Sequential valuation networks for asymmetric decision problems

This paper deals with representation and solution of asymmetric decision problems. We describe a new representation called sequential valuation networks that is a hybrid of Covaliu and Oliver’s sequential decision diagrams and Shenoy’s valuation networks. The solution algorithm is based on the idea of decomposing a large asymmetric problem into smaller sub-problems and then using the fusion algorithm of valuation networks to solve the sub-problems. Sequential valuation networks inherit many of the strengths of sequential decision diagrams and valuation networks while overcoming many of their shortcomings. We illustrate our technique by representing and solving a modified version of Covaliu and Oliver’s [Manage. Sci. 41(12) (1995) 1860] Reactor problem in complete detail.