Deterministic solution approach for some classes of nonlinear multilevel programs with multiple followers

In this paper we investigate multilevel programming problems with multiple followers in each hierarchical decision level. It is known that such type of problems are highly non-convex and hard to solve. A solution algorithm have been proposed by reformulating the given multilevel program with multiple followers at each level that share common resources into its equivalent multilevel program having single follower at each decision level. Even though, the reformulated multilevel optimization problem may contain non-convex terms at the objective functions at each level of the decision hierarchy, we applied multi-parametric branch-and-bound algorithm to solve the resulting problem that has polyhedral constraints. The solution procedure is implemented and tested for a variety of illustrative examples.     

Parametric global optimisation for bilevel programming

We propose a global optimisation approach for the solution of various classes of bilevel programming problems (BLPP) based on recently developed parametric programming algorithms. We first describe how we can recast and solve the inner (follower’s) problem of the bilevel formulation as a multi-parametric programming problem, with parameters being the (unknown) variables of the outer (leader’s) problem. By inserting the obtained rational reaction sets in the upper level problem the overall problem is transformed into a set of independent quadratic, linear or mixed integer linear programming problems, which can be solved to global optimality. In particular, we solve bilevel quadratic and bilevel mixed integer linear problems, with or without right-hand-side uncertainty. A number of examples are presented to illustrate the steps and details of the proposed global optimisation strategy.     

A multi-parametric programming approach for constrained dynamic programming problems

In this work, we present a new algorithm for solving complex multi-stage optimization problems involving hard constraints and uncertainties, based on dynamic and multi-parametric programming techniques. Each echelon of the dynamic programming procedure, typically employed in the context of multi-stage optimization models, is interpreted as a multi-parametric optimization problem, with the present states and future decision variables being the parameters, while the present decisions the corresponding optimization variables. This reformulation significantly reduces the dimension of the original problem, essentially to a set of lower dimensional multi-parametric programs, which are sequentially solved. Furthermore, the use of sensitivity analysis circumvents non-convexities that naturally arise in constrained dynamic programming problems. The potential application of the proposed novel framework to robust constrained optimal control is highlighted.     

Multilevel Refinement for Combinatorial Optimisation Problems

We consider the multilevel paradigm and its potential to aid the solution of combinatorial optimisation problems. The multilevel paradigm is a simple one, which involves recursive coarsening to create a hierarchy of approximations to the original problem. An initial solution is found (sometimes for the original problem, sometimes the coarsest) and then iteratively refined at each level. As a general solution strategy, the multilevel paradigm has been in use for many years and has been applied to many problem areas (most notably in the form of multigrid techniques). However, with the exception of the graph partitioning problem, multilevel techniques have not been widely applied to combinatorial optimisation problems. In this paper we address the issue of multilevel refinement for such problems and, with the aid of examples and results in graph partitioning, graph colouring and the travelling salesman problem, make a case for its use as a metaheuristic. The results provide compelling evidence that, although the multilevel framework cannot be considered as a panacea for combinatorial problems, it can provide an extremely useful addition to the combinatorial optimisation toolkit. We also give a possible explanation for the underlying process and extract some generic guidelines for its future use on other combinatorial problems.     

Bandwidth packing problem with queueing delays: modelling and exact solution approach

In this paper we develop a general but smooth global optimization strategy for nonlinear multilevel programming problems with polyhedral constraints. At each decision level successive convex relaxations are applied over the non-convex terms in combination with a multi-parametric programming approach. The proposed algorithm reaches the approximate global optimum in a finite number of steps through the successive subdivision of the optimization variables that contribute to the non-convexity of the problem and partitioning of the parameter space. The method is implemented and tested for a variety of bilevel, trilevel and fifth level problems which have non-convexity formulation at their inner levels.     

Two theorems on multilevel programming problems with dominated objective functions

In this paper, we present two theorems on the structure of a type of multilevel programming problems. The theorems explore relations among a multilevel programming problem, a dynamical programming, and a nonlinear programming problem.     

Global optimization of multi-parametric MILP problems

In this paper, we present a novel global optimisation approach for the general solution of multi-parametric mixed integer linear programs (mp-MILPs). We describe an optimisation procedure which iterates between a (master) mixed integer nonlinear program and a (slave) multi-parametric program. Moreover, we explain how to overcome the presence of bilinearities, responsible for the non-convexity of the multi-parametric program, in two classes of mp-MILPs, with (i) varying parameters in the objective function and (ii) simultaneous presence of varying parameters in the objective function and the right-hand side of the constraints. Examples are provided to illustrate the solution steps.     

