Make Better Capital Decisions Under Deep Uncertainty

Challenge:

"Should we delay, upgrade, or replace? We don't know."

Solution:

We model multi-stage decisions over decades, accounting for evolving risks and learning.

Case Study: Chemicals Manufacturer – Process Unit Revamp

Built a dynamic decision model to evaluate phased investment options under uncertainty in feedstock prices, regulatory changes, and technology obsolescence. The model prescribed adaptive policy paths rather than static recommendations, allowing the client to respond intelligently as conditions evolved.

Behind the Scenes: Technical Approach

Method

Stochastic Dynamic Programming (DP)

Tools

Wolfram Mathematica for symbolic computation, custom Markov models

Horizon

5+ year forecast with probabilistic outcomes

Outcome

Prescribed adaptive policy paths, not static recommendations

Why This Approach Works

Multi-Stage Decision Trees

We model not a single "invest or don't" decision, but sequences of decisions over time — where each choice opens or closes future options under evolving uncertainty.

Adaptive Policy Design

Instead of prescribing "build this now," we deliver decision rules: "if feedstock prices exceed X and regulatory clarity improves, then upgrade; otherwise delay and monitor."

Learning Over Time

Using Bayesian updating and Markov models, we account for the value of waiting to learn — sometimes the best decision today is to preserve future flexibility.

Ready to Navigate Uncertainty with Confidence?

Let's build decision models that adapt to changing conditions — so your capital strategy remains optimal no matter what happens.