Efficient Management of Multiple Sets to Extract Complex Structures from Mathematical Programs

Most of the applied models written with an algebraic modeling language involve simultaneously several dimensions such as materials, location, time or uncertainty. The information about dimensions available in the algebraic formulation is usually sufficient to retrieve different block structures from mathematical programs. These structured problems can then be solved by adequate solution techniques. To illustrate this idea we focus on stochastic programming problems with recourse. Taking into account both time and uncertainty dimensions of these problems, we are able to retrieve different customized structures in their constraint matrices. We applied the Structure Exploiting Tool to retrieve the structure from models built with the GAMS modeling language. The underlying mathematical programs are solved with the decomposition algorithm that applies interior point methods. The optimization algorithm is run in a sequential and in a parallel computing environment.     

Synchronous approach in interactive multiobjective optimization

We introduce a new approach in the methodology development for interactive multiobjective optimization. The presentation is given in the context of the interactive NIMBUS method, where the solution process is based on the classification of objective functions. The idea is to formulate several scalarizing functions, all using the same preference information of the decision maker. Thus, opposed to fixing one scalarizing function (as is done in most methods), we utilize several scalarizing functions in a synchronous way. This means that we as method developers do not make the choice between different scalarizing functions but calculate the results of different scalarizing functions and leave the final decision to the expert, the decision maker. Simultaneously, (s)he obtains a better view of the solutions corresponding to her/his preferences expressed once during each iteration.In this paper, we describe a synchronous variant of the NIMBUS method. In addition, we introduce a new version of its implementation WWW-NIMBUS operating on the Internet. WWW-NIMBUS is a software system capable of solving even computationally demanding nonlinear problems. The new version of WWW-NIMBUS can handle versatile types of multiobjective optimization problems and includes new desirable features increasing its user-friendliness.     

Improving the computational efficiency in a global formulation (GLIDE) for interactive multiobjective optimization

In this paper, we present a new general formulation for multiobjective optimization that can accommodate several interactive methods of different types (regarding various types of preference information required from the decision maker). This formulation provides a comfortable implementation framework for a general interactive system and allows the decision maker to conveniently apply several interactive methods in one solution process. In other words, the decision maker can at each iteration of the solution process choose how to give preference information to direct the interactive solution process, and the formulation enables changing the type of preferences, that is, the method used, whenever desired. The first general formulation, GLIDE, included eight interactive methods utilizing four types of preferences. Here we present an improved version where we pay special attention to the computational efficiency (especially significant for large and complex problems), by eliminating some constraints and parameters of the original formulation. To be more specific, we propose two new formulations, depending on whether the multiobjective optimization problem to be considered is differentiable or not. Some computational tests are reported showing improvements in all cases. The generality of the new improved formulations is supported by the fact that they can accommodate six interactive methods more, that is, a total of fourteen interactive methods, just by adjusting parameter values.     

Asymptotic analysis in convex composite multiobjective optimization problems

In this paper, we present a unified approach for studying convex composite multiobjective optimization problems via asymptotic analysis. We characterize the nonemptiness and compactness of the weak Pareto optimal solution sets for a convex composite multiobjective optimization problem. Then, we employ the obtained results to propose a class of proximal-type methods for solving the convex composite multiobjective optimization problem, and carry out their convergence analysis under some mild conditions.     

Multiple reduced gradient method for multiobjective optimization problems

Multiobjective optimization has a large number of real-life applications. Under this motivation, in this paper, we present a new method for solving multiobjective optimization problems with both linear constraints and bound constraints on the variables. This method extends, to the multiobjective setting, the classical reduced gradient method for scalar-valued optimization. The proposed algorithm generates a feasible descent direction by solving an appropriate quadratic subproblem, without the use of any scalarization approaches. We prove that the sequence generated by the algorithm converges to Pareto-critical points of the problem. We also present some numerical results to show the efficiency of the proposed method.     

Stochastic MOLP with Incomplete Information: An Interactive Approach with Recourse

Numerous multiobjective linear programming (MOLP) methods have been proposed in the last two decades, but almost all for contexts where the parameters of problems are deterministic. However, in many real situations, parameters of a stochastic nature arise. In this paper, we suppose that the decision-maker is confronted with a situation of partial uncertainty where he possesses incomplete information about the stochastic parameters of the problem, this information allowing him to specify only the limits of variation of these parameters and eventually their central values. For such situations, we propose a multiobjective stochastic linear programming methodology; it implies the transformation of the stochastic objective functions and constraints in order to obtain an equivalent deterministic MOLP problem and the solving of this last problem by an interactive approach derived from the STEM method. Our methodology is illustrated by a didactical example.     