Coradiant sets and $$\varepsilon $$-efficiency in multiobjective optimization

In multi-parametric programming an optimization problem is solved as a function of certain parameters, where the parameters are commonly considered to be bounded and continuous. In this paper, we use the case of strictly convex multi-parametric quadratic programming (mp-QP) problems with affine constraints to investigate problems where these conditions are not met. Based on the combinatorial solution approach for mp-QP problems featuring bounded and continuous parameters, we show that (i) for unbounded parameters, it is possible to obtain the multi-parametric solution if there exists one realization of the parameters for which the optimization problem can be solved and (ii) for binary parameters, we present the equivalent mixed-integer formulations for the application of the combinatorial algorithm. These advances are combined into a new, generalized version of the combinatorial algorithm for mp-QP problems, which enables the solution of problems featuring both unbounded and binary parameters. This novel approach is applied to mixed-integer bilevel optimization problems and the parametric solution of the dual of a convex problem.     

On the global solution of multi-parametric mixed integer linear programming problems

This paper deals with the global solution of the general multi-parametric mixed integer linear programming problem with uncertainty in the entries of the constraint matrix, the right-hand side vector, and in the coefficients of the objective function. To derive the piecewise affine globally optimal solution, the steps of a multi-parametric branch-and-bound procedure are outlined, where McCormick-type relaxations of bilinear terms are employed to construct suitable multi-parametric under- and overestimating problems. The alternative of embedding novel piecewise affine relaxations of bilinear terms in the proposed algorithmic procedure is also discussed.     

A branch and bound network approach to the canonical constrained entropy problem

In this paper, we present a branch and bound algorithm for solving the constrained entropy mathematical programming problem. Unlike other methods for solving this problem, our method solves more general problems with inequality constraints. The advantage of the proposed technique is that the relaxed problem solved at each node is a singly constrained network problem. The disadvantage is that the relaxed problem has twice as many variables as the original problem. An application to regional planning is given, and an example problem is solved.     

Fuzzy goal programming approach to multilevel programming problems

The purpose of this paper is to propose a procedure for solving multilevel programming problems in a large hierarchical decentralized organization through linear fuzzy goal programming approach. Here, the tolerance membership functions for the fuzzily described objectives of all levels as well as the control vectors of the higher level decision makers are defined by determining individual optimal solution of each of the level decision makers. Since the objectives are potentially conflicting in nature, a possible relaxation of the higher level decision is considered for avoiding decision deadlock. Then fuzzy goal programming approach is used for achieving highest degree of each of the membership goals by minimizing negative deviational variables. Sensitivity analysis with variation of tolerance values on decision vectors is performed to present how the solution is sensitive to the change of tolerance values. The efficiency of our concept is ascertained by comparing results with other fuzzy programming approaches.     

On multilevel iterative methods for optimization problems

This paper is concerned with multilevel iterative methods which combine a descent scheme with a hierarchy of auxiliary problems in lower dimensional subspaces. The construction of auxiliary problems as well as applications to elasto-plastic model and linear programming are described. The auxiliary problem for the dual of a perturbed linear program is interpreted as a dual of perturbed aggregated linear program. Coercivity of the objective function over the feasible set is sufficient for the boundedness of the iterates. Equivalents of this condition are presented in special cases.Supported by NSF under grant DMS-8704169, AFOSR under grant 86-0126, and ONR under Contract N00014-83-K-0104. Consulting for American Airlines Decision Technologies, MD 2C55, P.O. Box 619616, DFW, TX 75261-9616, USA.Supported by NSF under grant DMS-8704169 and AFOSR under grant 86-0126.     

Multi-objective integer programming: A general approach for generating all non-dominated solutions

In this paper we develop a general approach to generate all non-dominated solutions of the multi-objective integer programming (MOIP) Problem. Our approach, which is based on the identification of objective efficiency ranges, is an improvement over classical ε-constraint method. Objective efficiency ranges are identified by solving simpler MOIP problems with fewer objectives. We first provide the classical ε-constraint method on the bi-objective integer programming problem for the sake of completeness and comment on its efficiency. Then present our method on tri-objective integer programming problem and then extend it to the general MOIP problem with k objectives. A numerical example considering tri-objective assignment problem is also provided.     

