Applications of game theory in engineering problems: A summary of methods and their assessment

abstract

en

Diverse branches and developed solution concepts make game theory suitable for various challenging applications asking for sustainable development. This mathematical apparatus handles such tasks as cooperation, competition, and self-regulation in the environment, where numerous agents with conflicting goals are involved. These agents might be real decision-makers or parts of an arbitrary complex system, performing different manual tasks. A behavioral model describing the ever-changing decisions of rational players is a key aspect of sustainable planning. In this article, the mathematical background of game theory is briefly summarized, and approaches used in different engineering fields are put into context. The significance of game theory in engineering is emphasized employing the performed review. Performed SWOT analyses accompanied by a decision tree provide a useful guide for applying fundamental game branches, classes, and types to the basic practical problems. Finally, identified research gaps suggest further scientific activities in more fertile fields of research.

Diverse branches and developed solution concepts make game theory suitable for various challenging applications asking for sustainable development. This mathematical apparatus handles such tasks as cooperation, competition, and self-regulation in the environment, where numerous agents with conflicting goals are involved. These agents might be real decision-makers or parts of an arbitrary complex system, performing different manual tasks. A behavioral model describing the ever-changing decisions of rational players is a key aspect of sustainable planning. In this article, the mathematical background of game theory is briefly summarized, and approaches used in different engineering fields are put into context. The significance of game theory in engineering is emphasized employing the performed review. Performed SWOT analyses accompanied by a decision tree provide a useful guide for applying fundamental game branches, classes, and types to the basic practical problems. Finally, identified research gaps suggest further scientific activities in more fertile fields of research.

Game theory; engineering; systematic review; decision-making; utility; optimization

10.10.2021

1847-7178

160–160

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