**Step II**

Using the maximum entropy principle, initialize *Bi* (*O*0) =1 / *m* as the prior belief of the *i th* variable to be out-of-control. In other words, at the start of the decision-making process all variables have an equal chance of being out-of-control. Set the discount rate*α*, the maximum probability of correct selection when *N* decision making stages remains*V* (*N* ), and the maximum number of decision making stages*N* .
