Negotiation in a multi-agent system for construction claims negotiation

Negotiation is an important approach for agents to co-operate and reach agreement in multi-agent systems (MAS). Different negotiation theories and models have been deployed in a variety of applications. This paper is concerned with the applicability of these theories to the domain of agent-based construction claims negotiation. The peculiarities of this domain are highlighted and the approach adopted in the development of a multi-agent system for construction claims negotiation (MASCOT) described. Of particular interest is the integration of Zeuthen's bargaining model with a Bayesian learning mechanism, which addresses the characeristics of the construction claims negotiation. Examples are presented to demonstrate the impact of various negotiation approaches on the conduct and outcome of construction claims negotiations.