By Robert E. Horn (Stanford University and MacroVU, Inc.) and Robert Weber (Strategy Kinetics, LLC)
This is another in a series of "blogicles" on how Mess Mapping™ and Resolution Scenario Mapping processes can be used to represent, analyze, evaluate Wicked Problems and then to choose actions that ameliorate the Wicked Problem at hand.
Events are specific observable occurrences that could happen. For each Event, some actor or actors, such as a nation, NGO, a company, or a foundation, must be able to influence the outcome, at least in principle. Events are printed on cards with a headline, a date, and a brief description elaborating the headline. The + or – after each date in the Events indicates that the year is approximate (plus or minus 1 year in a majority of projects).
Events typically reflect underlying drivers and forces in a given domain. Although hypothetical, one has to be able to tell if the Event has happened or not. Specificity and quantification are helpful in this regard.
An Event “deck” can incorporate the broadest range of issues and interests. The specifics depend on the specific Wicked Problem. In a project that focuses on the global climate change, Events might address subject matter categories such as the actions of federal agencies, relevant markets, regional or national economies, political, social, & cultural factors, technological innovations, international trade, treaties, and alliances, and the role and behavior of NGOs.
Notes:
This series of blogicles has been jointly authored; our names appear in alphabetical order.
Mess Mapping and Mess Map are trademarks of MacroVU, Inc.
Resolution Mapping is a trademark of Strategy Kinetics, LLC.
