Conflict Analysis Model Research Articles

Three-way conflict analysis: Reformulations and extensions of the Pawlak model

This paper introduces a model of three-way conflict analysis by reformulating and extending the original model by Pawlak. The proposed model is based on the philosophy, methodology, and mechanism of thinking and processing in threes of a theory of three-way decision. We examine a trisection of agents and a trisection of pairs of agents, as well as their relationships. We adopt a hexagon to represent geometrically a trisection, which gives an intuitive and effective tool for studying three-way decision. According to the two trisections, we suggest three levels of conflict consisting of strong conflict, weak conflict, and non-conflict. The results are described geometrically by a triangle of conflict. The new model of three-way conflict analysis (a) clarifies important conceptual and semantics interpretations of conflict, (b) removes some inconsistencies in the Pawlak model, and (c) gives a more general conception of conflict analysis with three levels of conflict by using many-valued ratings.

Another View on the Middle East Conflict Analysis

Decision making is a cognitive process for evaluating data with certain attributes to come up with the best option, in terms of the preferences of decision makers. Conflicts and disagreements occur in most real world problems and involve the applications of mathematical tools dealing with uncertainty, such as rough set theory in decision making and conflict analysis processes. Afterwards, the Pawlak conflict analysis model based on rough set theory was established. Subsequently, Deja put forward some questions that are not answered by the Pawlak conflict analysis model and Sun’s model. In the present paper, using the notions of soft preference relation, soft dominance relation, and their roughness, we analyzed the Middle East conflict and answered the questions posed by Deja in a good manner.

Managing conflict in aquaculture

Purpose A flexible decision technology called the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) is applied to a generic aquaculture conflict to illustrate how GMCR can be used to systematically investigate a wide range of conflicts arising in aquaculture in order to obtain meaningful strategic insights and thereby assist in making informed decisions in aquaculture development. To emphasize the importance of being able to resolve aquaculture controversies, a review of the global economic impacts of the aquaculture industry is provided and the key stakeholders who may be involved in aquaculture disputes along with their legitimate interests are identified. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The GMCR methodology comprises two main stages: modeling and analysis. During the modeling stage, key decision makers (DMs), the options under each DM’s control and each DM’s relative preferences over feasible states are identified based on a thorough background investigation to a given dispute. Within the analysis stage, solution concepts that describe key characteristics of human behavior under conflict are utilized to determine resolutions that could occur when DMs interact under pure competition and cooperatively. Interpretation of the equilibrium results provides meaningful strategic insights for better understanding which strategies a given DM could select as the conflict evolves over time. Findings The results demonstrate how difficult it can be to balance the interests of different key stakeholders in aquaculture development. In all possible resolutions identified in the generic aquaculture conflict, at least two DMs among First Nations, environmental group and residents (Res) would object to the expansion of aquaculture activities due to the assumption that the government would choose to appease one stakeholder at a time. They also reflect the need for a useful tool box of decision technologies for addressing the vast range of challenges that could arise in the important area of marine economics and management. Originality/value The GMCR methodology possesses several unique and key original capabilities in comparison to other conflict analysis models. First, it only requires limited information to calibrate a conflict model. Second, it contains a number of solution concepts that describe how a DM could think and behave under conflict. Third, it furnishes a range of informative output, follow-up analyses and advice for use in real-life decision support. Finally, all of the foregoing advantages of GMCR can be contained within decision support systems that permit practitioners and researchers to readily apply the GMCR methodology to real-life conflicts.

