Four stages of Problem Jostle:

1. Generate SI (Statements of Importance)
2. Form A-SI set (Aggregated Statements of Importance)
3. Reduce to set of 12 C-SI (Consolidated Statements of Importance)   Beer calls this "Hexadic Reduction" 
4. Assign individuals to small groups

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Phase 1: Generate SI

An SI (Statement of Importance) is:

An important aspect of the situation that you would want to consider when deliberating on our central problem.  It is something that is worth spending time on and draws your interest.  It does not have to be a conventional or popular topic, but it does have to be important in ways that others can recognize.

(Recall our central problem:  

“What would be the ideal form for the business firm within a sustainable society?" ) 

 

1. What SI would you like to add? Think of a few items you really care about, ones that others might overlook.  Leave room for others.

2. Review existing items on the list.  If yours is distinct from others, create a new circle.  (Attach it and label it like the others.  Do not add verbose explanations.) 

3. If any existing items are similar to yours, keep your item 'close' on the map in one of two ways:  If very similar, simply write a note into the Details page that says you had the same thought, or you may append a modification to the definition.  If the two similar ideas don't readily merge, create a sub-circle attached to the first item, not directly to the center. 

 We will continue this process for a few days until all are able to make an entry, then move to phase 2.

Statements of Importance (SIs) should be short (less that 20 words), concise, phrases that are related, in some way, to the opening question 

“What would be the ideal form for the business firm within a sustainable society?"

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Each SI should express only one core idea.

SIs should pass two tests:

• If the statement can be reasonably debated and negated, it has passed the negation test.

• If the statement contributes to accomplishing the purpose of the event, as articulated by the opening questioon, it has passed the relevance test.

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Phase 2: Form A-SI Set 

The aim here is to combine SIs that are similar and to drop items that are less important from a group perspective. 

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Phase 3: Reduce to 12 C-SI

Select the final set.  The number must be 12.

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Phase 4: Assign Individuals

You will be deliberating in small groups.  While each individual will participate in multiple groups, each person will be given a small set to concentrate on.  You are now given an opportunity to express your preferences for the topics you would lke to concentrate on.  

Put your preference data into a table and based on this data we will generate an assignment sheet for each individual.