Multi-Criteria Methods for Alternative Dispute Resolution

This work examines the topic of dispute resolution specifically the multi-criteria approach that seeks to arrive at a conclusion that is mutually beneficial to both sides. Through the use of decision-aiding software the multi-criteria approach can allow each side to give on various criteria that are not important to it but are important to the other side. In this way a super-optimum solution may even be met in which both sides receive something significantly better than they had expected. Such a result is very difficult if not impossible to achieve Stuart Nagel points out in traditional single-dimension dispute resolution.Nagel and Mills describe the nature of multi-criteria dispute resolution utilizing decision-aiding software. The first part of the book clarifies the general character of computer-aided negotiation computer-aided mediation and super-optimizing dispute resolution. Part two guides the reader through the use of Policy/Goal Percentaging (P/G%) decision-aiding software centering on general decision-making negotiation mediation and prediction of outcomes. Multi-criteria resolution in the context of rule-making and legal policy disputes is the focus of part three where such matters as determining initial alternatives and criteria resolving deadlocks and arriving at super-optimum solutions are discussed. Part four emphasizes dispute resolution in the context of rule-applying and litigation disputes as well as mediation at the international level and between lawyers and clients. The final part deals with future applications such as computer-aided mediation and group decision-making with phone modems. The book''s combination of decision-aiding software arbitration-mediation and super-optimum expansionist decision-making brings a truly innovative approach to the topic of dispute resolution. This volume should be a welcome addition to academic legal and public libraries and a valuable reference work for lawyers law students and legal professors and researchers.