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.

STUART S. NAGEL is Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois, and Publications Coordinator of the Policy Studies Organization. He is the author of numerous books, including Decision-Aiding Software for Legal Decision-Making (Quorum, 1989), Causation, Prediction, and Legal Analysis (Quorum, 1986), and Law, Policy, and Optimizing Analysis (Quorum, 1986).

MIRIAM K. MILLS was Professor of Management at the New Jersey Institute of Technology until her death in March, 1992. She was also an arbitrator with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the American Arbitration Association. She was the co-author or editor of the Greenwood Press books, Conflict Resolution and Public Policy (1990), and Biomedical Technology and Public Policy (1989).

STUART S. NAGEL is Professor of Political Science at the University of Illinois, and Publications Coordinator of the Policy Studies Organization. He is the author of numerous books, including Decision-Aiding Software for Legal Decision-Making (Quorum, 1989), Causation, Prediction, and Legal Analysis (Quorum, 1986), and Law, Policy, and Optimizing Analysis (Quorum, 1986).

MIRIAM K. MILLS was Professor of Management at the New Jersey Institute of Technology until her death in March, 1992. She was also an arbitrator with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the American Arbitration Association. She was the co-author or editor of the Greenwood Press books, Conflict Resolution and Public Policy (1990), and Biomedical Technology and Public Policy (1989).