Using Binomial Decision Trees to Solve Real-Option Valuation Problems

Luiz E. Brandão (), James S. Dyer () and Warren J. Hahn ()
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Luiz E. Brandão: IAG Business School, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22453-900, Brazil
James S. Dyer: McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
Warren J. Hahn: McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712

Decision Analysis, 2005, vol. 2, issue 2, 69-88

Abstract: Traditional decision analysis methods can provide an intuitive approach to valuing projects with managerial flexibility or real options. The discrete-time approach to real-option valuation has typically been implemented in the finance literature using a binomial lattice framework. Instead, we use a binomial decision tree with risk-neutral probabilities to approximate the uncertainty associated with the changes in the value of a project over time. Both methods are based on the same principles, but we use dynamic programming to solve the binomial decision tree, thereby providing a computationally intensive but simpler and more intuitive solution. This approach also provides greater flexibility in the modeling of problems, including the ability to include multiple underlying uncertainties and concurrent options with complex payoff characteristics.

Keywords: decision analysis; real options; decision trees; binary approximations (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2005
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (56)

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