For projects like those described above, the analytical process is not a solitary process. These projects involve many people in different organizations or organizational units. One person may lead an effort, or might collect, organize, and present information, but groups of people will inevitably become involved and group processes will be needed.

Government information technology projects can involve dozens of people. Individuals with vastly different work styles, backgrounds, and talents are often brought together, asked to form a cohesive group, and charged with solving a problem. Often people from different organizations need to work together to plan and implement a project. But their individual differences, and group dynamics, can make it difficult for the group to reach its goals. Consensus-building tools and skilled group facilitation can be very helpful in guiding a group through the steps necessary to make effective decisions.

Consensus-finding and -building tools are often needed to help a group resolve different views and conflicting objectives or interests. Groups also frequently need to be introduced to models for collaboration, especially if they've never worked together before. Effective teamwork may also involve difficult trade-offs and other choices, so some decision-making tools and techniques can be useful. Group processes take skill and time to work effectively, but they result in well-documented and well-understood decisions that can then guide the work group to a successful outcome. Tools and techniques for all of these topics are described in Part Two.