As well as the selection of the exp

As well as the selection of the experts, it was important to get the mix of personnel right and the group profile was an essential aspect to this methodology. This along with the KJ method (see below) is a solid construct in facilitating the
flow of information. It is important that each member is allowed to express their opinion, without the group losing focus. The participants, as previously outlined included practitioners and academics. The practitioners consisted of ownermanagers of SMEs and their service providers. The group also included state representatives (from a national strategic viewpoint) and general service providers training, accountants, certification bodies, etc. This gave a more rounded view of the SME priorities than a singular SME owner-manager. Each group also had at least one academic member not involved in the design of the process. This was to allow an academic viewpoint to mix in with the process, while not allowing the group to be steered in any direction.