Introducing Multi-level Options to the Graph Model of Conflict Resolution

An expansion to the options structure is proposed to make the option-based graph model for conflict resolution more explicitly expressive of reality. The suggested improvement provides an opportunity to replace binary (on or off) options with multi-level options, wherein the decision maker (DM) selects one out of more than two distinct levels. The new approach simplifies the representation of conflicts and facilitates the understanding of their evolution by showing, in bargaining for example, outcomes that involve partial achievement of a DM's objectives. The preferences of decision makers can now be related to the possibility of tradeoffs between (or among) options.