1. Determine two steps a negotiator can take to avoid having to use mediation or arbitration during the negotiation. Explain two negotiation methods that you would rather use in order to resolve a negotiation conflict.

2. Determine the level of importance in using a trade off tactic during  a negotiation where a U.S. government contracting officer asks for a  concession. Suggest two potential benefits to closing a negotiation  when a negotiator uses a trade-off tactic in the negotiation session.  Provide specific examples to support your rationale.

3. Propose at least two  reasons why a mediator should maintain a position of being neutral third party within the mediation process of a conflict resolution. Suggest specific attributes of President Carter's personality that enabled him to appear as a neutral party during the conflict between Egypt and Israel.

4. Imagine that, as a negotiator for your company, you have started a mediation session with the U.S. government over a disputed project. Debate whether it is more important for you to focus on the differences between both sides of the dispute or on the mutual interests of both parties and provide two  examples to support your rationale.