New Agora SDP Process Analysis

The first four steps in the SDP process are vital to figuring out what the problem is.  In the case of the inventory cycle count application, the situation is complex, which would make it an ideal candidate for the SDP process.

Asking questions helps to deconstruct the many facets of a complex situation. This methodology is similar to the methodology used to develop software applications where the first step is to talk to each user and get their input on the problem areas they have.

The third step is to articulate observations, which is an important step that I think many individuals fail to take into account. I feel the primary reason this is overlooked is because it is time-consuming to make observations and put them down on paper. It's much easier to look at the problems that we think are there and make solutions for those. By observing the problem areas in action, we often catch many things that were overlooked in the initial phase of questioning.

The SDP process supports planning for innovation and change by figuring out what is missing and making a plan on how to make a solution for that missing piece.

References

Schreibman, Vigdor, Christakis, Alexander.  New Agora: New Geometry of Languaging and New Technology of Democracy.  Retrieved 7/7/2012 from http://www.harnessingcollectivewisdom.com/pdf/newagora.pdf.