Self-organising resource allocation in open systems : theory and experiments
Author(s)
Schaumeier, Julia Gertrud
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Open, embedded multi-agent systems have applications in sensor and opportunistic networks,
and in cloud and grid computing. Features of such systems include: no centralised
control, competition for resources between autonomous agents, (un)intentional errors,
and a speed and complexity of decisions beyond human capabilities. Moreover, there
is a requirement to optimise performance with respect to multiple, possibly conflicting,
criteria, for example longevity, occupancy and fairness.
This thesis addresses the problem of engineering self-organised resource-allocation management
schemes for open, embedded systems. Based on the theory of institutions for
collective action as defined by political economist Elinor Ostrom, we define a formal
model for self-organised resource-allocation, using the computational framework of dynamic
norm-governed multi-agent systems.
Our model of an electronic institution encapsulates a first-order logic axiomatisation
of the principles for enduring institutions. An experimental platform for an abstract
common-pool resource management situation has been developed, and the experiments
show the importance of all principles in order to achieve longevity, appropriate behaviour
and the right balance of membership. The results furthermore suggest that the mechanisms
to design institutional rules should be made available to the system components
themselves. In order to successfully self-organise, the system has to be aware of its
internal state and externalities.
To represent and reason about awareness, some aspects from the field of organisational
justice have been formalised in the same framework. Agents will not only follow a
collectively decided allocation procedure but will execute the allocation according to
their own notion of fairness, and also use this notion to judge the perceived behaviour of
others. Further experiments show that the ability for introspection and reflection on the
perceived environment leads to an improved management profile and further enhances
the system’s performance.
Adaptive institutions are a key factor in dealing with resource distribution. Self-aware
agents using electronic institutions in socio-technical systems could be a significant innovation
in reducing the current lag between institutional and environmental change,
and make an important contribution to the sustainability agenda.
and in cloud and grid computing. Features of such systems include: no centralised
control, competition for resources between autonomous agents, (un)intentional errors,
and a speed and complexity of decisions beyond human capabilities. Moreover, there
is a requirement to optimise performance with respect to multiple, possibly conflicting,
criteria, for example longevity, occupancy and fairness.
This thesis addresses the problem of engineering self-organised resource-allocation management
schemes for open, embedded systems. Based on the theory of institutions for
collective action as defined by political economist Elinor Ostrom, we define a formal
model for self-organised resource-allocation, using the computational framework of dynamic
norm-governed multi-agent systems.
Our model of an electronic institution encapsulates a first-order logic axiomatisation
of the principles for enduring institutions. An experimental platform for an abstract
common-pool resource management situation has been developed, and the experiments
show the importance of all principles in order to achieve longevity, appropriate behaviour
and the right balance of membership. The results furthermore suggest that the mechanisms
to design institutional rules should be made available to the system components
themselves. In order to successfully self-organise, the system has to be aware of its
internal state and externalities.
To represent and reason about awareness, some aspects from the field of organisational
justice have been formalised in the same framework. Agents will not only follow a
collectively decided allocation procedure but will execute the allocation according to
their own notion of fairness, and also use this notion to judge the perceived behaviour of
others. Further experiments show that the ability for introspection and reflection on the
perceived environment leads to an improved management profile and further enhances
the system’s performance.
Adaptive institutions are a key factor in dealing with resource distribution. Self-aware
agents using electronic institutions in socio-technical systems could be a significant innovation
in reducing the current lag between institutional and environmental change,
and make an important contribution to the sustainability agenda.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2013-06
Date Awarded
2013-10
Copyright Statement
Attribution NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-ND)
Advisor
Draief, Moez
Pitt, Jeremy
Sponsor
UK-India Education and Research Initiative : Qatar National Research Fund
Grant Number
SA08-037 : 09-1150-2-448
Publisher Department
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)