INTEGRAAL Step 3

Step THREE — Identify and mobilise information and tools for system representation (e.g., maps, models of processes and systems).

These information and tools can help to ‘ground’ the deliberations in a robust knowledge base and, more particularly, this will assist in populating catalogues of indicators representing the stakeholders’ reference points when working to evaluate situations and scenarios. 

This step leads to the definition of indicators, which are units of information obeying to certain structural qualities.

1. Make an inventory of available tools and date to represent the system

 

No particular method is advised at this stage, but a classification of tools may be useful. O'Connor (2006) mentions "analytical and representation tools, with their underlying conceptual frameworks, for visualising the situation under discussion, from the point of view of a governance of its evolution". These tools can be dignosis, studies, maps, schemes, mathematical models.  

 

2. Conduct necessary studies and diagnostics for the representation of the system situation to evaluate 

The output will be various types of documents: diagnosis, studies, maps, etc.

 

3. Build a database of indicators relevant for the social choice problem

Build an inventory of available indicators, to build a database of candidate indicators.