Energy forecasts using a “Roundless” approach to running a Delphi study

Purpose – Conventional Delphi studies use sequential questionnaires and produce rich information synthesized from the judgments of the experts who participate. However such studies are usually time‐consuming. The purpose of this paper is to describe one of the first applications of a new method of applying the Delphi principles of feedback and anonymity that can greatly reduce the time required for such studies. Design/methodology/approach – This approach involves continuously updated, on‐line questionnaires and is therefore “roundless.” Findings – The application described here is a global Millennium Project study of developments for inclusion in a series of energy scenarios. The “roundless” approach was found to produce rich information comparable to the more time consuming conventional method. Originality/value – While other on‐line questionnaire systems exist, the approach described here is novel and may have wide applications.