Med-Database: A design framework of construction mediation case database system

Case study is often regarded as an invaluable tool for the study of Dispute Resolution. This is particularly so in conducting legal research for which decided cases are the main source of information. Researchers can now easily retrieve cases through some wellimplemented electronic databases such as Westlaw.com and LexisNexis. However, the use of database, at the moment, is limited to reported litigation cases. With the increasing use of mediation in construction, a database for mediation cases, called Meddatabase, is proposed to provide a useful reference source for practicing mediators, mediator trainees and students. With tile consent of mediating parties, the mediated cases information can be stored in the database (Med-database), where data can be retrieved without disclosing the identities of the parties in dispute. This paper describes a conceptual model for the development of the Med-database. The model suggests using templates to collect and disseminate mediation cases. In essence, each template contains three main elements: Data Management; Model Management; and User Interface. Data_ Management deals with the data-entry of mediation cases. Model management concerns the partitioning of the collected data, and the user interface enables pro~tive interactions between end-users and the database.