A graph model with minimum cost to support conflict resolution and mediation in technology transfer of new product co-development.

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.Successful new product development advocate for collaboration among different institutions in which technology transfer dispute widely exists. Although several studies have discussed conflict modelling and resolution in technology transfer dispute, scant research attempted to model third-party (or mediator) mediation, let alone develop effective approaches to minimize cost in the conflict resolution process. This study uses a graph model and minimum cost to investigate the conflict resolution and mediation in technology transfer dispute of new product collaborative development. On the one hand, the conflict in technology transfer of new product collaborative development is modelled using the graph model theory, in which the stakeholders (or decision-makers), their options, the feasible states, and the preferences of decision-makers are analyzed. On the other hand, an inverse graph model with minimum cost is designed to tackle the problem of specifying which decision-makers’ preferences lead to a desired solution, thereby making it easier for a mediator or other third party to influence the course of the conflict. In the inverse graph model with minimum cost, two 0-1 mixed linear approaches are constructed to judge the Nash and General Merataionality stabilities within the graph model, and several optimization-based models that minimize mediation cost are designed for the mediator to guide the technology transfer conflict resolution process to achieve the desired solution. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to a technology transfer dispute case study

Initial State Stabilities and Inverse Engineering in Conflict Resolution

Two original contributions are made which extend the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution: one is a new family of solution concepts, while the other is a novel methodological approach. In addition to theoretical contributions, applications to complex energy problems are demonstrated; in particular, the consideration of the ongoing Trans Mountain Expansion Project is the first of its kind. The family of solution concepts, called initial state stabilities, is designed to complement existing solution concepts within the Graph Model framework by modelling both risk-averse and risk-seeking decision-makers. The comparison which underpins these concepts examines the consequences of moving from a given starting state to those of remaining in that state. The types of individuals modelled by these stability concepts represent a new class of decision-makers which, up until now, had not been considered in the Graph Model paradigm. The innovative methodology presented is designed to "inverse engineer" decision-makers’ preferences based on their observable behaviour. The algorithms underlying the inverse engineering methodology are based on the most commonly used stability concepts in the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution and function by reducing the set of possible preference rankings for each decision-maker. The reduction is based on observable moves and counter-moves made by decision-makers. This procedure assists stakeholders in optimizing their own decision-making process based on information gathered about their opponents and can also be used to improve the modelling of strategic interactions. In addition to providing decision-makers and analysts with up-to-date preference information about opponents, the methodology is also equipped with an ADVICE function which enriches the decision-making process by providing important information regarding potential moves. Decision-makers who use the methods introduced in this thesis are provided with the expected value of each of their possible moves, with the probability of the opponent’s next response, and with the opponent reachable states. This insightful data helps establish an accurate picture of the conflict situation and in so doing, aids stakeholders in making strategic decisions. The applicability of this methodology is demonstrated through the study of the conflict surrounding the Trans Mountain Expansion Project in British Columbia, Canada

Activating Values to Enhance e-Participation in Environmental Decision-making

A participatory modeling approach is designed to connect citizens and decision-makers during the selection of the most appropriate alternative solution to an environmental project based on user values systems. First, a novel approach to supporting values-based decision-making is proposed in which values activation is prompted using visual feedback and interactive modules in a software program. Next, the design parameters for a prototype software program called P2P-DSS are presented. P2P-DSS is designed in the style of an online survey, with the added capacity to activate values and provide a shared online space connecting individuals with a survey builder. In this thesis, P2P-DSS is proposed, designed, and then applied to a real-world example in environmental project evaluation. A formal decision-maker with a professional role in the evaluation of an aggregate mining application used P2P-DSS to build a model of the decision from their own perspective. Fifteen volunteers then used P2P-DSS to learn about the issue, provide their individual input in the form of ranked preferences for potential outcomes, and examine the role that values play in their own assessment of the project and the perspective of the model builder. P2P-DSS records every interaction with the software program and participants completed a post-task survey to assess aspects of the system’s performance from their perspective. By analyzing both revealed and stated preferences from the formal decision-maker and public participants, the capacity for the P2P-DSS technique to translate some of the known benefits of values-based thinking into a participatory online platform is indicated. This thesis then addresses the challenge of translating data collected from individuals into collective preference rankings that are useful for decision-makers. With reference to the aggregate mining example, participant input is aggregated using a Modified Borda Count technique. Thus, while values activation is facilitated in this study on an individual basis, the resulting input can be analyzed as group utilities, the possible implications of this information are examined in depth. Finally, a novel data set emerges from this research with implications for decision-making, communications, and conflict management. That is, a model builder calibrates a model by connecting specific values with option choices. Participants can then register a ‘values protest’ by using interactive software tools in P2P-DSS to challenge the values connections calibrated by the model builder. Values protests have implications for the preferences input by the participant and are stored by P2P-DSS as a data point. Next, analysis is conducted to isolate potential points of conflict based on emergent patterns in those protests. This new dataset reveals aspects of the decision context for which different groups do not have a shared understanding of how their decision-making is driven by their underlying values. Gaining insight into the roots of values-based conflicts can be useful for conflict prediction and management, strategic decision-making, and the fine tuning of communications by stakeholder groups. This dissertation examines the boundaries and opportunities for values-based participatory modeling. Specifically, through the design and testing of P2P-DSS this work operationalizes the theory of values activation, thereby expanding the reach of values-based decision-making in online settings. Moreover, by testing protocols to aggregate values-based preferences collected at the individual level into group utility rankings, the P2P-DSS approach is prepared to make contributions for group decision-making. Finally, a new type of data, values protests, is generated and discussed, demonstrating how it can be harnessed to understand and contribute to the management of values conflicts in issues of public interest. Finally, while presenting a novel approach to environmental research, this work also demonstrates that some of the perceived limitations of values research, that are discussed in this thesis, deserve reassessment, as the interactive capacity of software programs opens new avenues to expand the reach of values-based decision-making