Chapter III The Agent - Oriented Methodology

This chapter introduces the main concepts of the methodology MASCommonKADS that extends object-oriented and knowledge engineering techniques for the conceptualisation of multi-agent systems. MASCommonKADS defines a set of models (Agent Model, Task Model, Expertise Model, Coordination Model, Communication Model, Organisation Model, and Design Model) that together provide a model of the problem to be solved. Each of the components of the model is a generic component for the sake of reusability. Readers familiar with object-oriented analysis will find it easy to apply most of the techniques of MAS-CommonKADS in the development of multi-agent systems and will be introduced to the application of knowledge engineering techniques for specifying the knowledge of the agents. IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Agent-Oriented Methodologies edited by Brian Henderson-Sellers and Paolo Giorgini © 2005, Idea Group Inc. 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB11100