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  • © 2009

Continuous-Time Markov Decision Processes

Theory and Applications

  • To the best of our knowledge, it is the first book completely devoted to continuous-time Markov Decision Processes
  • It studies continuous-time MDPs allowing unbounded transition rates, which is the case in most applications
  • It is thus distinguished from other books that contain chapters on the continuous-time case
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Stochastic Modelling and Applied Probability (SMAP, volume 62)

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Softcover Book USD 119.99
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  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
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Hardcover Book USD 119.99
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  • Durable hardcover edition
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Table of contents (12 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages I-XVII
  2. Introduction and Summary

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 1-8
  3. Continuous-Time Markov Decision Processes

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 9-18
  4. Average Optimality for Finite Models

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 19-53
  5. Discount Optimality for Nonnegative Costs

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 55-70
  6. Average Optimality for Nonnegative Costs

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 71-86
  7. Discount Optimality for Unbounded Rewards

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 87-103
  8. Average Optimality for Unbounded Rewards

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 105-125
  9. Average Optimality for Pathwise Rewards

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 127-142
  10. Advanced Optimality Criteria

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 143-162
  11. Variance Minimization

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 163-173
  12. Constrained Optimality for Discount Criteria

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 175-186
  13. Constrained Optimality for Average Criteria

    • Xianping Guo, Onésimo Hernández-Lerma
    Pages 187-194
  14. Back Matter

    Pages 195-234

About this book

Continuous-time Markov decision processes (MDPs), also known as controlled Markov chains, are used for modeling decision-making problems that arise in operations research (for instance, inventory, manufacturing, and queueing systems), computer science, communications engineering, control of populations (such as fisheries and epidemics), and management science, among many other fields. This volume provides a unified, systematic, self-contained presentation of recent developments on the theory and applications of continuous-time MDPs. The MDPs in this volume include most of the cases that arise in applications, because they allow unbounded transition and reward/cost rates. Much of the material appears for the first time in book form.

Reviews

From the reviews:

“The book consists of 12 chapters. … this is the first monograph on continuous-time Markov decision process. … This is an important book written by leading experts on a mathematically rich topic which has many applications to engineering, business, and biological problems. … scholars and students interested in developing the theory of continuous-time Markov decision Processes or working on their applications should have this book.” (E. A. Feinberg, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2011 b)

Authors and Affiliations

  • Dept. Mathematics, Zhongshan University, Guangzhou, China, People's Republic

    Xianping Guo

  • Depto. Matematica, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico, Mexico

    Onésimo Hernández-Lerma

About the authors

Onésimo Hernández-Lerma received the Science and Arts National Award from the Government of MEXICO in 2001, an honorary doctorate from the University of Sonora in 2003, and the Scopus Prize from Elsevier in 2008. Xianping Guo received the He-Pan-Qing-Yi Best Paper Award from the 7th Word Congress on Intelligent Control and Automation in 2008.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

Softcover Book USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access