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Article
Market-based Task Allocation for Dynamic Information Processing Environments
International Conference on Integration of Knowledge Intensive Multi-Agent Systems : KIMAS '03 : September 30-October 4, 2003, Cambridge, MA
  • Michael P. WELLMAN, University of Michigan
  • Shih-Fen CHENG, Singapore Management University
Publication Type
Conference Proceeding Article
Publication Date
10-2003
Abstract

Flexible and large-scale information processing across enterprises entails dynamic and decentralized control of workflow through adaptive allocation of knowledge and processing resources. Markets comprise a well-understood class of mechanisms for decentralized resource allocation, where agents interacting through a price system direct resources toward their most valued uses as indicated by these prices. The information-processing domain presents several challenges for market-based approaches, including (1) representing knowledge-intensive tasks and capabilities, (2) propagating price signals across multiple levels of information processing, (3) handling dynamic task arrival and changing priorities, and (4) accommodating the increasing-returns and public-good characteristics of information products. A market gaming environment provides a methodology for testing alternative market structures and agent strategies, and evaluating proposed solutions in a realistic decentralized manner.

Keywords
  • decentralized resource allocation,
  • dynamic processing environments,
  • information products,
  • knowledge-intensive tasks,
  • large-scale information processing,
  • market gaming environment,
  • market-based task allocation,
  • price signals propagation
ISBN
9780780379589
Identifier
10.1109/KIMAS.2003.1245031
Publisher
IEEE
City or Country
Piscataway, NJ
Additional URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/KIMAS.2003.1245031
Citation Information
Michael P. WELLMAN and Shih-Fen CHENG. "Market-based Task Allocation for Dynamic Information Processing Environments" International Conference on Integration of Knowledge Intensive Multi-Agent Systems : KIMAS '03 : September 30-October 4, 2003, Cambridge, MA (2003) p. 109 - 114
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sfcheng/36/