SDMGRS: Soft Dominance Based Multi Granulation Rough Sets and Their Applications in Conflict Analysis Problems

The classical rough set theory was presented by Pawlak, which is mainly concerned with the approximation of sets described by a single binary relation on the universe. In this paper, we initiate a multi attribute group decision making problems in the presence of multi attribute and multi decision in decision making with preferences. Then resolving the problem, using two different approximation strategies, i.e., seeking common reserving difference and seeking common rejecting difference, four kinds of soft dominance-based multi-granulation rough sets are presented, namely, soft dominance based optimistic multi-granulation rough sets and soft dominance based pessimistic multi-granulation rough sets and their applications in solving a multi agent conflict analysis decision problem. The proposed method addresses the limitations of the Pawlak model and Sun's conflict analysis model and thus improve these models. Finally, the results on labor management negotiation problems show that the proposed algorithms are more effective and efficient for feasible consensus strategy when compared with Sun's technique.

Quantitative analysis of pedestrian safety at uncontrolled multi-lane mid-block crosswalks in China

A lot of pedestrian-vehicle crashes at mid-block crosswalks severely threaten pedestrian’s safety around the world. The situations are even worse in China due to low yielding rate of vehicles at crosswalks. In order to quantitatively analyze pedestrian’s safety at multi-lane mid-block crosswalks, the number of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts was utilized to evaluate pedestrian’s accident risk. Five mid-block crosswalks (Wuhan, China) were videoed to collect data of traffic situation and pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, and the quantity and spatial distribution of pedestrian-vehicle conflicts at multi-lane mid-block crosswalk were analyzed according to lane-based post-encroachment time(LPET). Statistical results indicate that conflicts are mainly concentrated in lane3 and lane6. Percentage of conflict of each lane numbered from 1 to 6 respectively are 4.1%, 13.1%, 19.8%, 8.4%, 19.0%, 28.1%. Conflict rate under different crossing strategies are also counted. Moreover, an order probit (OP) model of pedestrian-vehicle conflict analysis (PVCA) was built to find out the contributions corresponding to those factors (such as traffic volume, vehicle speed, pedestrian crossing behavior, pedestrian refuge, etc.) to pedestrian-vehicle conflicts. The results show that: pedestrian refuge have positive effects on pedestrian safety; on the other hand, high vehicle speed, high traffic volume, rolling gap crossing pattern, and larger pedestrian platoon have negative effects on pedestrian safety. Based on our field observation and PVCA model, the number of conflicts will rise by 2% while the traffic volume increases 200 pcu/h; similarly, if the vehicle speed increases 5km/h, the number of conflicts will rise by 12% accordingly. The research results could be used to evaluate pedestrian safety at multi-lane mid-block crosswalks, and useful to improve pedestrian safety by means of pedestrian safety education, pedestrian refuge setting, vehicle speed limiting, and so on.

Conflict Analysis and Intervention Selection for the Parenting Coordinator: Strategies for Success

This paper provides a summary of parental conflict and its consequences for children, a history and definition of parenting coordination and three conflict analysis models to assist working parenting coordinators to better diagnose parental conflict and then select more effective intervention strategies.

Rough set-based conflict analysis model and method over two universes

Rough set theory, as a new mathematical tool to handle uncertainty decision making problems, was used to study conflict analysis decision making in late90′s, and then the Pawlak conflict analysis model was established. The approach of rough set provides a new perspective and also gives an effective tool to deal with conflict analysis decision making, both theoretically and practically. In this paper, we propose a new rough set model of conflict analysis: a conflict analysis decision model based on rough set theory over two universes. It is a natural extension of the Pawlak conflict analysis model. Subsequently, we define the conflict matrix and a consistent disagreement matrix on the basis of the model proposed in this paper. Then we can find the intrinsic reasons for conflict and attain a feasible strategy for a conflict situation. Furthermore, we define a positive alliance matrix and a negative alliance matrix for a conflict situation. These can help us analyze the opinions of different agents in the conflict situation. Moreover, we develop a matrix approach for a conflict analysis model based on rough set theory over two universes, which provides a convenient way to analyze and solve the conflict situation. Comparing to the Pawlak conflict analysis model, our proposed model not only could reveal the core causes for a conflict situation but also can find a possible optimal feasible consensus strategy to solve the conflict situation which satisfies the agents as much as possible. Finally, we illustrate the idea and the basic principles established in this paper by analyzing a conflict decision making scenario.