一种改进的GDF多目标优化算法

本文提出一种交互式非线性多目标优化算法，该算法是ＧＤＦ多目标优化算法的改进，具有这样的特点：算法采用了既约设计空间策略，具有良好的收敛性；算法生成的迭代点是有效解；算法具有多种一维搜索准则；对于线性多目标问题，算法只需一次交互迭代即可示出多目标问题的最优解。     

A Goal Programming model of the reference point method

Real-life decision problems are usually so complex they cannot be modeled with a single objective function, thus creating a need for clear and efficient techniques of handling multiple criteria to support the decision process. The most commonly used technique is Goal Programming. It is clear and appealing, but in the case of multiobjective optimization problems strongly criticized due to its noncompliance with the efficiency (Pareto-optimality) principle. On the other hand, the reference point method, although using similar control parameters as Goal Programming, always generates efficient solutions. In this paper, we show how the reference point method can be modeled within the Goal Programming methodology. It allows us to simplify implementations of the reference point method as well as shows how Goal Programming with relaxation of some traditional assumptions can be extended to a multiobjective optimization technique meeting the efficiency principle.     

Reformulation versus cutting-planes for robust optimization

Robust optimization (RO) is a tractable method to address uncertainty in optimization problems where uncertain parameters are modeled as belonging to uncertainty sets that are commonly polyhedral or ellipsoidal. The two most frequently described methods in the literature for solving RO problems are reformulation to a deterministic optimization problem or an iterative cutting-plane method. There has been limited comparison of the two methods in the literature, and there is no guidance for when one method should be selected over the other. In this paper we perform a comprehensive computational study on a variety of problem instances for both robust linear optimization (RLO) and robust mixed-integer optimization (RMIO) problems using both methods and both polyhedral and ellipsoidal uncertainty sets. We consider multiple variants of the methods and characterize the various implementation decisions that must be made. We measure performance with multiple metrics and use statistical techniques to quantify certainty in the results. We find for polyhedral uncertainty sets that neither method dominates the other, in contrast to previous results in the literature. For ellipsoidal uncertainty sets we find that the reformulation is better for RLO problems, but there is no dominant method for RMIO problems. Given that there is no clearly dominant method, we describe a hybrid method that solves, in parallel, an instance with both the reformulation method and the cutting-plane method. We find that this hybrid approach can reduce runtimes to 50–75 % of the runtime for any one method and suggest ways that this result can be achieved and further improved on.     

Multiple subgradient descent bundle method for convex nonsmooth multiobjective optimization

The aim of this paper is to propose a new multiple subgradient descent bundle method for solving unconstrained convex nonsmooth multiobjective optimization problems. Contrary to many existing multiobjective optimization methods, our method treats the objective functions as they are without employing a scalarization in a classical sense. The main idea of this method is to find descent directions for every objective function separately by utilizing the proximal bundle approach, and then trying to form a common descent direction for every objective function. In addition, we prove that the method is convergent and it finds weakly Pareto optimal solutions. Finally, some numerical experiments are considered.     

Interactive algorithm for multiobjective optimization

A man-machine interactive algorithm is given for solving multiobjective optimization problems involving one decision maker. The algorithm, a modification of the Frank-Wolfe steepest ascent method, gives at each iteration a significant freedom and ease for the decision-maker's self-expression, and requires a minimal information on his local estimate of the steepest-ascent direction. The convergence of the iterative algorithm is proved under natural assumptions on the convergence and stability of the basic Frank-Wolfe algorithm.     

Nonlinear and Geometric Programming – Current Status

Great strides have been made in nonlinear programming (NLP) in the last 5 years. In smooth NLP, there are now several reliable and efficient codes capable of solving large problems. Most of these implement GRG or SQP methods, and new software using interior point algorithms is under development. NLP software is now much easier to use, as it is interfaced with many modeling systems, including MSC/NASTRAN, and ANSYS for structural problems, GAMS and AMPL for general optimization, Matlab and Mathcad for general mathematical problems, and the widely used Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. For mixed integer problems, branch and bound and outer approximation codes are now available and are coupled to some of the above modeling systems, while search methods like Tabu Search and Genetic algorithms permit combinatorial, nonsmooth, and nonconvex problems to be attacked.     

基于较优方案最大区别度的组合权重赋值法

现有多方案决策中的指标权重计算方法可能产生评价结果中较优方案不突出的难题,进而提出了一种新的方法——基于较优方案最大区别度的组合权重赋值法.方法可根据方案间区别度最大的原则将主观赋权法和客观赋权法中所确定的指标权重进行集结,综合考量待评方案,并建立多方案决策结果最大化和决策结果间方差最大化非线性优化模型,采用理想点法对具体的多目标规划问题进行求解.方法的运用有利于扩大备选方案之间的差距,进而突出较优方案,最后通过实例说明了该方法的优越性.     

