Re: Reply on Inspiration

[Bob Gorman <bgorman@xxxx>]

At 11:58 AM 8/31/2001, Steve Murray wrote:
> Gary
>
> I have been using Inspiration for about seven years to help with my
> 'personal' brainstorming (if that is possible??). It has been helpful in
> capturing my thoughts on 'how things work'( part of Soft System Methodology
> by Peter Checkland), what are the relationships between my 'mental models'
> and what categories are best to use in describing my 'worldview' to others.
> I have used it extensively to prepare models for a decision making software
> called 'Expert Choice'. I am using a version that is five years old; it may
> not have all the latest features.
>
> Steve Murray

Steve,
Yes, the combination of a mind mapping tool like Inspiration + Expert 
Choice is a powerful combination.

The mindmapping tool is one way to elicit one's ideas, attitudes, & values 
from below the conscious/unconscious threshold up to conscious visibility 
where one can evaluate them & make choices about them. I consider decision 
making the primary skill we need to teach children (of all ages) if we are 
to empower them to make their own choices in life & not be manipulated by 
others.

Expert choice is, in my opinion, the best decision making methodology 
available. I too have been using it for many years, and still use Expert 
Choice Trial Version 8.01. I have seen some of the windows beta'a but 
prefer the DOS version, since I'm more familiar with it.

I have read several books in the Analytic Hierarchy Process series. Thomas 
Saaty has really done his homework putting a solid mathematical basis for 
combining quantitative or numerical and qualitative or emotional/personal 
aspects of decision making into one solid package.

If we could teach both children, the next generation, & current decision 
makers this wholistic approach, we could anticipate a much better world to 
live in!

I translated the basic model into VB, and I'm now moving it to Logo so I 
can integrate it more smoothly with Mindmapping output, Kelly's repertory 
grid technology & System dynamics.
Thanks to Daniel Ajoy's work with the Eigenvectors this will go more quickly.

Since Logo focuses on active learning, it is the most fertile ground for 
integrating these powerful technologies and making them accessible to young 
learners.

Bob

P.S.
Saaty's Vol. I-IV are sometimes challenging reading, but Vol. II,
"Decision Making for Leaders", is very readable.
AND
for those wishing to sample the waters before diving in,
the first chapter, which covers the basic ideas & rational for combining 
reason & passion is freely downloadable from their website:
http://www.expertchoice.com/books/dml/



Knowledge is NOT enough!
Knowledge + Confidence enables Action.
Vision + Action = Leadership!
- Bob Gorman
http://www.kncell.org