We propose robust optimization models and their tractable approximations that cater for ambiguity-averse decision makers whose underlying risk preferences are consistent with constant absolute risk aversion (CARA). Specifically, we focus on maximizing the worst-case expected exponential utility where the underlying uncertainty is generated from a set of stochastically independent factors with ambiguous marginals. To obtain … Read more
Two-level stochastic optimization formulations have become instrumental in a number ofmachine learning contexts such as continual learning, neural architecture search, adversariallearning, and hyperparameter tuning. Practical stochastic bilevel optimization problemsbecome challenging in optimization or learning scenarios where the number of variables ishigh or there are constraints. In this paper, we introduce a bilevel stochastic gradient method … Read more
When the uncertainty is explicitly modeled in an optimization problem, it is often necessary to use samples to compute a solution, which gives rise to a need to compute confidence intervals around the objective function value that is obtained. In this paper we describe software that implements well-known methods for two stage problems and we … Read more
We consider unconstrained stochastic optimization problems with no available gradient information. Such problems arise in settings from derivative-free simulation optimization to reinforcement learning. We propose an adaptive sampling quasi-Newton method where we estimate the gradients of a stochastic function using finite differences within a common random number framework. We develop modified versions of a norm … Read more
We study distributionally robust optimization (DRO) with Sinkhorn distance—a variant of Wasserstein distance based on entropic regularization. We derive convex programming dual reformulation for general nominal distributions, transport costs, and loss functions. Compared with Wasserstein DRO, our proposed approach offers enhanced computational tractability for a broader class of loss functions, and the worst-case distribution exhibits … Read more
We study multistage distributionally robust optimization (DRO) to hedge against ambiguity in quantifying the underlying uncertainty of a problem. Recognizing that not all the realizations and scenario paths might have an “effect” on the optimal value, we investigate the question of how to define and identify critical scenarios for nested multistage DRO problems. Our analysis … Read more
The uncertainty in infusion durations and non-homogeneous care level needs of patients are the critical factors that lead to difficulties in chemotherapy scheduling. We study the problem of scheduling patient appointments and assigning patients to nurses under uncertainty in infusion durations for a given day. We consider instantaneous nurse workload, represented in terms of total … Read more
Preference robust optimization (PRO) has recently been studied to deal with utility based decision making problems under ambiguity in the characterization of the decision maker’s (DM) preference. In this paper, we propose a novel PRO modeling paradigm which combines the stochastic utility theory with distributionally robust optimization technique. Based on the stochastic utility theory, our … Read more
Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a widely used cancer treatment technique designed to target malignant cells. To enhance its effectiveness on tumors and reduce side effects, radiotherapy plans are usually divided into consecutive treatments, or fractions, that are delivered over multiple weeks. However, typical planning approaches have focused on finding the full sequence of … Read more
We analyze a simple randomized subgradient method for approximating solutions to stochastic systems of convex functional constraints, the only input to the algorithm being the size of minibatches. By introducing a new notion of what is meant for a point to approximately solve the constraints, determining bounds on the expected number of iterations reduces to … Read more