Decision Theory
An Introduction to Dynamic Programming and Sequential Decisions
Wiley-Interscience Series in Systems and Optimization
1. Edition May 2000
XII, 192 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Short Description
Opening with a brief discussion of the historical background, the book describes deterministic models, in which the choice between decision is unaffected by chance. Then considering decision in the face of uncertainty, the material then closes with a discussion of more complex models, introduction the reader to a wide range of applications of the method.
Decision Theory An Introduction to Dynamic Programming and Sequential Decisions John Bather University of Sussex, UK Mathematical induction, and its use in solving optimization problems, is a topic of great interest with many applications. It enables us to study multistage decision problems by proceeding backwards in time, using a method called dynamic programming. All the techniques needed to solve the various problems are explained, and the author's fluent style will leave the reader with an avid interest in the subject.
* Tailored to the needs of students of optimization and decision theory
* Written in a lucid style with numerous examples and applications
* Coverage of deterministic models: maximizing utilities, directed networks, shortest paths, critical path analysis, scheduling and convexity
* Coverage of stochastic models: stochastic dynamic programming, optimal stopping problems and other special topics
* Coverage of advanced topics: Markov decision processes, minimizing expected costs, policy improvements and problems with unknown statistical parameters
* Contains exercises at the end of each chapter, with hints in an appendix
Aimed primarily at students of mathematics and statistics, the lucid text will also appeal to engineering and science students and those working in the areas of optimization and operations research.
Multi-Stage Decision Problems.
Networks.
Further Applications.
Convexity.
STOCHASTIC MODELS.
Markov Systems.
Optimal Stopping.
Special Problems.
MARKOV DECISION PROCESSES.
General Theory.
Minimizing Average Costs.
Statistical Decisions.
Notes on the Exercises.
References.
Index.
"...I was impressed with this book..." (The Statistician, Vol.51, No.2 2002)
"...excellent for the audience to whom it is addressed, and it is to be hoped that the author will write a further textbook..." (Jnl of the Operational Research Society, Vol 54(10) 2003)