Rough approximation of a preference relation by multi-decision dominance for a multi-agent conflict analysis problem

Multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) has evoked increasing attention in recent years. Meanwhile, many valuable approaches have been developed to solve various MAGDM problems. In this paper, we consider a MAGDM problem in the presence of multi-attribute and multi-decision decision making with preference, namely the MA&MD decision problem. It involves the assignment of objects (actions), evaluated based on a set of conditional attributes, to pre-defined and preference-ordered multi-decision making. The actions are described by a finite set of conditional attributes and decision attributes. Both types of attribute take the values from their domain with preference order. In order to construct a comprehensive preference evaluation model that could be used to support the optimal choice task, we define two dominance relations, one on the condition attribute set and the other on the decision attribute set. We then present the lower and upper approximations of a preference relation defined by the decision attribute set based on a multi- decision preference dominance relation. Meanwhile, we propose an approach to decision making based on the rough set model established in this paper. The approach to decision making is derived from the lower approximation of decision classes with a preference dominance relation. The idea and decision rule are applied to solving a multi-agent conflict analysis decision problem. This method addresses limitations of the Pawlak conflict analysis model and thus improves on that model. Furthermore, to give practical significance to this management decision making approach, we present two extended models of the multi-decision preference dominance-based rough set as well as the corresponding decision making method. Moreover, we compare the proposed approach to previous studies of dominance-based rough set approaches to multiple attribute (criteria) decision making. The main contribution of this paper is twofold. One is to establish a generalization of the classical dominance-based rough set approach, i.e., the model of multi-decision preference dominance-based rough set. Another is to present a new approach to deal with the multi-agent conflict analysis decision making problem based on the proposed multi-decision rough set approach.

Conflict analysis model and application based on intuitionistic fuzzy number

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to establish a novel conflict analysis model so that it can well describe and deal with the real conflict problems. Design/methodology/approach – In order to overcome the shortcomings that the agents have only three attitudes with respect to the conflict issues in Pawlak conflict information system, so that it is too stiff to describe and portray the real conflict problems, the thought and methodology of the intuitionistic fuzzy set is employed to soften the agents’ attitudes of the conflict issues, and then a novel conflict analysis model is constructed. This method, to begin with, the intuitionistic fuzzy number is used to express the opposition and support degree with respect to the conflict issues from agents, and then the similarity measure method is utilized to define conflict coefficient; what is more, the conflict degrees between any two agents can be obtained, and then the alliances are determined by setting different threshold values. Finally, an example illustrates the validity and rationality of the proposed method. Findings – The novel conflict analysis model proposed in the paper can well describe and resolve a real-life conflict problems such as the conflict of national territory, employee and employer. Research limitations/implications – The proposed model can only do with the conflict problems in which there do not exit the correlations among conflict issues, while it does not cope with the conflict problems with the mutually interrelated conflict issues. Originality/value – The paper succeeds in softening the Pawlak conflict analysis information system, and describing and dealing with the actual conflict problems.

A Reflexive Approach to Risk and Intervention for Third‐Party Intervenors

AbstractIn violent contexts, intervenors face dangers and are sometimes targets of violence themselves. Data and discussion about these risks and strategies to address them are missing from the peacebuilding literature. This article begins to address this gap. I argue that existing conflict analysis models provide a foundation for risk analysis, but they do not recognize the interplay between an organization's policies and intervention approaches and its security. I review two generations of conflict analysis frameworks and then present an approach that identifies various dimensions and types of risk and vulnerability for third‐party intervenors and integrates easily into existing analytical frameworks.

