Author:
Paola Pisano
Affiliation:
University of Torino, Italy
Keyword(s):
Multi Agent System, Case Study, Collaboration.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Assessment Methods in Blended Learning Environments
;
Blended Learning
;
Collaborative Learning
;
Computer-Supported Education
;
Cultural, Social and Gender Issues
;
Domain Applications and Case Studies
;
e-Learning
;
Information Technologies Supporting Learning
;
Joint Degrees
;
Learning/Teaching Methodologies and Assessment
;
Legal and Cultural Management Issues
;
Social Context and Learning Environments
;
Virtual Learning Environments
Abstract:
The purpose of this work is to introduce a methodology known as “multi agent systems” (MAS) and show how it could serve not only a similar purpose when compared to cases by using virtual artefacts instead of real world observations, but also overcome the limitation of case study process. Besides being used for creating new theory, this approach is also effective for teaching and transmitting knowledge in a “maieutical” way, through experimentation on the model and cause-effect analysis of results. After describing the paradigm itself, and how it, along with simulation, can be used in social domains, it will be shown how it could interface the conceptual flow typical of case study analysis. Particular attention will be devoted to the interactivity deriving from the way in which this methodology is conceived, allowing researchers to perform “scenario analysis”, i.e.: a process of analyzing future occurrences by considering alternative possible outcomes, after the baseline experiments o
btained through the model have given positive results. In the second part of the paper a case study is presented, obtained by employing MAS methodology. It aims to study enterprise collaboration formation and modification: the goal is to study how innovation management and sharing could bring to non-equity link formation among them. The model is introduced in detail and qualitative results are analyzed, by deriving general concepts from them. Last, some points of strength and weaknesses of this methodology are briefly underlined.
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