How the ability to analyse tendencies influences decision satisfaction

Abstract

Abstract. Using agents to represent decision-makers is a complex task. It is important that agents can understand the context and be more proactive. Here we propose a model and an algorithm that will allow the agent to analyse tendencies regarding the number of supporters for each alternative along the process. It is intended that agents can be more dynamic and intelligent and can evaluate different contexts throughout the decision-making process. We believe agents will achieve better and consensual decisions more easily. We tested our model in three simulation environments with different complexity levels. Our model proved that agents that use it will obtain higher average consensus and satisfaction levels. Besides that, agents using this model will obtain those higher consensus and satisfaction levels in most of the times compared to agents that do not use it.

Representing decision-makers using styles of behavior: An approach designed for group decision support systems

“…We have created several simulation environments because we considered at the outset that because agents act using different behavioral styles, their behavior may vary according to the number of agents and the behavioral style of the other agents with which they are involved in the decision process. We used the multicriteria problem previously used in case studies as presented in Carneiro, Martinho, Conceição, Marreiros, and Novais (2017); Carneiro, Martinho, Marreiros, and Novais (2016a) and each agent generated its preferences regarding the alternatives and criteria in a "random" way. Initially each agent randomly generated its preferences regarding the criteria and then, based on these preferences, it generated the preferences of the alternatives with a randomness that made would be plausible taking into account the values of the criteria of each alternative and preferences of previously generated criteria.…”

How cognitive and affective aspects can influence the outcome of the group decision‐making process

“…Having the sensitivity and the knowledge about the context (which sometimes may not be possible) will allow to predict the satisfaction level that can be obtained in the decision-making process. This work follows the study proposed in (Carneiro, Martinho, Conceição, Marreiros, & Novais, 2017) where we defined an alternative to be a tendency when it started gaining more supporters besides the ones who initially preferred it. Identifying tendencies allows the agent to perceive the new information and respond appropriately to avoid falling into undesired or unfavourable situations.…”