Title: Prediction markets: an information aggregation perspective to the forecasting problem

Authors: Georgios Tziralis, Ilias Tatsiopoulos

Addresses: Sector of Industrial Management and Operational Research, Mechanical Engineering School, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Street, 15780 Athens, Greece. ' Sector of Industrial Management and Operational Research, Mechanical Engineering School, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Street, 15780 Athens, Greece

Abstract: Lately, traditional forecasting methods have been depicted as inferior to newer ones which are attempting to simulate the human decision making process. However, this goal might even be impossible to achieve. This paper introduces an inverse approach to the forecasting problem. The typical process of attempting to subtractively model the expert|s knowledge and cognitive function and then perform the forecast is replaced by the dynamic extraction of pure experts| forecasts and the subsequent summing up of the information. The design and benefits of a business game that serves as an information aggregation tool producing valuable predictors is hereby supported.

Keywords: prediction markets; forecasting; information aggregation; business gaming; expert knowledge; simulation; knowledge management.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2007.014044

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2007 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.251 - 259

Published online: 13 Jun 2007 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article