Multiscale decision-making, also referred to as multiscale decision theory (MSDT), is an approach in operations research that combines game theory, multi-agent influence diagrams, in particular dependency graphs, and Markov decision processes to solve multiscale challenges[1] in sociotechnical systems.
MSDT considers interdependencies within and between the following scales: system level, time and information.
The theory's results can be used by mechanism designers and decision-makers in organizations and complex systems to improve system performance and decision quality.
Multiscale decision theory has been applied to manufacturing enterprise enterprises,[2][3] service systems,[4] supply chain management,[5] healthcare,[6] systems engineering,[7] among others.
The Multiscale Decision Making Laboratory at Virginia Tech directed by Dr. Christian Wernz is working at the forefront of MSDT theory and applications.