SmartSettle™ Facilitation

SmartSettle™ is a sophisticated program that can be used to help decision makers prioritize multiple issues and quantify their level of satisfaction with possible options or outcomes on those issues. The system then helps users graphically develop "packages" that combine different options on each issue, and evaluate those packages based on their priorities and preferences. Used in this manner, SmartSettle can help an individual or group make complex decisions such as which of several houses, business locations, jobs, contracts, or software applications will best satisfy their interests.

SmartSettle also facilitates negotiations between competing or conflicting parties. Negotiators may individually and confidentially set their priorities and preferences, and then propose settlement packages to each other. These packages will be graphically represented and privately rated according to the initiator and recipient's priorities and preferences. The recipient may accept the proposal or make a counter-proposal that modifies one or more terms. An agreement is reached when all terms proposed by one party are accepted by the other.

SmartSettle can be directed to suggest settlement packages, which will be individually and privately rated for each party according to their priorities and preferences. Either party may confidentially accept one or more of SmartSettle's packages. The other party will not be notified unless both parties accept the same package, in which case an agreement arises.

SmartSettle may also be asked to improve upon the parties' agreement. If possible, SmartSettle will then generate a settlement package that produces a higher satisfaction level for each party, based on their individual priorities and preferences. If both parties accept the new package, it becomes the final agreement. Otherwise the previously accepted proposal remains the agreement.

Depending on the nature and circumstances of the dispute, SmartSettle may be used exclusively or in conjunction with face-to-face meetings, Resolution Room conferences, telephone conferences, e-mail, or instant messaging.

Alan Wiener has been a SmartSettle beta tester since October 2001, and was awarded the SmartSettle Facilitator Level I certificate in February 2002.

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