Decision-Making in Multi-agent Multi-issue Negotiation Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

In this paper, we propose to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to enhance consensus in bilateral multi-issue negotiation where one agent has no knowledge about the preferences of the other agents. This work focuses on mediated negotiation, where two agents try to reach an agreement over a range of qualitative and quantitative issues. We assume that the mediator agent adopts the AHP method to construct the ranking of the alternatives based on both agents’ preferences defined beforehand. Based on a case study, we show how AHP, can be used as a qualitative and quantitative evaluation method to provide a simple and effective decision making leading to an efficient and timely conflict resolution.