Alternative Methods of Dispute Resolution

This text offers a functional approach to dispute resolution with its array of interrelated processes. Students learn distinguishing factors, advantages and disadvantages of each process, and how to select one process over another to create dispute resolution strategies. Part I introduces methods of dispute resolution and the participants. Parts II through VI consider different dispute resolution processes, grouping methods of each process by purpose and participation, advancing from the least technical to the most technical process. Part VII explores a dispute resolution strategy. Chapters are arranged to facilitate instruction, as each process has its own chapter. Chapter concepts are illustrated by examples, and examples are followed by problems, giving students opportunities to find solutions and develop their reasoning skills as they apply each concept. Every process chapter ends with a chart that outlines the attributes of that process, and follows with review questions that include new terms, true/false, fill-in the blank, multiple-choice, and short answer formats. Chapters on negotiation, mediation, and arbitration offer role play exercises that can be conducted during or out of class. Judicial options explore more difficult concepts, showing students how the courts handle dispute resolution issues when the outcome is not certain. A number of Web sites have also been cited throughout the text so students can conduct further research, and the glossary and extensive index provide quick references. An Instructor's Manual includes suggestions for developing a course syllabus for courses of varying credit hours, answers to the problems in the text, and answers to the review questions at the end of each chapter.