Conflict analysis based on the graph model for conflict resolution and grey matrix

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a complete theory of grey conflict analysis model based on grey game and the graph model for conflict resolution and also, to illustrate a case of “prisoner's dilemma” in the traditional grey game as an example.Design/methodology/approachBased on the theories of grey game and graph model for conflict resolution, this paper concentrates on the model of grey conflict analysis in a case of two players under the condition of symmetrical loss information. By analyzing decision makers, strategies, states, graph model and grey potential, and the number of decision makers' steps, the pure strategy Nash equilibrium is extended to grey potential‐general metarationality, grey potential‐symmetrical metarationality, and grey potential‐sequential stability. Meanwhile, the logical relationships between solutions are discussed. A specific case study is carried out to illustrate how the proposed grey conflict analysis model is used in practice.FindingsThe results in this paper indicate that more stable solutions are found when one considers the grey potential‐general metarationality, the grey potential‐symmetrical metarationality, and the grey potential‐sequential stability, and then solve the paradox of “prisoner's dilemma”.Practical implicationsThis new grey conflict analysis model could be used to provide useful information for policy makers during existing conflicts or negotiations among parties or enterprises.Originality/valueThe paper succeeds in constructing a new grey conflict analysis model, in which the solution concepts are studied; and the two‐player grey game will be extended to n‐players in the near future.

Conflict Analysis Models/ Circle of Conflict - Case Study

The case study that we are reviewing in these papers has a detail description for an organizational conflict situation in the Moon Tire Company. Both owners of the company have a disagreement about saving the company and gaining profit. The conflict started to affect company progress and productivity. In the next few pages, we will try to diagnose the conflict using the Circle of Conflict models as one of the Conflict Analysis Models that for the presence of common factors with other models, which may help to more understanding and more precise analysis of the conflict, and thus might help find solutions to solve the dispute. Furthermore, we will review the intervention strategy, how will we work with the parties, what challenges do we anticipate, and explain the importance of confidentiality in this process.

Conflict Balanced Design for the Evaluation System of University Research Achievements

Scientific research evaluation has an important guiding significance to university scientific research work. Based on conflict analysis model, it studies the strategies and preferences among the government, universities and scientists in the scientific research evaluation mechanism. It builds a conflict analysis model of three players and gives all possible equilibrium situations. The paper also analyzes the characteristics analysis of each equilibrium situation, it finds out the Pareto optimal situation of scientific research evaluation. The article provides guidance for the establishment of the evaluation system of university research.

ECS: Efficient Communication Scheduling for Underwater Sensor Networks

TDMA protocols have attracted a lot of attention for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UWSNs), because of the unique characteristics of acoustic signal propagation such as great energy consumption in transmission, long propagation delay and long communication range. Previous TDMA protocols all allocated transmission time to nodes based on discrete time slots. This paper proposes an efficient continuous time scheduling TDMA protocol (ECS) for UWSNs, including the continuous time based and sender oriented conflict analysis model, the transmission moment allocation algorithm and the distributed topology maintenance algorithm. Simulation results confirm that ECS improves network throughput by 20% on average, compared to existing MAC protocols.

Conflict analysis in environmental management

A wide variety of formal conflict analysis models and their applications to environmental conflicts are examined and put into perspective. In particular, the history of game theoretic models for conflict as well as their use in mitigating or resolving environmental conflicts is studied. The models and problem types are categorized to allow for a better understanding of the contrasting areas of environmental conflict management. Finally, the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution (GMCR) is applied to a generic conflict between developers and environmentalists to illustrate the usefulness of GMCR in environmental applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Explorative Nature of Negotiation in Participatory Decision Making for Sustainability

