Negotiation planning: An AI approach

https://doi.org/10.1016/0377-2217(90)90133-VGet rights and content

Abstract

This paper develops a general approach for structuring and modeling negotiations, based on integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques with decision theoretic methods. Reasoning from past cases similar to the current negotiation, case-based reasoning, is combined with multi-attribute utility theory. The model also includes reasoning to accomodate departures from rationality in the behavior of the agents, and mechanisms to support dynamic problem restructuring. The model has been implemented in a computer program, the Persuader, that functions as a mediator in simulated labor negotiations. The main emphasis of the paper is in presenting the case-based reasoning aspect of the model.

References (31)

  • G.E. Kersten

    NEGO — group decision support system

    Information and Management

    (1985)
  • G.E. Kersten et al.

    Generalized approach to modelling negotiations

    European Journal of Operational Research

    (1986)
  • W.M. Bain

    Case-based reasoning: A computer model of subjective assessment

  • J.G. Carbonell

    Derivational analogy: A theory of reconstructive problem solving and expertise acquisition

  • F. Elkouri et al.

    How Arbitration Works

    (1972)
  • F. Fogelman-Soulie et al.

    Bivariate negotiations as a problem of stochastic terminal control

    Management Science

    (1983)
  • N.M. Frazer et al.

    Conflict Analysis, Models and Resolutions

    (1984)
  • C. Goeltner

    The computer as a third party

  • K.J. Hammond

    CHEF: A model of case-based planning

  • E. Herman et al.

    Collective Bargaining and Labor Relations

    (1981)
  • M. Jarke et al.

    MEDIATOR: Towards a negotiation support system

  • R.L. Keeney et al.

    Decisions with Multiple Objectives

    (1976)
  • J.L. Kolodner

    Retrieval and Organizational Strategies in Conceptual Memory: A Computer Model

    (1984)
  • J.L. Kolodner et al.

    A process model of case-based reasoning in problem solving

  • S. Matwin et al.

    Logic-based tools for negotiation support

  • Cited by (83)

    • Integrative negotiation model to support water resources management

      2017, Journal of Cleaner Production
      Citation Excerpt :

      However, there are Negotiation Support Systems that can assist the DMs to overcome these difficulties in multi-attribute negotiations. These include those put forward by Fatima et al. (2004); Sycara (1990, 1991). Having concluded the negotiation, the main responsibilities and actions that the representatives must meet and fulfil are set out in a written agreement.

    • Systematic resolution of conflict situations in collaborative facility design

      2008, International Journal of Production Economics
      Citation Excerpt :

      The task of the third-party negotiator is to assist the conflicting entities in the conflict resolution process. In computer-supported conflict resolution, third-party intervention can be implemented using heuristics, knowledge-based interactions, multi-agent systems, or case-base reasoning (Sycara, 1990). Mcr(3): Incorporation of additional parties.

    • An intelligent agent negotiation strategy in the electronic marketplace environment

      2008, European Journal of Operational Research
      Citation Excerpt :

      In the context of cooperative game theory (Heiskanen et al., 2001; Heiskanen, 1999; Kalai, 1977; Ponsati and Watson, 1997; Myerson, 1981; Ehtamo et al., 2001; Peters, 1986; Raith, 2000), researchers have laid focus on the design of methods that lead to Pareto-optimal solutions by assuming that agents cooperate and can solve multi-criteria-decision-making problems. Several AI research groups have studied multi-issue negotiations carried out by autonomous agents (Faratin et al., 1998; Kraus and Lehmann, 1995; Fatima et al., 2002, 2004; Luo et al., 2003; Li and Tesauro, 2003; Sycara, 1989, 1990). Usually they aim at designing automated multi-issue negotiation models and tractable negotiation strategies, while they often utilise heuristic or learning methods in this respect.

    • Agent Reasoning in AI-Powered Negotiation

      2021, Handbook of Group Decision and Negotiation: Second Edition
    View all citing articles on Scopus

    This research was funded in part by the Army Research Office under Contract No. DAAG 29-85-K-00230.

    View full text