Tool 129: Panel Debate

AKA

N/A

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A panel debate technique allows a team of panelists with diverse knowledge, experience, or opinions to debate and share their insights on a topic, problem situation, or improvement opportunity. All participants, by questioning, gain valuable and current information to promote a more in-depth understanding of a specific study topic or problem issue.

Typical application

• To provide access to current information and expertise from internal or external experts.

• To allow participants to interact with a panel of experts for the purpose of collecting specific information.

• To consult with people who have been recognized as experts in their field.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
→	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
3	Creativity/innovation
4	Engineering
	Project management
5	Manufacturing
1	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
6	Servicing/support
2	Customer/quality metrics
	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Brainstorming

• Buzz Group

• Fishbowls

• Rotating Roles

• Consensus Decision Making

after

• Different Point of View

• Run-It-By

• Fresh Eye

• Critical Dialogue

• Presentation

Notes and key points

• Limit the size of a panel to 4 to 5 people.

• Assign a panel moderator to keep the debate moving along.

• Allow enough time so that key points and all questions (or prepared questions) can be discussed.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team leader or facilitator contacts and schedules the members of the panel, experts in the field who can greatly contribute to the problem situation the team is presently researching.

• STEP 2 Participants brainstorm the information that is needed and formulate questions prior to the actual panel debate.

• STEP 3 The team facilitator, in the role of the moderator, facilitates the introductions and starts the debate/discussion. See example Panel Debate on ISO-9000 Training Issues.

• STEP 4 A designated recorder records responses and key information during this interaction and date the document.

• STEP 5 After completion of the panel debate, the team summarizes keypoints, identifies questions left unanswered, and discusses the next steps.

Example of tool application