An introduction to the application of interpretive structural modeling

Interpretive structural modeling is an emerging methodology which appears to be very useful as an aid to individuals and small groups in developing an understanding of complex situations. This paper presents an introduction to the fundamental concepts and operations of the methodology and reports on the results of two exercises conducted with a group of graduate students who had minimal mathematical training. The first exercise involved the structuring of personal values and was intended to acquaint the individuals with the methodology. The second was a group exercise focusing on barriers to investment in the central city, a subject of substantive interest to the participants. The results of the exercises demonstrate the utility of the methodology for capturing and communicating individual and group perceptions regarding complex issues.