On Two Vectorization Schemes for Set-valued Optimization

In this paper, we investigate two known solution approaches for set-valued optimization problems, both of which are based on so-called vectorization strategies. These strategies consist of deriving a parametric family of multi-objective optimization problems whose optimal solution sets approximate those of the original set-valued problem with arbitrary accuracy in a certain sense. Thus, these approaches … Read more

SMOP: Stochastic trust region method for multi-objective problems

The problem considered is a multi-objective optimization problem, in which the goal is to find an optimal value of a vector function representing various criteria. The aim of this work is to develop an algorithm which utilizes the trust region framework with probabilistic model functions, able to cope with noisy problems, using inaccurate functions and … Read more

New Nonlinear Conjugate Gradient Methods with Guaranteed Descent for Multi-Objective Optimization

In this article, we present several examples of special nonlinear conjugate gradient directions for nonlinear (non-convex) multi-objective optimization. These directions provide a descent direction for the objectives, independent of the line-search. This way, we can provide an algorithm with simple, Armijo-like backtracking and prove convergence to first-order critical points. In contrast to other popular conjugate … Read more

Reduction from the partition problem: Dynamic lot sizing problem with polynomial complexity

In this note, we polynomially reduce an instance of the partition problem to a dynamic lot sizing problem, and show that solving the latter problem solves the former problem.  By solving the dynamic programming formulation of the dynamic lot sizing problem, we show that the instance of the partition problem can be solved with pseudo-polynomial … Read more

A Generalized Voting Game for Categorical Network Choices

This paper presents a game-theoretical framework for data classification and network discovery, focusing on pairwise influences in multivariate choices. The framework consists of two complementary games in which individuals, connected through a signed weighted graph, exhibit network similarity. A voting rule captures the influence of an individual’s neighbors, categorized as attractive (friend-like) or repulsive (enemy-like), … Read more

Guaranteed bounds for optimal stopping problems using kernel-based non-asymptotic uniform confidence bands

In this paper, we introduce an approach for obtaining probabilistically guaranteed upper and lower bounds on the true optimal value of stopping problems. Bounds of existing simulation-and-regression approaches, such as those based on least squares Monte Carlo and information relaxation, are stochastic in nature and therefore do not come with a finite sample guarantee. Our … Read more

Decision-focused predictions via pessimistic bilevel optimization: complexity and algorithms

Dealing with uncertainty in optimization parameters is an important and longstanding challenge. Typically, uncertain parameters are predicted accurately, and then a deterministic optimization problem is solved. However, the decisions produced by this so-called predict-then-optimize procedure can be highly sensitive to uncertain parameters. In this work, we contribute to recent efforts in producing decision-focused predictions, i.e., to … Read more

A Branch-and-Price-and-Cut Algorithm for Discrete Network Design Problems Under Traffic Equilibrium

This study addresses discrete network design problems under traffic equilibrium conditions or DNDPs. Given a network and a budget, DNDPs aim to model all-or-nothing decisions such as link addition to minimize network congestion effects. Congestion is measured using traffic equilibrium theory where link travel times are modeled as convex flow-dependent functions and where users make … Read more

Universal nonmonotone line search method for nonconvex multiobjective optimization problems with convex constraints

In this work we propose a general nonmonotone line-search method for nonconvex multi-objective optimization problems with convex constraints. At the \(k\)th iteration, the degree of nonmonotonicity is controlled by a vector \(\nu_{k}\) with nonnegative components. Different choices for \(\nu_{k}\) lead to different nonmonotone step-size rules. Assuming that the sequence \(\left\{\nu_{k}\right\}_{k\geq 0}\) is summable, and that … Read more

Gradient Methods with Online Scaling

We introduce a framework to accelerate the convergence of gradient-based methods with online learning. The framework learns to scale the gradient at each iteration through an online learning algorithm and provably accelerates gradient-based methods asymptotically. In contrast with previous literature, where convergence is established based on worst-case analysis, our framework provides a strong convergence guarantee … Read more