Before Mediated Modeling
- Problems seem to be intractable.
- Parties are often caught up in confrontational debate.
- No way seen to bridge polarities.
- Experts may create "solutions", but omit stakeholders who are needed for implementation.
- Models are often "black boxes" and only understood by the modelers.
- Lists of problems are easy to create, but priorities are difficult to see.
- Consensus may be achieved but solutions may not be related to reality.
Result: Little or no improvement
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With Mediated Modeling
- Important stakeholders are included in the process.
- Everyone participates in the model-building process. The modeling language, Stella, is user-friendly.
- Mental models are made explicit, examined, and tested.
- The process combines the best of consensus building and team learning by using modeling.
- The model helps participants confront "beliefs" and "facts" and serves as a reality check.
Result: Consensus on both problems/goals and process, leading to viable policies.
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