Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution - Capstone Project from Coursera

This course has been designed to help you apply knowledge, skills, and know-how you have developed in negotiation and in mediation, both as a result of your own practice and the follow up of the previous Courses of the ESSEC “Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution” specialization.

Before you enroll this course, we strongly recommend that you acquire the necessary pre-requisites. A number of tools, concepts, and methods are outlined in 3 MOOCS: Negotiation Fundamentals, Cross-cultural Negotiations, and Mediation & Conflict Resolution.

To be more specific, the following subjects must be mastered:

- Get prepared for any negotiation;

- Avoid traps;

- Know how to prompt value-creating partnerships;

- Structure an effective negotiation sequence;

- Bargain in an efficient and respectful manner;

- Overcome deadlocks;

- Manager cultural differences in a negotiation;

- Define what a mediation is and choose when to use it;

- List different types of mediation;

- Identify typical challenges and difficulties that most mediators face;

- Choose the adequate strategies within a repertoire of options;

- Identify the do’s and don’ts in mediation.

The purpose of this course is to help you to put everything together, sharpen your skills and enhance your command of negotiation techniques and behaviors.

We’ve designed this MOOC in a highly interactive way. You will be engaged in a negotiation with peers. You will demonstrate your improved capacity to analyze, and therefore conduct, negotiations and mediation.

This capstone project will comprise three exercises. Here is an overview.

In the first exercise, you will analyse a real-life negotiation of your own choice. As an expert of negotiation dynamics, you will provide your reader with a detailed analysis of this real negotiation. Indeed as a professional, your task might not always be to conduct a negotiation - but to analyse what is going on in a given negotiation, or to help others (your boss, for instance) get ready for a high-stake negotiation. Guidelines will be provided in a separate document, to help you structure your assignment.

For the second exercise, you will negotiate directly with a peer. We’ve prepared a business case inspired from a true story.

The third exercise is linked to the previous one. Imagine that this negotiation is not successful, and that the relationship between the two negotiators becomes too tense. You will be asked to step into the shoes of a mediator - and to structure a mediation process.

Each of these three exercises will be peer-evaluated.

As a result, it is really worth your engagement! Go ahead, engage fully into the exercises - you will have fun, and you will make further progress for real-life negotiation, mediation, and conflict management.

What's inside

Syllabus

Capstone project overview

This module aims to give you an overview of this MOOC and to present the following elements: the overall planning of the MOOC, the work you have to do, how you will be evaluated. At the end of the week, you will realize your first assessment: explain a negotiation.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines negotiation dynamics and thus prepares learners to analyze what is going on in a given negotiation or help others get ready for a high-stake negotiation

Develops skills for negotiation, mediation, and conflict management

Led by instructors Aurélien Colson who are recognized for their work in negotiation

Taught by ESSEC, which is recognized for their work in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution

Provides hands-on experience in negotiation and mediation, through peer-evaluated exercises and simulations

Requires that learners have acquired necessary pre-requisites in negotiation and mediation

Reviews summary

Practical application of conflict resolution skills

According to learners, this course serves as a valuable capstone project, allowing them to apply the concepts and skills learned throughout the specialization. Many found the practical exercises, particularly the negotiation simulation and mediation role-play, to be highly effective for skill development and understanding real-world scenarios. However, a recurring warning is the peer evaluation process, which some students found to be inconsistent or unfair, impacting their experience and grades. Success in the course exercises heavily depends on active and engaged participation from peers. Overall, it's seen as a solid way to integrate previous learning, despite the challenges with peer assessment.

Success depends on peer engagement.

"The effectiveness of the negotiation and mediation exercises is highly dependent on having engaged and prepared peers."

"Some peers were unresponsive, making it difficult to complete the timed negotiation assignment."

"My learning was impacted when peers provided minimal effort in the exercises or reviews."

Analyzing real negotiation provides insight.

"Analyzing a real-life negotiation through the course framework provided a deep understanding of negotiation dynamics."

"The first assignment forced me to look at negotiations I've been involved in with an expert's eye."

"Applying the analytical tools to a personal or observed negotiation was a valuable exercise."

Effectively ties together previous courses.

"This capstone project did a great job of bringing together all the concepts from the preceding negotiation and mediation courses."

"It was satisfying to use the 3 Dimensions and 10-point model from the first MOOC in the analysis assignment."

"The course successfully allowed me to apply the different strategies and techniques learned throughout the specialization."

Provides valuable real-world exercises.

"The exercises, especially the negotiation and mediation simulations, were incredibly practical and helped solidify my understanding."

"I found the negotiation role-play with a peer to be the most beneficial part of the course. Applying theory felt real."

"Stepping into the mediator's shoes for the final exercise was a great way to practice structuring the process."

Evaluation quality varies significantly by peer.

"Peer review was a major drawback... grading seemed arbitrary at times with little constructive feedback provided."

"My experience with peer assessments was frustrating; some reviewers clearly didn't understand the assignment or graded unfairly."

"The dependency on peers submitting reviews on time and providing quality feedback made the process unreliable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution - Capstone Project with these activities:

Read 'Getting Past No'

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Expand your negotiation skills by exploring strategies for handling difficult people.

View Getting Past No on Amazon

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Read the book and identify key principles
Apply the principles to your own negotiation experiences

Review Key Negotiation Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of key negotiation concepts to strengthen your foundation.

