40 research outputs found
Algorithm Engineering in Robust Optimization
Robust optimization is a young and emerging field of research having received
a considerable increase of interest over the last decade. In this paper, we
argue that the the algorithm engineering methodology fits very well to the
field of robust optimization and yields a rewarding new perspective on both the
current state of research and open research directions.
To this end we go through the algorithm engineering cycle of design and
analysis of concepts, development and implementation of algorithms, and
theoretical and experimental evaluation. We show that many ideas of algorithm
engineering have already been applied in publications on robust optimization.
Most work on robust optimization is devoted to analysis of the concepts and the
development of algorithms, some papers deal with the evaluation of a particular
concept in case studies, and work on comparison of concepts just starts. What
is still a drawback in many papers on robustness is the missing link to include
the results of the experiments again in the design
A linear programming based heuristic framework for min-max regret combinatorial optimization problems with interval costs
This work deals with a class of problems under interval data uncertainty,
namely interval robust-hard problems, composed of interval data min-max regret
generalizations of classical NP-hard combinatorial problems modeled as 0-1
integer linear programming problems. These problems are more challenging than
other interval data min-max regret problems, as solely computing the cost of
any feasible solution requires solving an instance of an NP-hard problem. The
state-of-the-art exact algorithms in the literature are based on the generation
of a possibly exponential number of cuts. As each cut separation involves the
resolution of an NP-hard classical optimization problem, the size of the
instances that can be solved efficiently is relatively small. To smooth this
issue, we present a modeling technique for interval robust-hard problems in the
context of a heuristic framework. The heuristic obtains feasible solutions by
exploring dual information of a linearly relaxed model associated with the
classical optimization problem counterpart. Computational experiments for
interval data min-max regret versions of the restricted shortest path problem
and the set covering problem show that our heuristic is able to find optimal or
near-optimal solutions and also improves the primal bounds obtained by a
state-of-the-art exact algorithm and a 2-approximation procedure for interval
data min-max regret problems
Generalizing the Min-Max Regret Criterion using Ordered Weighted Averaging
In decision making under uncertainty, several criteria have been studied to
aggregate the performance of a solution over multiple possible scenarios,
including the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) criterion and min-max regret.
This paper introduces a novel generalization of min-max regret, leveraging the
modeling power of OWA to enable a more nuanced expression of preferences in
handling regret values. This new OWA regret approach is studied both
theoretically and numerically. We derive several properties, including
polynomially solvable and hard cases, and introduce an approximation algorithm.
Through computational experiments using artificial and real-world data, we
demonstrate the advantages of our OWAR method over the conventional min-max
regret approach, alongside the effectiveness of the proposed clustering
heuristics
Minmax regret combinatorial optimization problems with ellipsoidal uncertainty sets
We consider robust counterparts of uncertain combinatorial optimization problems, where the difference to the best possible solution over all scenarios is to be minimized. Such minmax regret problems are typically harder to solve than their nominal, non-robust counterparts. While current literature almost exclusively focuses on simple uncertainty sets that are either finite or hyperboxes, we consider problems with more flexible and realistic ellipsoidal uncertainty sets. We present complexity results for the unconstrained combinatorial optimization problem, the shortest path problem, and the minimum spanning tree problem. To solve such problems, two types of cuts are introduced, and compared in a computational experiment
Contributions to robust and bilevel optimization models for decision-making
Los problemas de optimización combinatorios han sido ampliamente estudiados en la
literatura especializada desde mediados del siglo pasado. No obstante, en las últimas
décadas ha habido un cambio de paradigma en el tratamiento de problemas cada vez
más realistas, en los que se incluyen fuentes de aleatoriedad e incertidumbre en los
datos, múltiples criterios de optimización y múltiples niveles de decisión. Esta tesis
se desarrolla en este contexto. El objetivo principal de la misma es el de construir
modelos de optimización que incorporen aspectos inciertos en los parámetros que
de nen el problema asà como el desarrollo de modelos que incluyan múltiples niveles
de decisión. Para dar respuesta a problemas con incertidumbre usaremos los modelos
Minmax Regret de Optimización Robusta, mientras que las situaciones con múltiples
decisiones secuenciales serán analizadas usando Optimización Binivel.
En los CapÃtulos 2, 3 y 4 se estudian diferentes problemas de decisión bajo incertidumbre
a los que se dará una solución robusta que proteja al decisor minimizando
el máximo regret en el que puede incurrir. El criterio minmax regret analiza el comportamiento
del modelo bajo distintos escenarios posibles, comparando su e ciencia
con la e ciencia óptima bajo cada escenario factible. El resultado es una solución con
una eviciencia lo más próxima posible a la óptima en el conjunto de las posibles realizaciones
de los parámetros desconocidos. En el CapÃtulo 2 se estudia un problema de
diseño de redes en el que los costes, los pares proveedor-cliente y las demandas pueden
ser inciertos, y además se utilizan poliedros para modelar la incertidumbre, permitiendo
de este modo relaciones de dependencia entre los parámetros. En el CapÃtulo
3 se proponen, en el contexto de la secuenciación de tareas o la computación grid,
versiones del problema del camino más corto y del problema del viajante de comercio
en el que el coste de recorrer un arco depende de la posición que este ocupa en el
camino, y además algunos de los parámetros que de nen esta función de costes son
inciertos. La combinación de la dependencia en los costes y la incertidumbre en los
parámetros da lugar a dependencias entre los parámetros desconocidos, que obliga a
modelar los posibles escenarios usando conjuntos más generales que los hipercubos,
habitualmente utilizados en este contexto. En este capÃtulo, usaremos poliedros generales
para este cometido. Para analizar este primer bloque de aplicaciones, en el CapÃtulo 4, se analiza un modelo de optimización en el que el conjunto de posibles
escenarios puede ser alterado mediante la realización de inversiones en el sistema.
