Agent-based framework for group decision-making

What is it about?

In this study, in order to generate a better level of understanding regarding the spatial problem group decision-making process, a conceptual multi-agent-based framework is used that represents and specifies all the necessary concepts and entities needed to aid group decision-making, based on a simulation of the group decision-making process as well as the relationships that exist among the different concepts involved. The study uses five main influencing entities as concepts in the simulation process: spatial influence, individual-level influence, group-level influence, negotiation influence and group performance measures.

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Why is it important?

This study differs from previous research in two ways. First, although previous researchers have shed light on certain aspects of the stakeholder’s role in land use planning using MAS, the current study adds to these by proposing a more generic way of simulating spatial group decision-making process (SGDMPs). That is, it does not restrict itself to a specific application domain, instead suggesting the use of a generalized and methodological framework which addresses the issues involved in simulating SGDMPs when using MAS. In other words, the proposed framework acts as a guideline for designers and developers, to help them address possible issues that may arise when simulating SGDMPs using MAS. Second, the proposed framework also provides a way of systematically addressing SGDMP-related issues in a descriptive rather than explanatory manner. It represents, specifies and describes all the necessary concepts and entities needed to develop a multi-agent-based SGDMP simulation, as well as the relationships that exist between those concepts. It determines five main influences on the simulation process: spatial influence, individual-level influence, group-level influence, negotiation influence and performance measures.