Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An Agent-Based Negotiation Platform for Collaborative Decision-Making in Construction Supply Chain

  • Chapter
Knowledge Processing and Decision Making in Agent-Based Systems

Part of the book series: Studies in Computational Intelligence ((SCI,volume 170))

Abstract

Negotiation is an effective and popular decision-making and coordination behavior in inter-organization systems, especially in construction supply chain (CSC) which is characterized by fragmentation, low efficiency and multiple partners. This chapter defines the concepts of CSC and CSC management, especially regarding CSC management as the coordination of inter-organization decision-making in CSC and the integration of key construction business processes and key members involved in CSC. Much research and practice indicates that there are still many problems in construction, most of which are supply chain problems. The research analyses the problems in CSC. In order to resolve these problems and improve the performance of construction, this research proposes a multi-agent based negotiation platform for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of collaborative decision-making in CSC by adopting agent technology and regarding CSC as a typical multi-agent system. The general structure of the agent-based negotiation platform (ANeP) is designed, which includes two kinds of agent group: specialty agents and service agents. Since different members in CSC have different preferences on the decision attributes (such as cost, time, quality, safety and environment), a multi-attribute negotiation model is established by designing a negotiation protocol and describing the negotiation process. Considering the negotiation failure or man-made termination of negotiation for increasing the efficiency of negotiation, this research presents a relative entropy method for improving agent-based multi-attribute negotiation efficiency (REAMNE) in ANeP. This method aggregates the preference information of negotiators in CSC twice. Firstly, compromise group preference order is ascertained by using preference information and compromise preference information. Secondly, group preferences are aggregated by using a relative entropy model, which is established based on entropy theory whilst, meanwhile, considering the multiple attributes in CSC negotiation. The prototype of ANeP is developed based on the ZEUS agent development toolkit. The trial run reveals the feasibility of implementing ANeP for improving collaborative working in CSC.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Love, P.E.D., Irani, Z., Edwards, D.F.: A Seamless Supply Chain Model for Construction. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal 9(1), 43–56 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Vrijhoef, R., Koskela, L., Voordijk, H.: Understanding Construction Supply Chains: A Multiple Theoretical Approach to Inter-organizational Relationships in Construction. In: Proceedings of International Group of Lean Construction 11th Annual Conference, Virginia, USA (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Briscoe, G.H., Dainty, A.R.J., Millett, S.J., Neale, R.H.: Client-led Strategies for Construction Supply Chain Improvement. Construction Management and Economics 2(2), 193–201 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Xue, X.L., Li, X.D., Shen, Q.P., Wang, Y.W.: An agent-based framework for supply chain coordination in construction. Automation in Construction 14(3), 413–430 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. London, K.A., Kenley, R.: An Industrial Organization Economic Supply Chain Approach for the Construction Industry: A Review. Construction Management and Economics 19, 777–788 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Arbulu, R.J., Tommelein, I.D.: Contributors to Lead Time in Construction Supply Chains: Case of Pipe Supports Used in Power Plants. In: Proceedings of Winter Simulation Conference: Exploring New Frontiers, pp. 1745–1751 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Frey, D., Stockheim, T., Woelk, P., Zimmermann, R.: Integrated Multi-agent-based Supply Chain Management. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth IEEE International Workshops on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Ren, Z., Anumba, C.J.: Multi-agent Systems in Construction-State of the Art and Prospects. Automation in Construction 13, 421–434 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Lou, P., Zhou, Z.D., Chen, Y.P., Wu, A.: Study on the Multi-agent-based Agile Supply Chain Management. International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology 23, 197–203 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Pena-Mora, F., Wang, C.Y.: Computer-supported Collaborative Negotiation Methodology. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering 12(2), 64–81 (1998)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Kim, K., Paulson, B.C.: An Agent-based Compensatory Negotiation Methodology to Facilitate Distributed Coordination of Project Schedule Changes. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering 17(1), 10–18 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Edum-Fotwe, F.T., Thorpe, A., McCaffer, R.: Organizational relationships within the construction supply-chain. Proceedings of a Joint CIB Triennial Symposium, Cape Town 1, 186–194 (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Vrijhoef, R., Koskela, L., Howell, G.: Understanding construction chains: an alternative interpretation. In: Proceedings of 9th Annual Conference International Group for Lean Construction, Singapore (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  14. O’Brien, W.J., London, K., Vrijhoef, R.: Construction supply chain modeling: a research review and interdisciplinary research agenda. In: Proceedings of 10th Annual Conference International Group for Lean Construction, Brazil (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Saad, M., Jones, M., James, P.: A review of the progess towards the adoption of supply chain management (SCM) relationships in construction. European Journal of Purchasing & Supply Management 8, 173–183 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Muya, M., Price, A.D.F., Thrope, A.: Contractors’ supplier management. In: Proceedings of a Joint CIB Triennial Symposium, Cape Town, vol. 2, pp. 632–640 (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Fisher, N., Morledge, R.: Supply chain management. Best Value in Construction. Blackwell Science Ltd., RICS Foundation (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Mohamed, S.: Web-based technology in support of construction supply chain networks. Work Study 52(1), 13–19 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Palaneeswaran, E., Kumaraswamy, M., Ng, S.T.: Formulating a framework for relationally integrated construction supply chains. Journal of Construction Research 4(2), 189–205 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Jonker, C.M., Treur, J.: An Agent Architecture for Multi-attribute Negotiation. In: Proceedings of the International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence, Washington, USA (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Barbuceanu, M., Lo, W.K.: A Multi-attribute Utility Theoretic Negotiation Architecture for Electronic Commerce. In: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Autonomous Agents (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Wei, Q.L., Yan, H., Ma, J., Fan, Z.: A compromise weight for multi-criteria group making with individual preference. Journal of Operational Research Society 51, 625–634 (2000)

