TITLE: An Optimization Framework for Decision Tree Analysis

SPEAKER: Jitamitra Desai, Ph.D., Visiting Assistant Professor
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Lehigh University

DATE / TIME: Friday, September 21, 2007 / 2:30-3:45 p.m.

LOCATION: Room 453 Mohler Lab, 200 W. Packer Avenue

ABSTRACT: One of the most important analytical tools often used by management executives is decision tree analysis. Traditionally, the solution to decision tree problems has been accomplished using backward recursion or more specifically (stochastic) dynamic programming techniques, but such methods have been shown to suffer from a number of shortcomings. In this research effort, we present a portfolio of mathematical programming formulations and algorithmic techniques for solving decision tree problems that not only alleviate the difficulties faced by traditional approaches but also allow for the incorporation of new classes of constraints that were hitherto unsolvable in this decision-making context. Several mathematical representations of decision trees including a (path-based) polynomial programming formulation and the subsequent use of reformulation-based techniques to transform this model into a (linear) mixed-integer 0-1 program, which can be efficiently solved using a branch-and-bound methods, are presented. In the context of decision tree analysis, the audience will also be exposed to math programming approaches for solving nonconvex mixed-integer nonlinear programs and related applications.

BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Jitamitra Desai is currently a Visiting Professor in the ISE Department at Lehigh University. He graduated with his Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech. Dr. Desai’s research is primarily in the area of mixed-integer nonlinear optimization, and more specifically, developing global optimization theory and algorithms for challenging nonconvex programming problems. He has applied global optimization techniques to wide ranging applications such as transportation science, emergency response management, cluster analysis, and control systems design. His current research is in the areas of semidefinite programming and mathematical programming approaches to decision analysis. Dr. Desai has published in several journals, and is also the recipient of many awards including being nominated by IIE for the Engineer’s Week award, and the 1st place prize in the NIJ-OR symposium challenge. He is also actively involved with professional societies such as INFORMS, IIE, and MPS.

ALL FULL-TIME ISE DEPT. GRADUATE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED FOLLOWING THE SEMINAR