Title: A knowledge hierarchy model for adaptive multi-agent systems

Authors: Liang Xiao, Des Greer

Addresses: School of Computer Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK. ' School of Computer Science, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK

Abstract: Adaptivity in software is important since business processes, business rules and business terms constantly evolve. A radical solution is described that makes use of the inherent adaptivity of software agents. The Adaptive Agent Model (AAM) represents business knowledge in a hierarchical structure consisting of a business concepts layer, a business rules layer, and a business processes layer. Collectively, these form a knowledge base sourced from the business requirements, that is available to running agents. Such externalised knowledge is easily maintained. Using a case study, the knowledge hierarchy is described and its contribution to the goal of software adaptivity assessed.

Keywords: software adaptivity; software agents; agent-oriented software engineering; business rules; business processes; object-oriented; OO; software engineering; requirements modelling; knowledge engineering; KE; knowledge hierarchy models; adaptive MAS; multi-agent systems; agent-based systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2008.017715

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 2008 Vol.31 No.1/2, pp.3 - 16

Published online: 27 Mar 2008 *

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