En los problemas estudiados en este primer bloque, cada decisión factible es evaluada
en base a la reacción más desfavorable que pueda darse en el sistema. En los
CapÃtulos 5 y 6 seguiremos usando esta idea pero ahora se supondrá que esa reacción
a la decisión factible inicial está en manos de un adversario o follower. Estos dos
capÃtulos se centran en el estudio de diferentes modelos binivel. La Optimización
Binivel aborda problemas en los que existen dos niveles de decisión, con diferentes
decisores en cada uno ellos y la decisión se toma de manera jerárquica. En concreto,
en el CapÃtulo 5 se estudian distintos modelos de jación de precios en el contexto
de selección de carteras de valores, en los que el intermediario nanciero, que se
convierte en decisor, debe jar los costes de invertir en determinados activos y el
inversor debe seleccionar su cartera de acuerdo a distintos criterios. Finalmente, en
el CapÃtulo 6 se estudia un problema de localización en el que hay distintos decisores,
con intereses contrapuestos, que deben determinar secuencialmente la ubicación de
distintas localizaciones. Este modelo de localización binivel se puede aplicar en contextos
como la localización de servicios no deseados o peligrosos (plantas de reciclaje,
centrales térmicas, etcétera) o en problemas de ataque-defensa.
Todos estos modelos se abordan mediante el uso de técnicas de Programación
Matemática. De cada uno de ellos se analizan algunas de sus propiedades y se desarrollan
formulaciones y algoritmos, que son examinados también desde el punto de
vista computacional. Además, se justica la validez de los modelos desde un enfoque
de las aplicaciones prácticas. Los modelos presentados en esta tesis comparten la
peculiaridad de requerir resolver distintos problemas de optimización encajados.Combinatorial optimization problems have been extensively studied in the specialized
literature since the mid-twentieth century. However, in recent decades, there
has been a paradigm shift to the treatment of ever more realistic problems, which
include sources of randomness and uncertainty in the data, multiple optimization
criteria and multiple levels of decision. This thesis concerns the development of such
concepts. Our objective is to study optimization models that incorporate uncertainty
elements in the parameters de ning the model, as well as the development of
optimization models integrating multiple decision levels. In order to consider problems
under uncertainty, we use Minmax Regret models from Robust Optimization;
whereas the multiplicity and hierarchy in the decision levels is addressed using Bilevel
Optimization.
In Chapters 2, 3 and 4, we study di erent decision problems under uncertainty
to which we give a robust solution that protects the decision-maker minimizing the
maximum regret that may occur. This robust criterion analyzes the performance
of the system under multiple possible scenarios, comparing its e ciency with the
optimum one under each feasible scenario. We obtain, as a result, a solution whose
e ciency is as close as possible to the optimal one in the set of feasible realizations
of the uncertain parameters. In Chapter 2, we study a network design problem in
which the costs, the pairs supplier-customer, and the demands can take uncertain
values. Furthermore, the uncertainty in the parameters is modeled via polyhedral
sets, thereby allowing relationships among the uncertain parameters. In Chapter
3, we propose time-dependent versions of the shortest path and traveling salesman
problems in which the costs of traversing an arc depends on the relative position
that the arc occupies in the path. Moreover, we assume that some of the parameters
de ning these costs can be uncertain. These models can be applied in the context of
task sequencing or grid computing. The incorporation of time-dependencies together
with uncertainties in the parameters gives rise to dependencies among the uncertain
parameters, which require modeling the possible scenarios using more general sets
than hypercubes, normally used in this context. In this chapter, we use general
polyhedral sets with this purpose. To nalize this rst block of applications, in Chapter 4, we analyze an optimization model in which the set of possible scenarios
can be modi ed by making some investments in the system.
In the problems studied in this rst block, each feasible decision is evaluated
based on the most unfavorable possible reaction of the system. In Chapters 5 and
6, we will still follow this idea, but assuming that the reaction to the initial feasible
decision will be held by a follower or an adversary, instead of assuming the most
unfavorable one. These two chapters are focused on the study of some bilevel models.
Bilevel Optimization addresses optimization problems with multiple decision
levels, di erent decision-makers in each level and a hierarchical decision order. In
particular, in Chapter 5, we study some price setting problems in the context of
portfolio selection. In these problems, the nancial intermediary becomes a decisionmaker
and sets the transaction costs for investing in some securities, and the investor
chooses her portfolio according to di erent criteria. Finally, in Chapter 6, we study
a location problem with several decision-makers and opposite interests, that must
set, sequentially, some location points. This bilevel location model can be applied
in practical applications such as the location of semi-obnoxious facilities (power or
electricity plants, waste dumps, etc.) or interdiction problems.
All these models are stated from a Mathematical Programming perspective, analyzing
their properties and developing formulations and algorithms, that are tested
from a computational point of view. Furthermore, we pay special attention to justifying
the validity of the models from the practical applications point of view. The
models presented in this thesis share the characteristic of involving the resolution of
nested optimization problems.Premio Extraordinario de Doctorado U
On scenario aggregation to approximate robust combinatorial optimization problems
As most robust combinatorial min–max and min–max regret problems with discrete uncertainty sets are NP-hard, research in approximation algorithm and approximability bounds has been a fruitful area of recent work. A simple and well-known approximation algorithm is the midpoint method, where one takes the average over all scenarios, and solves a problem of nominal type. Despite its simplicity, this method still gives the best-known bound on a wide range of problems, such as robust shortest path or robust assignment problems. In this paper, we present a simple extension of the midpoint method based on scenario aggregation, which improves the current best K-approximation result to an (εK)(εK) -approximation for any desired ε>0ε>0 . Our method can be applied to min–max as well as min–max regret problems