Multi-agent organizations for real-time operations

Abstract: "The real-time operations of electric power networks are subject to two sets of forces. The first, including deregulation movements and growing environmental concerns, is acting to increase the complexity of operations. The second, including new computer technologies and emerging knowledge-based agents, provides some means for handling additional complexity. This paper argues that organizational changes will have to be made before the second set of forces can be applied to effectively counter the first. To make this argument, the paper presents a framework for discussing organizational structures. Then it reviews the structures of the two generations of computer-based, multi-agent systems that have been developed for operations.It points out that these structures are well-suited to the algorithmic tasks involved in operations but not to the knowledge-based tasks. The paper concludes with some suggestions for research into alternative structures."