Stable zero duality gaps in convex programming: Complete dual characterisations with applications to semidefinite programs

The zero duality gap that underpins the duality theory is one of the central ingredients in optimisation. In convex programming, it means that the optimal values of a given convex program and its associated dual program are equal. It allows, in particular, the development of efficient numerical schemes. However, the zero duality gap property does not always hold even for finite-dimensional problems and it frequently fails for problems with non-polyhedral constraints such as the ones in semidefinite programming problems. Over the years, various criteria have been developed ensuring zero duality gaps for convex programming problems. In the present work, we take a broader view of the zero duality gap property by allowing it to hold for each choice of linear perturbation of the objective function of the given problem. Globalising the property in this way permits us to obtain complete geometric dual characterisations of a stable zero duality gap in terms of epigraphs and conjugate functions. For convex semidefinite programs, we establish necessary and sufficient dual conditions for stable zero duality gaps, as well as for a universal zero duality gap in the sense that the zero duality gap property holds for each choice of constraint right-hand side and convex objective function. Zero duality gap results for second-order cone programming problems are also given. Our approach makes use of elegant conjugate analysis and Fenchel's duality.     

线性多级规划的最优性条件和基本性质

本文研究的线性多级规划模型比较一般化，容许集可以是无界的，每级的目标函数可以与各下级控制的决策变量有关．我们得到了这类多级规划的一组最优性充要条件，利用这组条件推导了各级可行集的弱拟凸性、连通性等几何性质．作为应用订正了Bard的一个例题．     

Optimality Conditions and Geometric Properties of a Linear Multilevel Programming Problem with Dominated Objective Functions

In this paper, a model of a linear multilevel programming problem with dominated objective functions (LMPPD(l)) is proposed, where multiple reactions of the lower levels do not lead to any uncertainty in the upper-level decision making. Under the assumption that the constrained set is nonempty and bounded, a necessary optimality condition is obtained. Two types of geometric properties of the solution sets are studied. It is demonstrated that the feasible set of LMPPD(l) is neither necessarily composed of faces of the constrained set nor necessarily connected. These properties are different from the existing theoretical results for linear multilevel programming problems.     

关于二层规划的逼近问题

下层问题以上层决策变量作为参数,而上层是以下层问题的最优值作为响应 的一类最优化问题——二层规划问题。我们给出了由一系列此类二层规划去逼近原二层规划的逼近法,得到了这种逼近的一些有趣的结果.     

Developments in linear and integer programming

In this review we describe recent developments in linear and integer (linear) programming. For over 50 years Operational Research practitioners have made use of linear optimisation models to aid decision making and over this period the size of problems that can be solved has increased dramatically, the time required to solve problems has decreased substantially and the flexibility of modelling and solving systems has increased steadily. Large models are no longer confined to large computers, and the flexibility of optimisation systems embedded in other decision support tools has made on-line decision making using linear programming a reality (and using integer programming a possibility). The review focuses on recent developments in algorithms, software and applications and investigates some connections between linear optimisation and other technologies.     

On the Pironneau-Polak method of centers

The method of centers is a well-known method for solving nonlinear programming problems having inequality constraints. Pironneau and Polak have recently presented a new version of this method. In the new method, the direction of search is obtained, at each iteration, by solving a convex quadratic programming problem. This direction finding subprocedure is essentially insensitive to the dimension of the space on which the problem is defined. Moreover, the method of Pironneau and Polak is known to converge linearly for finite-dimensional convex programs for which the objective function has a positive-definite Hessian near the solution (and for which the functions involved are twice continuously differentiable). In the present paper, the method and a completely implementable version of it are shown to converge linearly for a very general class of finite-dimensional problems; the class is determined by a second-order sufficiency condition and includes both convex and nonconvex problems. The arguments employed here are based on the indirect sufficiency method of Hestenes. Furthermore, the arguments can be modified to prove linear convergence for a certain class of infinite-dimensional convex problems, thus providing an answer to a conjecture made by Pironneau and Polak.     

Theoretical and algorithmic advances in multi-parametric programming and control

This paper presents an overview of recent theoretical and algorithmic advances, and applications in the areas of multi-parametric programming and explicit/multi-parametric model predictive control (mp-MPC). In multi-parametric programming, advances include areas such as nonlinear multi-parametric programming (mp-NLP), bi-level programming, dynamic programming and global optimization for multi-parametric mixed-integer linear programming problems (mp-MILPs). In multi-parametric/explicit MPC (mp-MPC), advances include areas such as robust multi-parametric control, multi-parametric nonlinear MPC (mp-NMPC) and model reduction in mp-MPC. A comprehensive framework for multi-parametric programming and control is also presented. Recent applications include a hydrogen storage device, a fuel cell power generation system, an unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAV) and a hybrid pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system.