Multiobjective optimization in a pseudometric objective space as applied to a general model of business activities

It is shown that finding the equivalence set for solving multiobjective discrete optimization problems is advantageous over finding the set of Pareto optimal decisions. An example of a set of key parameters characterizing the economic efficiency of a commercial firm is proposed, and a mathematical model of its activities is constructed. In contrast to the classical problem of finding the maximum profit for any business, this study deals with a multiobjective optimization problem. A method for solving inverse multiobjective problems in a multidimensional pseudometric space is proposed for finding the best project of firm’s activities. The solution of a particular problem of this type is presented.     

A software framework based on a conceptual unified model for evolutionary multiobjective optimization: ParadisEO-MOEO

This paper presents a general-purpose software framework dedicated to the design and the implementation of evolutionary multiobjective optimization techniques: ParadisEO-MOEO. A concise overview of evolutionary algorithms for multiobjective optimization is given. A substantial number of methods has been proposed so far, and an attempt of conceptually unifying existing approaches is presented here. Based on a fine-grained decomposition and following the main issues of fitness assignment, diversity preservation and elitism, a conceptual model is proposed and is validated by regarding a number of state-of-the-art algorithms as simple variants of the same structure. This model is then incorporated into the ParadisEO-MOEO software framework. This framework has proven its validity and high flexibility by enabling the resolution of many academic, real-world and hard multiobjective optimization problems.     

求群体多目标决策问题的一种可行方向交互算法

对于群体多目标决策问题,决策者可以各自的关于目标之间的权衡比表达其偏爱信息并进行决策.当个体权衡比具有加性性质时可得群体权衡比.本文以此构造一种求解群体非线性规划问题的交互算法.迭代中基于求解决非线性规划的Topkis-Veinott方法构造可行方向.在一定的条件下,算法收敛于所讨论问题的群体满意解.     

An interactive fuzzy satisficing method for multiobjective nonconvex programming problems through floating point genetic algorithms

In this paper, we focus on multiobjective nonconvex nonlinear programming problems and present an interactive fuzzy satisficing method through floating point genetic algorithms. After determining the fuzzy goals of the decision maker, if the decision maker specifies the reference membership values, the corresponding Pareto optimal solution can be obtained by solving the augmented minimax problems for which the floating point genetic algorithm, called GENOCOP III, is applicable. In order to overcome the drawbacks of GENOCOP III, we propose the revised GENOCOP III by introducing a method for generating an initial feasible point and a bisection method for generating a new feasible point efficiently. Then an interactive fuzzy satisficing method for deriving a satisficing solution for the decision maker efficiently from a Pareto optimal solution set is presented together with an illustrative numerical example.     

A class of multiobjective linear programming models with random rough coefficients

In the present paper, we concentrate on dealing with a class of multiobjective programming problems with random rough coefficients. We first discuss how to turn a constrained model with random rough variables into crisp equivalent models. Then an interactive algorithm which is similar to the interactive fuzzy satisfying method is introduced to obtain the decision maker’s satisfying solution. In addition, the technique of random rough simulation is applied to deal with general random rough objective functions and random rough constraints which are usually hard to convert into their crisp equivalents. Furthermore, combined with the techniques of random rough simulation, a genetic algorithm using the compromise approach is designed for solving a random rough multiobjective programming problem. Finally, illustrative examples are given in order to show the application of the proposed models and algorithms.     

Generalized viscosity approximation methods in multiobjective optimization problems

In this paper, we consider an extend-valued nonsmooth multiobjective optimization problem of finding weak Pareto optimal solutions. We propose a class of vector-valued generalized viscosity approximation method for solving the problem. Under some conditions, we prove that any sequence generated by this method converges to a weak Pareto optimal solution of the multiobjective optimization problem.     

Robust optimization for interactive multiobjective programming with imprecise information applied to R&D project portfolio selection

A multiobjective binary integer programming model for R&D project portfolio selection with competing objectives is developed when problem coefficients in both objective functions and constraints are uncertain. Robust optimization is used in dealing with uncertainty while an interactive procedure is used in making tradeoffs among the multiple objectives. Robust nondominated solutions are generated by solving the linearized counterpart of the robust augmented weighted Tchebycheff programs. A decision maker’s most preferred solution is identified in the interactive robust weighted Tchebycheff procedure by progressively eliciting and incorporating the decision maker’s preference information into the solution process. An example is presented to illustrate the solution approach and performance. The developed approach can also be applied to general multiobjective mixed integer programming problems.