A Life-Cycle Flexibility Framework for Designing, Evaluating and Managing "Complex" Real Options: Case Studies in Urban Transportation and Aircraft Systems

This dissertation is the culmination of input, work and encouragement of many people that have helped and accompanied me for the years that I have spent at MIT. First, many thanks to my thesis committee. Prof. Joseph Sussman, the committee chair, has provided time, effort, feedback and support continuously throughout the last five years. His dedication to his students and the time and effort he puts into working with each student is impressive and greater than any professor that I have seen in my long academic career as a student. Many thanks to Joe for working with me even through I had no background in transportation systems, and working hard on more than one occasion to ensure that I had the necessary funding and support to continue the dissertation research. Also, thanks to my committee members, Prof. Fred Moavenzadeh and Prof. Richard de Neufville, who have maintained interest in the research and provided excellent feedback on multiple occasions; the final product is stronger due to their help. Thanks also to Prof. Ken Oye, who served on the committee and helped shape the research during the early stages.