Tong Xie

Tong Xie

I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Operations Management at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where I am fortunate to be advised by René Caldentey.

My research focuses on algorithmic markets, platform design, and learning dynamics. I study how platform interventions and algorithmic decision rules influence collusion, stability, and long-run market outcomes. My work combines tools from dynamical systems and stochastic approximation, with applications to online marketplaces and digital platforms. I also have prior work on assortment optimization under consumer choice models.

I hold a B.B.A. in Economics from CUHK(SZ), and an M.Phil. in Industrial Engineering from HKUST, where I am fortunate to be advised by Zizhuo Wang and Ying-Ju Chen.

Google Scholar · CV

Research

Publications

  1. Personalized Pricing and Assortment Optimization Under Consumer Choice Models with Local Network Effects
    with Zizhuo Wang
    Operations Research, 2024

Working Papers

  1. Speed of Intervention in Algorithmic Markets: Controlling Collusion and Stability
    with René Caldentey, Martin Haugh
    Abstract ▼

    We study how platform interventions shape markets with learning algorithms. The effectiveness of intervention depends not only on how strong it is, but also on how fast it is implemented. While intervening too aggressively can destabilize the system, the timing of the intervention also matters. Sudden interventions may induce instability when pushing algorithms out of the "basin of attraction", leading the market into persistent oscillation. Our results show that effective market regulation requires careful design of both intensity and speed.

  2. Intertemporal Order-Flow Allocation for Inventory Control in Two-Sided Platforms
    with René Caldentey
  3. Integrating Choice Overload into Assortment Planning
    with René Caldentey, Srikanth Jagabathula
    Abstract ▼

    Choice overload is widely believed to hurt firms. We show that it can be beneficial. Using IRI data, we uncover a inverted U-shaped relationship between assortment size and brand switching, indicating that larger assortments can discourage switching among high-value consumers. We then develop a parsimonious framework that incorporates choice overload into assortment planning, offering insights into how firms can optimize product offerings while choice overload presents.

  4. Bundling and Pricing Decisions for Ancillary Products
    with René Caldentey

Teaching

Teaching Assistant