Which of the following methods is NOT advisable for selecting stakeholders?

Selecting stakeholders is a crucial step in the planning and design process, as it can significantly influence project outcomes. A method that lacks structured invitations to stakeholders generally leads to ineffective participation. Without a systematic approach to identify and invite stakeholders, there is a high risk of excluding important voices or including those who may not be relevant to the project's goals.

Structured invitations ensure a diverse representation and provide an opportunity for critical stakeholders to participate, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the community needs and values. This method promotes transparency and accountability, allowing for informed decision-making, which is essential in stakeholder engagement processes.

In contrast, methods such as self-nomination, snowball sampling, and convener-picked stakeholders can be effective in different contexts. Self-nomination empowers interested parties to step forward, which can encourage engagement from individuals who are passionate about the topic. Snowball sampling allows for the identification of stakeholders through referrals, which can broaden the network of involved individuals. Convener-picked stakeholders offer the chance to include experts and representatives who may not self-nominate but are crucial for the project's success. Each of these methods is structured in some way that fosters inclusion and meaningful participation, making them preferable over a non-structured invitation method.