Land use planning and policy making for environmental systems involve uncertainty, long time scales, and complex socio-natural systems and processes; most decisions are often characterized by conflict and tension and give rise to disagreements which are widely considered and managed as disagreement about socio-environmental values. Although the growing acceptance of participatory models in environmental planning and policy making is forcing the public authorities to implement participatory mechanisms, participation practices are not showing much effectiveness in reducing conflict and tension. This paper argues that negotiation approaches in participatory decision making often pose the attention on disputing actors and their related values (in the field of environmental planning, on socio-environmental values) thus amplifying the risk for conflict to sharpen. Participation practices, in fact, often use Decision and Conflict Analysis models as means to disclose structures of parties’ values and preferences to parties themselves, thus risking to enhance sources for conflict and tension. In this article, participation is conceptualized as an exploration process looking for decision ‘opportunities’ which allow transforming participatory decision making into operational collaboration. To illustrate the discussion we present a case of participatory decision making process in the Torre Guaceto wetland, a Natural Reserve in Southern Italy. The process refers to the formulation of the land use plan and is analysed by the application of a cognitive model. The analysis shows how the negotiation process evolves from a conflict to collaboration and becomes centred on the content of the decision rather than the social and environmental values involved.

Integral conflict analysis: A comprehensive quadrant analysis of an organizational conflict

Influenced by Ken Wilber's brilliant synthesis of some of the world's most influential thinkers, including Jurgen Habermas, the authors have developed an integral model of conflict analysis and action. The integral approach has been helpful in explaining conflict dynamics to clients and allows more comprehensive response, thus ensuring a greater chance of successful intervention.

National Airspace Sector Occupancy and Conflict Analysis Models for Evaluating Scenarios under the Free-Flight Paradigm

Free-Flight is a paradigm of aircraft operations that permits the selection of more cost-effective routes for flights rather than simple traversals between designated way-points, from various origins to different destinations. In this paper, we consider the effect of this paradigm on sector workloads and potential conflicts or collision risks, based on current and projected levels of commercial air traffic. To accomplish this task, we first develop an Airspace Sector Occupancy Model (AOM) that identifies the occupancies of flights within three-dimensional (possibly nonconvex) regions of space called sectors, by utilizing an iterative procedure to trace each flight's progress through sector modules, that constitute the sectors. Next, we develop an Aircraft Encounter Model (AEM), which uses the information obtained from AOM to efficiently estimate the number and nature of blind-conflicts (i.e., conflicts under no avoidance or resolution maneuvers) resulting from a selected mix of flight plans. Besides identifying the existence of a conflict, AEM also provides useful information on the severity of the conflict and its geometry, such as the faces across which an intruder enters and exits the protective shell or envelope of another aircraft, the duration of intrusion, its relative heading, and the point of closest approach. For purposes of evaluation and assessment, we also develop a metric that provides a summary of the conflicts in terms of severities and difficulty of resolution. Finally, we apply these models to real data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for evaluating several Free-Flight scenarios under wind-optimized conditions. This study constitutes the first phase of a project undertaken by a joint FAA/Eurocontrol Collision Risk Modeling Group to develop tasks for investigating air traffic control strategies and related workload and collision risk consequences under various scenarios. Follow-on work will incorporate pilot blunders, random deviations, and air traffic control man-in-the-loop maneuvers within the context of the Free-Flight paradigm, using the basic tools developed in the present study.

Analysing crop choice of Philippine vegetable farmers with multicriteria analysis

In Benguet province in the Philippines, vegetable farmers are producing crops under difficult circumstances. The choice of the right crop is of extreme importance for their survival. Using the conflict analysis model (CAM), the basic hypothesis that farmers are choosing a crop closest to the ideal crop in terms of several criteria is tested. Hereby a match is searched between their own (subjective) preferences and the characteristics of the crop. The results show that the model is able to reconstruct the crop choice process. In the majority of cases an indifference situation is found between the crop selected by the farmer and the one indicated by the model. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Analysing crop choice of Philippine vegetable farmers with multicriteria analysis

In Benguet province in the Philippines, vegetable farmers are producing crops under difficult circumstances. The choice of the right crop is of extreme importance for their survival. Using the conflict analysis model (CAM), the basic hypothesis that farmers are choosing a crop closest to the ideal crop in terms of several criteria is tested. Hereby a match is searched between their own (subjective) preferences and the characteristics of the crop. The results show that the model is able to reconstruct the crop choice process. In the majority of cases an indifference situation is found between the crop selected by the farmer and the one indicated by the model. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.