A Conceptual Framework For Implementing Priority Based Segregation For Decision Support Applications

Abstract - In this research paper, priority is used as a heuristic. In a given problem space containing hub and spoke type networks, priority is used to identify priority networks, as those with free capacity available to service requests. A priority function is used to identify such networks, which can be used to satisfy priority service requests. The general decision making process is explained first including concept of Meta data. After that the corresponding problem model is formulated. Finally agent based architecture is constructed for implementing this framework. The Conceptual design of the agent that performs the segregation is also done. Keywords: Priority; priority functions; priority based segregation; priority networks; priority service requests; agents, etc. I. I NTRODUCTION etadata is data about data that is information about other information. e.g. libraries usually group books by subject. In that context the metadata about the book is the subject. Digital cameras allow people to take pictures, in this context the data is the picture taken and the metadata is information about the picture taken like when (the date and time), where (perhaps using information from GPS), or how it was taken. For example, the photographic exposure details are also metadata about a picture taken by a digital camera. Theories, heuristics, concepts, Meta knowledge, facts and rules are the nature of Meta information. Now, if we partition this knowledge according to type, each sub category will form a separate field. Accordingly it can be noted that heuristics is a type of Meta information and form a distinct sub type of it. In this research paper it will be shown that Meta information can be captured in a template, which consists of distinct fields, one out of which is the heuristics field. Note that priority is a heuristic and forms a distinct field of the Meta information template. In further analysis, it will be shown that a priority variable assumes different values and according to its particular value, different inferences can be drawn.The objective of this research paper is to show how priority values can be captured in a decision support template through the use of priority function. There after a reference to this template gives the priority value, which is used thereafter for decision support in different types of situations and applications, though the generic concept remains priority based segregation, used for decision support. __________________________