MGMT436-1405B-02 Unit 5 - Essay Example

NGT NGT Definition Nominal group technique (NGT) illustrates a process used by a group in identifying a problem, generating a solution and making a relevant decision based on the same. As such, it is a structured means of group brainstorming, which motivates all the group members to contribute in the discussion. NGT is useful when: A. There are some group members that tend to be vocal in comparison to others B. Some members think better when silent C. There is a concern of silent group members who are not contributing D.

There is a controversial or heated conflict issue E. There new members in the group Procedure for NGT The essential materials include a pen and a paper for each group member. 1. State and clarify the topic or subject that needs brainstorming. 2. Each member of the group engages in a silent manner to think and write the essential ideas for a duration of approximately 10 minutes 3. Each member presents the idea as the facilitator takes notes in a flipchart. Note: no discussions or asking of questions during this part. 4. Discussion of the idea occurs.

It is during the discussion where questions are raised and clarifications made regarding the issue in consideration. 5. Prioritizing of ideas occurs using list reduction of adopting multi-voting Considerations for NGT It is vital for the discussion session to have a balance of all the ideas. Such ideas should be visible to ensure that there is equal participation of all group members. Further, it is essential to make reference to all previous messages to ensure that success is attained. Grouping items together All the group members will use colored markers as the means of grouping items together.

In such a strategy, there will be unique colors for different items, which will ensure that it will be possible to identify the common theme of the discussion (University of Arkansas, 2012). Thus, this will be an individual task. The aim is to ensure that each group member feels equally accepted and respected in selection of the themes for the subject under discussion in this session. Further, all the group members will participate in the selection of the key themes. Such will ensure that there is equal participation of all group members in identifying the key ideas and themes that need discussion during the group presentation.

These create room for focusing on key issues that the group should vote for. However, each member has an equal power to indicate where each idea should fall based on the key themes as identified by the entire group. Voting method The method for voting is the use of dots. In this method, all the participants will have an equal opportunity of engaging in the rating of the items as indicated in the final list. As such, each group member will have a set of self-sticking dots (ten), where he or she will place the dot next to the key themes of the discussion based on what is felt to be more or least important from the list (Nancy, 2004).

The use of dots will provide a quick and effective way for group members to indicate their preferences as they get and move around. Such movements break the monotony for sitting down. After the members place the dots, they are counted and recorded using the flip chart sheet based on the preferences. Summarizing results Summarizing the results involves getting the list of the generated ideas during the NGT session. Such involves focusing on the number of votes for each idea based on the developed NGT question.

Thus, the order of the list will entail determining the idea that has the highest number of votes as indicated in the voting process. A typical time for a single voting process is 15 minutes. As such, the voting will involve three rounds. These are essential to eliminate cases of group members shifting their attention from one single idea to the other. The three rounds is also an odd voting round, which will ensure that the process is able to generate valid results. The voting results from each round are then used to determine the key ideas that members have selected.

The first round identifies a set of ideas, which are voted for during the second round and the third round aids in getting at least 3 major issues. Such a pattern for voting will facilitate in having a clear picture of the key ideas of the group members that need presentation to all individuals. References Nancy, R. (2004). The Quality Toolbox, Second Edition, ASQ Quality Press. University of Arkansas. (2012). The nominal group technique. Retrieved from: https://www.uaex.edu/support-units/program-staff-development/docs/NGTProcess%2012.pdf