Application of a hybrid Delphi and aggregation–disaggregation procedure for group decision-making

A hybrid procedure for group multiple criteria decision analysis is introduced that consolidates a moderated Delphi process with an autonomous aggregation–disaggregation mechanism. The research is based on the assumption that both consolidated approaches can lead to synergistic effects when properly combined. The paper justifies the hybrid procedure by comparing the three approaches, and by assessing it with a preliminary case study that is based on several factors of a universal framework for the evaluation of group decision-making methods and systems. These factors address convergence of the decision-making process, conflict resolution and cognitive complexity. The paper aims to define the decision-making process completely and thoroughly, fully operationalize all steps of the hybrid procedure algorithmically and methodologically and provide an application of the procedure. The application shows that the process converges and imposes acceptable cognitive load on the decision-makers, which implies that the hybrid procedure is able to perform efficiently.