Developing Best Practices for Computer Aided Dispute Resolution

Computer aided dispute resolution (also known as collaborative modeling or shared vision planning) combines technical analysis and modeling with collaboration and traditional planning principles in order to address complexity, manage conflict, promote learning and understanding, and build relationships among stakeholders. The participatory process enhances model credibility, while the model supports the decision-making process and promotes group learning. Computer aided dispute resolution is a relatively new field, and current practitioners generally have a unique mix of technical and process skills that enable them to conduct this groundbreaking work. To train the next generation of practitioners and to ensure high quality work, we must identify and communicate the necessary skills and practices that support successful processes. With this objective, in the fall of 2008, the Environmental and Water Resources Planning and Management Committee established a task committee to formulate and document best practices in this developing field. The task committee will deliberate and advise which elements of the case study context, team member skills, process design elements, and modeling approaches are critical for incorporating computer aided dispute resolution into water resources planning and management successfully. The products of this task committee will include a written monograph, dissemination of results at conferences, and an evaluation of next steps. In this presentation, we will share progress to date and invite audience feedback and participation.