Multiagent based dynamic resource scheduling for distributed multiple projects using a market mechanism

The resource scheduling problem in a multi-project environment extends job-shop scheduling problems by allowing for task dependency and multiple self-interested entities. In this paper we deal with short-term scheduling of resources, which are shared by multiple projects. In specific, we address the dynamic nature of the situation. We model this as a dynamic economy, where the multiple local markets are established and cleared over time, trading resource time slots (goods). Due to the dynamic and distributed nature of the economy, through our approach we can achieve higher levels of flexibility, scalability and adaptability. Unlike most market-based mechanisms, which are based on equilibrium concepts and iterative adjustment of resources prices, we propose a novel market mechanism called precedence cost tatonnement (P-TATO), which solves individual resource-constrained local resource scheduling in an optimal way, and searches for a precedence conflict-free schedule through a tatonnement type procedure. In this paper, we discuss our dynamic economy model and some details of the market mechanism along with empirical analysis results.