds until consensus or stable patterns emerge.
Step 7: Analyze final responses and apply to risk planning or audit focus.
3. Practical Example: ACME’s Emerging Risk Assessment
At ACME Corp, CEO Liora is concerned about growing uncertainty in global supply chains and regulatory environments. Internal Auditor Auren recommends using the Delphi Technique to assess emerging risks that may not yet appear on formal registers. Auren invites ten experts from different areas—legal, operations, cybersecurity, compliance, HR, and R&D—including Project Manager Aven, to anonymously participate.
Round 1: Each expert lists three emerging risks and rates their potential impact and likelihood. Responses range from AI-related legal exposure to climate regulations affecting product packaging.
Round 2: Auren summarizes findings and redistributes anonymized feedback. Some panelists revise their rankings after seeing others’ input, leading to sharper alignment on key concerns.
Round 3: The group converges around five high-priority emerging risks: supply chain disruption due to geopolitical tensions, non-compliance with AI legislation, and cyber vulnerabilities in new product features.
Based on this consensus, Auren integrates these risks into ACME’s audit risk universe and recommends an advisory audit on regulatory readiness and third-party risk management. CEO Liora praises the outcome as it reveals forward-looking risk areas that traditional audits might have missed.
The Delphi Technique allowed ACME to leverage internal expertise, break silos, and proactively plan for complex future risks—all in a structured, low-cost, and highly collaborative way.