Corporate Planning Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) is one of the tools of Interactive Management (IM). IM tools assist groups in dealing with complex issues. These tools promotes the integration of contributions from individuals with diverse views, backgrounds, and perspectives through a process that is structured, inclusive, and collaborative. A group of participants who are knowledgeable of the situation are engaged in (a) collectively developing a deep understanding of the current state of affairs, (b) establishing a clear basis for thinking about the future, and (c) producing a framework for effective action. The IM system promotes communication, consensus, and commitment from participants involved. ISM is a computer-assisted method that helps a group identify the relationships among ideas and impose a structure on the complexity of the issue. The ISM software utilizes mathematical algorithms that minimize the number of queries necessary for exploring relationships among a set of ideas (see Warfield, 1976). ISM can be used to develop several types of structure, including influence structures (e.g., "supports," or "aggravates"), priority structures (e.g., "is more important than," or "should be learned before") and categorisations of ideas (e.g., "belongs in the same category with"). An Illustration of ISM Technology Planning for the College of Education, Ohio State University: The College's Objectives Click here for the Structural Model of the above objectives |