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  23. Yan, H., Wei, Q.L.: Determining compromise weights for group decision-making. Journal of Operational Research Society 53, 680–687 (2002)

    Article  MATH  Google Scholar 

  24. Wei, Q.L., Yan, H.: Generalized optimization theory and model, pp. 310–320. Science and Technology Press, Beijing (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Chiclana, F., Herrera, F., Herrera, V.E., Potatos, M.C.: A classification method of alternatives for multiple preference ordering criteria based on fuzzy majority. Journal of Fuzzy Mathematics (4), 118–135 (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Seo, F., Sakawa, M.: Fuzzy mutiattribute utility analysis for collective choice. IEEE Tansaction on Systems Man and Cybernetics (15), 45–53 (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Chiclana, F., Herrera, F., Herrera, V.E.: Integrating three representation models in fuzzy multipurpose decision-making based on fuzzy preference relations. Fuzzy Sets and Systems 97(1), 33–48 (1998)

    Article  MATH  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  28. Zhou, H.A., Liu, S.Y.: Method Based on OWGA Operators for Aggregating Preference Information and Its Application in Group Decision-making Problems. Operation Research and Management Science 14(6), 29–32 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Qiu, W.H.: Management Decision and Entropy Theory, pp. 290–293. China Machine Press, Beijing (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Berger, J.O.: Statistical Decision Theory, pp. 235–269. Springer, New York (1980)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  31. Guiasu, S.: Information Theory with Application, pp. 125–148. McGraw-Hill, New York (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Wei, C.P., Qiu, W.H., Yang, J.P.: Minimum Relative Entropy Aggregation Model on Group Decision-making. System Engineering-Theory and Practice 19(8), 38–41 (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Nwana, H.S., Ndumu, D.T., Lee, L.C., Collis, J.C.: ZEUS: A Toolkit for Building Distributed Multi-Agent Systems (accessed May 19, 2005), http://agent.aitia.ai/download

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150001, China

    Xiaolong Xue

  2. National Center of Technology, Policy and Management, Science Park, Harbin Institute of Technology, No.2, Yikuang Street, Harbin, 150001, China

    Xiaolong Xue

  3. Division of Built Environment, Faculty of Advanced Technology, University of Glamorgan, UK

    Zhaomin Ren

Authors
  1. Xiaolong Xue
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zhaomin Ren
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, South Australia, SA 5095, Adelaide City, Australia

    Lakhmi C. Jain

  2. Institute of Informatics, Wroclaw University of Technology, Str. Janiszewskiego 11/17, 50-370, Wroclaw, Poland

    Ngoc Thanh Nguyen

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Xue, X., Ren, Z. (2009). An Agent-Based Negotiation Platform for Collaborative Decision-Making in Construction Supply Chain. In: Jain, L.C., Nguyen, N.T. (eds) Knowledge Processing and Decision Making in Agent-Based Systems. Studies in Computational Intelligence, vol 170. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-88049-3_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-88049-3_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-88048-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-88049-3

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation