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Change is ubiquitous in construction project schedules and there are many interrelationships and interdependencies in project schedule changes. Therefore, a schedule change in the work of a subcontractor might affect schedules of other subcontractors, as well as the project deadline. The subcontractor should resolve schedule conflicts with other affected subcontractors. This implies that there is a need for a methodology for the distributed coordination of project schedule changes (DCPSC). This paper presents a novel agent-based compensatory negotiation methodology to facilitate the DCPSC wherein a project can be rescheduled dynamically through negotiations by all of the concerned subcontractors. The methodology consists of a compensatory negotiation strategy based on utility of timing, multilinked negotiation protocols, and message-handling mechanisms. A simple case example illustrates the methodology. The methodology makes new contributions in both theoretical and practical areas. In practice, this methodology will improve project network schedules, by lowering the sum of the cost of the subcontractors associated with their resource constraints. In theory, the methodology provides a distributed coordination methodology that can improve interaction and collaboration among agents and people. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2003)17:1(10) CE Database keywords: Scheduling; Project management.

Midcareer reflections based on work combining computers and construction leave an appreciation for the rapid progress that has taken place in both fields in recent decades. Computers have brought many benefits in helping the industry to meet increasingly complex challenges, but as automation becomes pervasive, greater attention must be focused on the social and economic impacts on construction people. Construction education and research have also become much more computer-oriented, but it may be time to take stock of evolving curriculums and more systematically consider what should be done to meet future industry needs. In general, construction has a strong cadre of young researchers who have become well-grounded in advanced computer technologies and are in a position to continue bringing its benefits to construction practice in the future, but they must stay attuned to the needs of industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]