Alternate Assignment for Unit 3
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Wednesday, June 20, 2012, 9:00-10:00
By Norma Rogers

This Seminar discussed the negotiation process and strategies we can take in negotiating the fact scenario in this unit found at Problem 6-2 on page 86 of our textbook. During the seminar, the class chose which party in the scenario each wished to represent and stated their interests and positions.
I. Professor’s general housekeeping comments:

• The class must post to the primary discuss thread and make at least three substantive responsive posts to other student’s posts. • For the mediation project, we will be submitting a drafted agreement of at least two pages. Even the mediator will have a proposed agreement. Then answer the questions provided in at least two full paragraphs and be prepared to submit a copy of the transcript from the mediation sessions. Instructions for partners are posted in the Course Announcements and complete instructions for the mediation project are posted in Unit 4.
II. Negotiation defined and discussed

Negotiation as a dispute resolution process involves the two parties voluntarily agreeing to attempt to solve the dispute together. Negotiation is non-binding. The parties should put together a plan for proceeding, should the negotiations falter. Additionally, negotiation, a bilateral action, is designed to facilitate discussion between the parties. Because no third party is involved, the parties must provide their own process and must resolve their own problem. If the parties are unable to resolve their own problem, their problem will remain unresolved and the parties must consider another process for resolution. One advantage of negotiation is that it can be used at any time to resolve a dispute. Additionally, the parties may or may not involve third parties. Further, negotiation allows