Multi-agent systems and microeconomic theory: a negotiation approach to solve scheduling problems in high dynamic environments

Microeconomics offer a well developed theory on the subject of rational choice. This theory is applied to a multi-agent system, which has been modeled in order to establish schedules for operating theatres in general hospitals. A concept based on conjoint analysis is introduced in order to measure preferences of involved individuals and to establish corresponding individual utility functions. Aggregation of individual preferences to find a final compromise schedule is demonstrated following the Nash bargaining solution of game theory.