Handbook of Research on Multi-Agent Systems: Semantics and Dynamics of Organizational Models

by Virginia Dignum (Editor)

Organizational design plays a critical role in the development of larger and more complex multi-agent systems (MAS). As systems grow to include hundreds or thousands of agents, those in the field must move from an agent-centric view of coordination and control to an organization-centric one. The Handbook of Research on Multi-Agent Semantics and Dynamics of Organizational Models brings together views and approaches from different communities including MAS, computational organizational simulation, social simulation, organizational theory, and cognitive science, to present the intersections of the different topics. Containing chapters by renowned international authors, this book provides a comprehensive volume on the state-of-the-art on formal semantic models and practical applications for dynamic formalisms of agent organizations. This title 23 authoritative contributions by over 50 of the world's leading experts on multi-agent systems from 11 countries; comprehensive coverage of each specific topic, highlighting recent trends and describing the latest advances in the field; more than 880 references to existing literature and research on multi-agent systems; a compendium of over 150 key terms with detailed definitions. This title is organized by topic and indexed, making it a convenient method of reference for all IT/IS scholars and professionals. It features cross-referencing of key terms, figures, and information pertinent to multi-agent systems and free institution-wide access to the online version with the purchase of the print publication.

602 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009