Two mechanisms for distributed problem solving

Develops a distributed problem solving approach to two recurring group decision situations. The methods are motivated by unstructured solution processes as observed by the author in industrial environments. These processes are formalized, they are given a structure, and their properties studied. Interest is in economic and game-theoretic properties such as optimality, time to converge, and incentive-compatibility. The two generic problem situations studied in this paper are: the problem of vendor selection from a priori known set (also called the general choice problem), and the assignment of tasks to individuals in a manufacturing environment. Distributed group processes are presented to resolve the above problem situations. We explore the ability of these processes to deliver efficient solutions and the extent to which they provide disincentives for misrepresentation. These processes are shown to be normatively sound. These two processes ran thus be used as an underlying rationale for a group coordinator in a group decision support environment