Household time allocation model based on a group utility function

Existing activity-based models typically assume an individual decision-making process. In household decision-making, however, interaction exists among household members and their activities during the allocation of the members' limited time. This paper, therefore, attempts to develop a new household time allocation model by combining group decision-making theory and time allocation theory. To do this, this paper proposes defining household utility function in the form of multi-linear utility function to represent the interactions among household members and the interactions among their activities. The effectiveness of the developed model is confirmed using activity-travel diary data. Finally, several future research issues are also mentioned.