Bankruptcy problems with non-integer claims: definition and characterizations of the ICEA Solution

In Fragnelli et al. (TOP 22:892–933, 2014), we considered a bankruptcy problem with the additional constraint that the estate has to be assigned in integer unities, allowing for non-integer claims. We dealt with the question of existence and uniqueness of a solution and proposed the “box method” that is strongly oriented towards the constrained equal losses solution; uniqueness may be guaranteed by introducing a ranking on the claimants. Here, we introduce a solution oriented towards the constrained equal awards solution and give three characterizations and a simple method for determining the solution.