Developing a multi-agent system of a crisis response organization

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a multi-agent system (MAS) used to simulate a crisis response organization. Design/methodology/approach: Following an agent-based approach, the model is developed using the GAIA methodology and implemented in the Java Agent Development framework. Findings: The GAIA methodology can be combined with an additional GAIA2JADE process to bridge the gap between design and implementation. Keeping the MAS organization separate from the crisis scenario model enables testing different configurations of the crisis response organization in different scenarios. Research limitations/implications: The simulation model is provided as proof of concept along with preliminary experiments. Additional detailed experiments and validation are ongoing. Practical implications: The model can be configured differently to deal with an emergency scenario developed separately, providing a test bed for simulating coordination in crisis response. Such simulation forms the basis for exploring different coordination mechanisms and can also be adapted and extended for training and decision support. Originality/value: The characteristics of the response organization and the study of structured vs emergent coordination fit with the capabilities and nature of a MAS. The structure and process are useful for modelling similar ad hoc, multidisciplinary organizations.