Background

In view of the fact that a key factor in the developing, dynamic environment prevailing in Palestine is the human resource, the PASSIA Training Programs seek to empower Palestinian practitioners and professionals to deal more effectively with the tasks ahead. The course on Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills will enable the participants to understand the nature, characteristics and stages of conflict and use styles of conflict management, with a focus on in work-related situations.

Application Requirements

The training program is designed for participants whose work requirements include organizational development, problem solving, responsibility for negotiating, and other supervisory tasks and who wish to enhance their skills. Normally, the applicant holds a BA degree or its equivalent. Non-graduates with a relevant experience are also welcome to apply. Applicants must be able to commit themselves full-time throughout the required period and to undertake preparatory reading and written work. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

Program Structure and Content

The training program on Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills will incorporate theoretical approaches and practical training in relevant fields and concepts and is structured as follows:

Preparation. Prior to the seminar the selected participants will be provided with a reading package, which will enable them to become familiar with the course material. Each participant will be required to write a brief paper on a subject related to the seminar. The presentation of this paper will be an integral part of the program.

Intensive Seminar. During the five-day intensive seminar a fundamental background on the key issues, concepts and practice of effective communications and media relations will be established, whereby participants will be asked to relate their training to actual issues and experiences at the institutions with which they are involved.

Seminar Topics include:

• Concepts and Methods of Conflict Resolution.
• Negotiation Strategies and Techniques
• Mediation Skills and Styles
• Building Consensus
• Management of conflicts/counseling in the workplace
• Case Studies, simulations and practical exercises

Conclusion. At the close of the training program, certificates will be awarded by PASSIA to participants who successfully complete the program.

Procedure

Completed application forms must be submitted to PASSIA by Thursday, 21 July 2005. PASSIA will then invite short-listed applicants to interviews. Applicants will be notified of the results and, upon selection, participants will have to confirm their commitment to full-time participation in writing as well as submit a letter from their employers confirming that they will be exempted from work during the required period.

The PASSIA Training Program will take place from 20-24 August 2005 at the Best Eastern Hotel in Ramallah. All candidates must commit themselves to participate fully during the entire period.

No fees for undertaking the seminar are required from the participants.

Aug. 20, 2005

9:15 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Welcoming Address / Opening Remarks

Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem

10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Introduction

Riad Tibi, Organizational Consultant, Taibeh

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Interpersonal Skills

Riad Tibi

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Barriers in Effective Communication

Riad Tibi

Aug. 21, 2005

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Clarification and Definition of Conflict, Problems, Tension & Crisis

Riad Tibi

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Coping with Disagreement

Riad Tibi

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Problem-Solving Skills

Riad Tibi

Aug. 22, 2005

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Potentials of Conflict – interpersonal, organizational & social

Riad Tibi

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Methods of Conflict Resolution

Riad Tibi

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Managing Interpersonal Conflict According to the Theory of Constraints

Riad Tibi

Aug. 23, 2005

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Negotiation Skills I

Michael Tarazi, Legal Advisor to the PA Ministry of Jerusalem Affairs

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Negotiation Skills II

Michael Tarazi

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Negotiation Skills III

Michael Tarazi

Aug. 24, 2005

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Business Negotiations – Case Studies

Dr. Zahi Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors, National Beverage Company Coca-Cola

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Alternative Dispute Resolution: Arbitration & Mediation Case Studies

Yousef Abu Sway, El Concorde (Hamed Jabr & Partners), Ramallah

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Final Discussion and Wrap-up