Creighton University’s Testimonials About Smartsettle

Smartsettle Infinity was demonstrated to students in Professor Daniel Rainey‘s class on Online Dispute Resolution at Creighton University. The simulation modeled the context of a hypothetical negotiation between three countries about issues arising from use of a river they share.

Being able to make anonymous suggestions, to be absolutely open with the software about my preferences, could allow me to directly pursue my most important interests, without worrying about exposing too much to the other negotiators.  The most interesting aspect for me was when we let Smartsettle look for hidden value in the Baseline agreement. It had taken us, I think, three rounds of suggestions to reach one that everyone would agree to, and then Smartsettle in a just a minute was able to improve on that significantly.  That is impressive!

– Creighton University Student

 

 

Sometimes in conflict we attach to irrational positions and have trouble seeing the big picture.  The value of Smartsettle was that it forces clarification.  Parties see what it is costing them to attach to a particular position.  Smartsettle is certainly a great tool!

– Creighton University Student

 

The capability of your system seems enormous.  Thank you for allowing our class to observe and try out your powerful negotiation tool.

– Creighton University Student

 

Two features which particularly drew my attention as advantages over face to face negotiations were: first, the ability afforded to parties to change the relative importance of various positions as the negotiations proceed- this is very true to life- we think we know what we want, but then it doesn’t feel quite right. You give participants an opportunity to privately figure it out. In a face to face situation if you express something and then feel uncomfortable about it, you are often locked in  as the other parties may get upset with you….you don’t usually get a second, third , fourth chance.; second, the extra hidden value the program offers parties after a settlement is reached. This is quite extraordinary.

– Creighton University Student

 

During the first round I never thought the parties could come to any sort of amenable solution and it was amazing how the numbers worked and fair and optimal solutions were created.  Having the options for tradeoffs and even in the end once you had resolution that it could still find value on the table was great.  I think this tool would be an incredible asset in the formation of public policy.

– Creighton University Student

 

I liked the ‘improvement’ option. Even though the parties reached an agreement, the improvement option made it even a better deal and improved the initial agreement. I definitely will use Smartsettle and recommend it to my family, friends and colleagues. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience Smartsettle.

–  Creighton University Student

Creighton University‘s Master of Science in Negotiation and Dispute Resolution online degree program focuses on preparing students for the human element of conflict and negotiation… more.