Browse courses on Negotiation

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Review the 10-point model of negotiation
Identify the three dimensions of negotiation: People, Problem, Process

Analyze a Real-Life Negotiation

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Sharpen your analytical skills by examining a real-life negotiation and identifying key elements.

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Identify a suitable negotiation case study
Analyze the negotiation using the 3 dimensions and 10-point model
Present your analysis and engage in peer discussion

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Follow Online Negotiation Courses

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Supplement your learning with additional resources that provide structured guidance on negotiation techniques.

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Identify and enroll in online negotiation courses
Complete the modules and assignments
Apply the knowledge gained to your own negotiation scenarios

Role-Play a Negotiation Scenario

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Put your negotiation skills into practice through realistic role-playing scenarios.

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Prepare for the negotiation by researching the topic and identifying your interests
Assign roles and negotiate with your partner
Reflect on your negotiation strategies and outcomes

Create a Negotiation Plan

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Solidify your understanding by developing a comprehensive plan for an upcoming negotiation.

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Define your objectives and interests
Research the other party and the negotiation context
Develop a negotiation strategy and tactics
Prepare potential concessions and alternatives

Attend a Negotiation Workshop

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Enhance your negotiation abilities through expert-led instruction and hands-on practice.

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Identify and register for a relevant negotiation workshop
Engage actively in the workshop activities and discussions
Implement the strategies and techniques learned

Mentor Junior Negotiators

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Strengthen your own understanding while supporting the development of others.

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior negotiators
Provide guidance and support on negotiation skills and strategies
Reflect on your own negotiation experiences and share insights

Career center

Learners who complete Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution - Capstone Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Negotiations Counsel

Negotiations Counsels are responsible for strategizing, advising on, and managing negotiations. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course covers all important aspects of this negotiation process. The outcome of a successful negotiation can have a make-or-break impact on corporations and organizations. Developing a strong foundation in these techniques is crucial for success in this field. This course can equip professionals with analytical tools and frameworks they can leverage to optimize their negotiation strategies and help them achieve more favorable outcomes for their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Negotiations Counsel

Human Resources (HR) Manager

Human Resources Managers resolve conflicts and facilitate positive working relationships between employees. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course provides the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in this field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, and mediation and conflict resolution. This course can give HR Managers the tools they need to effectively manage conflict and create a more harmonious and productive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources (HR) Manager

Mediator

Mediators help disputing parties reach mutually agreeable resolutions. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can help mediators improve their skills through comprehensive training in mediation and conflict resolution techniques. Understanding negotiation dynamics and mastering conflict resolution processes are fundamental to a successful career in mediation. This course not only helps build this foundation, but also provides opportunities to practice these skills through interactive exercises.

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Diplomat

Diplomats represent their governments in international relations and negotiations. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can be a valuable asset for those aspiring to become diplomats. Through this course, learners can develop a deep understanding of negotiation strategies, cultural differences in negotiation, and conflict resolution techniques. These skills are essential for diplomats who need to navigate complex international negotiations and maintain positive diplomatic relationships.

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Lawyer

Lawyers negotiate settlements, contracts, and other legal agreements on behalf of their clients. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide lawyers with the negotiation skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help lawyers become more effective negotiators and better advocates for their clients.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers negotiate contracts, partnerships, and other business deals. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide business development managers with the skills they need to succeed in their field. This course covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. It can help business development managers build a strong foundation in negotiation and become more effective in their roles.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers negotiate contracts, prices, and other terms of sale with customers. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide sales managers with the negotiation skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help sales managers close more deals and increase their sales revenue.

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Project Manager

Project Managers negotiate contracts, budgets, and other project details with stakeholders. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide project managers with the negotiation skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help project managers build strong relationships with stakeholders and ensure the successful completion of their projects.

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Consultant

Consultants negotiate contracts, fees, and other terms of service with clients. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide consultants with the negotiation skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help consultants win more clients and increase their consulting revenue.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs negotiate with investors, customers, and other stakeholders to secure funding, partnerships, and other resources for their businesses. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed in their field. This course covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. It can help entrepreneurs build strong relationships with stakeholders and raise the capital and resources they need to grow their businesses.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers negotiate with government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to improve the lives of their communities. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide community organizers with the skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help community organizers build strong relationships with stakeholders and advocate effectively for their communities.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers negotiate with donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to secure funding and support for their organizations. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide nonprofit managers with the skills they need to succeed in their field. This course covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. It can help nonprofit managers build strong relationships with stakeholders and raise the funds they need to achieve their missions.

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Social Worker

Social Workers negotiate with clients, families, and other professionals to provide the best possible care and support. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide social workers with the skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help social workers build strong relationships with clients and families, and advocate effectively for their needs.

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Teacher

Teachers negotiate with students, parents, and other stakeholders to create a positive and productive learning environment. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide teachers with the skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help teachers build strong relationships with students and parents, and create a more effective and engaging learning environment.

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Journalist

Journalists negotiate with sources, editors, and other stakeholders to gather information and produce accurate and compelling stories. The Negotiation, Mediation, and Conflict Resolution course can provide journalists with the skills they need to succeed in their field. It covers negotiation fundamentals, cross-cultural negotiations, mediation, conflict resolution, and more. This course can help journalists build strong relationships with sources and editors, and produce high-quality journalism that informs and engages the public.

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