Inside Story
Give P.E.A.C.E. a Chance
— Peter Horner, editor
horner@lionhrtpub.com
John Kettelle, the author of this month's cover story on a concept he calls "Computerized Third Party" (CTP), traces his career in operations research back more than 50 years, back to a time when computers were huge, slow, cumbersome and useless for all but a handful of number-crunching chores. Back then, the idea that a computer could somehow take over the lead from a well-trained "human" third party in the delicate dance of high-stakes negotiations was preposterous.
Of course, "times have changed," and perhaps nowhere is that trite-but-true cliché more obvious than in the computing world where big, slow, clumsy machines have given way to incredibly fast and nimble computing marvels that dance in the palm of your hand while running mind-boggling software programs suitable for any application imaginable.
Kettelle envisions turning the power of CTPs loose on a variety of negotiation situations, from real estate deals to labor-management contracts, from the fun-and-games of NFL player trades to far more serious matters like military armistices and peace treaties. It sounds intriguing, but will it ever see the light of day in the real world? Only time will tell. For more on Kettelle's unique vision of the past, present and future with CTPs at the head of the negotiating table, turn to "When Three's Not a Crowd" (page 20).
I first became aware of the term "Computerized Third Party" from long-time OR/MS Today columnist Doug Samuelson. For many years, Kettelle had been telling Samuelson about this "wild" idea he had regarding automated negotiations. Samuelson eventually asked Kettelle to make a presentation on CTPs at a WINFORMS meeting in the Washington, D.C., area.
It turns out that Kettelle originally called the concept "Automated Information Buffering" before changing it to "Computerized Third Party." In one of our early e-mail exchanges, he asked if I had a better idea. I suggested CNN — Computerized Negotiation Networks — or CNN-GDM, for those who want to upgrade and include the "Group Decision-Making" component. My thinking was that thanks to the TV cable news channel of the same name, CNN rolls off the tongue and has instant recognition. John wasn't so sure and rejected it, with visions of lawsuits no doubt dancing in his head.
I then came back with a couple of whimsical entries: P.E.A.C.E. (Parties Empowered by Automated, Computerized Engagement) and NO-THREAT (Negotiating Outcomes That Help Resolve Enterprise Attacks through Technology). Needless to say, they didn't fly, either.
Over the course of a month or so as the article took shape, John and I had a lot of fun exchanging e-mails, including one in which he sent the following joke that he hoped to work into the article since it illustrated, in his words, "a very early negotiation":
God: "I've got just the right companion for you. Beautiful, interesting to talk to, will do whatever you ask and will take excellent care of you."
Adam: (Who had already learned by then to be careful when God came bearing gifts.) "Sounds really great. But what will it cost me?"
God: "An arm and a leg."
Adam: "What could I get for a spare rib?"
Alas, due to length constraints, the joke didn't make it into the final draft, so I stole it for my column. Editors always get the last word . . . and the last laugh.
OR/MS Today copyright © 2006 by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. All rights reserved.
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