1. A firm that plans to expand its product line must decide whether to build a small,
medium, or large production facility. A consultant’s report indicates a 0.7 probability that
demand will high and a 0.3 probability that demand will be low.
If the firm builds a small facility and demand is low, the firm is expected to earn $40
million. If demand turns out to be high, the firm can either subcontract and earn $46
million or expand the facility to earn $48 million.
If the firm builds a medium-size facility and demand is low, then the firm is expected to
earn $22 million. If demand turns out to be high, the firm can either do nothing and earn
$46 million or can expand the facility to earn $50 million.
If the firm builds a large facility and demand is low, the firm is expected to lose an
estimated value of $20 million. If demand is high, earnings are expected to be $72
million.
a) Draw a complete decision tree for this problem. Clearly present the decision and
event nodes, the associated probabilities, and the payoffs.
b) What should the management do to achieve the highest expected payoff?
