Title: Agent-based decision-making support in virtual enterprise systems

Authors: Mukaila Rahman, Harison Longe, Olaide Abass, Safiriyu Elegbede

Addresses: Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Unilag Main Campus, University Road, Akoka, Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria. ' Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Unilag Main Campus, University Road, Akoka, Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria. ' Department of Computer Sciences, University of Lagos, Unilag Main Campus, University Road, Akoka, Lagos Mainland, Lagos, Nigeria. ' Department of Management Science, University of Strathclyde, George Street, Glasgow G1 1QE; CARRD, 19 Brunswick St., Leicester LE1 2LP, UK

Abstract: In this paper, we propose a multi-agent system framework for a virtual enterprise (VE) involved in the manufacturing of products and capture the logic of the production planning with a decision tree based on the requirement specification. This is subsequently transformed to a declarative programming language for system|s instantiation. The model illustrates how the existing decision support systems (DSS) in the enterprise systems is enhanced and make more efficient by agent technology using product manufacturing management as a case study. This model takes advantage of core agent|s features, including autonomous and flexible properties in enhancing the supply chain system, thus making it proactive and responsive to better compete and efficiently collaborate in creating customer-centred products.

Keywords: virtual enterprises; multi-agent systems; MAS; agent-based systems; supply chain management; SCM; production planning; decision trees; requirement specifications; declarative programming languages; system instantiation; decision support systems; core features; autonomous properties; flexible properties; proactive systems; responsiveness; competiveness; collaboration; customer-centred products; manufacturing industry; strategic decision making; decision aids; decision models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2010.033645

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2010 Vol.11 No.1, pp.89 - 103

Published online: 09 Jun 2010 *

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