If any one person disagrees with all proposed solutions, the litigation or arbitration alternatives remain available. Mediation tries to reach a win-win result for everyone. A winner is declared. In terms of result, arbitration does not seek a win-win resolution. Most arbitration is conducted by one person, although in appropriate circumstances, a three judge panel will make decisions.
Some contracts require that each party select one arbitrator.
Each biased arbitrator then picks a third, neutral arbitrator to make up a 3 judge panel. There are several forums for both mediation and arbitration. Each has its own problems and advantages. AAA has sample rules for cases, which rules may be altered by agreement of the parties. AAA has several sets of rules, depending on the nature and amount of the case.