Practical & Accessible Applications of Game Theory to Strategic Decisions

OUR GRATITUDE: A special thank you to Hess for hosting this meeting and for supporting the Society of Decision Professionals.

AGENDA (Central Time):

3:00 PM - Introductions & Meeting Opening

3:15 PM - Join Christa Roemkens, Chevron and Dave Debacker, Open Options for their presentation titled: THE PRACTICAL & ACCESSIBLE APPLICATIONS OF GAME THEORY TO STRATEGIC DECISIONS

4:00 PM - Q&A and Closing

ABSTRACT:

This presentation will focus on the practical application of Game Theory to complex, multi-stakeholder, strategic decision-making. This session will be applicable to both technical and non-technical streams/attendees.

Using past project examples, Christa & Dave will share their thoughts on the experience and insights generated by using a preference-based game theory approach when dealing with highly complex, intractable problems. This involves using proven analytical methods and tools to consider the actions and reactions of key stakeholders - these could be competitors, regulators, customers, partners, suppliers, or any other party with the ability to materially impact a situation. It is important to note that this is a qualitative approach driven by challenging and constructive discussion, not cashflow modeling. The speakers will touch on the unique advantages and benefits in terms of efficiency, mitigating bias, managing uncertainty, aligning decision-making teams, and increasing decision speed. They will also explain how the synchronous and asynchronous elements work together and leverage the complementary roles of the client organization and the external consultant.

While the presentation will be based on specific examples, the speakers will pay special attention to calling out the parallels and analogies that make the process and lessons learned applicable to virtually all forms of complex, multi-stakeholder problems, regardless of industry or geography. Throughout, they will highlight how Game Theory-based decision-making fundamentally aligns with and supports Decision Quality (DQ).

MEET OUR PRESENTERS:

Christa Roemkens

Christa brings over 30 years of oil and gas experience, first with Royal Dutch Shell and now with Chevron. For the past two decades, she’s specialized in decision analysis, supporting billion-dollar capital projects, strategic studies, portfolio modeling, and business improvement initiatives. Her current role focuses on developing Chevron’s decision analysis training strategy and ensuring teams have the right skills to deliver high-quality decisions. Outside of work, Christa wrangles a Siberian cat, three lively hunting dogs, and three warmblood horses—and recently earned her Class B license to haul the horses cross-country in her custom RV-horse trailer combo.

Dave Debacker

Dave is a strategic leader in the inextricably linked fields of decision-making, strategy, innovation, and collaboration. Formerly a Vice President of Decision Quality, he currently serves in a Strategic Analysis role with Open Options Corporation, the pioneering firm at the forefront of applying Game Theory to strategic decision-making. He is also a faculty member at Wilfrid Laurier University where he teaches Strategy Management and Decision Making in the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics. Having originally joined SDP as a student member and having subsequently completed Stanford's Strategic Decision and Risk Management (SDRM) program, Dave has spent years advancing the profession and creating value through a relentless pursuit of decision excellence.

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