Necessary optimality conditions of a D.C. set-valued bilevel optimization problem

In this article, we consider a bilevel vector optimization problem where objective and constraints are set valued maps. Our approach consists of using a support function [1–3,14,15,32] together with the convex separation principle for the study of necessary optimality conditions for D.C. bilevel set-valued optimization problems. We give optimality conditions in terms of the strong subdifferential of a cone-convex set-valued mapping introduced by Baier and Jahn 6 Baier, J and Jahn, J. 1999. On subdifferentials of set-valued maps. J. Optim. Theory Appl., 100: 233–240. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] and the weak subdifferential of a cone-convex set-valued mapping of Sawaragi and Tanino 28 Sawaragi, Y and Tanino, T. 1980. Conjugate maps and duality in multiobjective optimization. J. Optim. Theory Appl., 31: 473–499.  [Google Scholar]. The bilevel set-valued problem is transformed into a one level set-valued optimization problem using a transformation originated by Ye and Zhu 34 Ye, JJ and Zhu, DL. 1995. Optimality conditions for bilevel programming problems. Optimization, 33: 9–27. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]. An example illustrating the usefulness of our result is also given.     

Necessary optimality conditions for a special class of bilevel programming problems with unique lower level solution

We consider a bilevel programming problem in Banach spaces whose lower level solution is unique for any choice of the upper level variable. A condition is presented which ensures that the lower level solution mapping is directionally differentiable, and a formula is constructed which can be used to compute this directional derivative. Afterwards, we apply these results in order to obtain first-order necessary optimality conditions for the bilevel programming problem. It is shown that these optimality conditions imply that a certain mathematical program with complementarity constraints in Banach spaces has the optimal solution zero. We state the weak and strong stationarity conditions of this problem as well as corresponding constraint qualifications in order to derive applicable necessary optimality conditions for the original bilevel programming problem. Finally, we use the theory to state new necessary optimality conditions for certain classes of semidefinite bilevel programming problems and present an example in terms of bilevel optimal control.     

变分不等式与互补问题、双层规划与平衡约束数学规划问题的若干进展

考虑有限维变分不等式与互补问题、双层规划以及均衡约束的数学规划问题. 在简单介绍这些问题之后,重点介绍近年来这些领域中发展迅速的几个研究方向,包括对称锥互补问题的理论与算法、变分不等式的投影收缩算法、随机变分不等式与随机互补问题的模型与方法、双层规划以及均衡约束数学规划问题的新方法. 最后提出几个进一步研究的方向.     

Weak and strong stationarity in generalized bilevel programming and bilevel optimal control

In this article, we consider a general bilevel programming problem in reflexive Banach spaces with a convex lower level problem. In order to derive necessary optimality conditions for the bilevel problem, it is transferred to a mathematical program with complementarity constraints (MPCC). We introduce a notion of weak stationarity and exploit the concept of strong stationarity for MPCCs in reflexive Banach spaces, recently developed by the second author, and we apply these concepts to the reformulated bilevel programming problem. Constraint qualifications are presented, which ensure that local optimal solutions satisfy the weak and strong stationarity conditions. Finally, we discuss a certain bilevel optimal control problem by means of the developed theory. Its weak and strong stationarity conditions of Pontryagin-type and some controllability assumptions ensuring strong stationarity of any local optimal solution are presented.     

On the multiplier rules

We establish new results of first-order necessary conditions of optimality for finite-dimensional problems with inequality constraints and for problems with equality and inequality constraints, in the form of John’s theorem and in the form of Karush–Kuhn–Tucker’s theorem. In comparison with existing results, we weaken assumptions of continuity and of differentiability.     

A single-level reformulation of mixed integer bilevel programming problems

This paper focuses on the single-level reformulation of mixed integer bilevel programming problems (MIBLPP). Due to the existence of lower-level integer variables, the popular approaches in the literature such as the first-order approach are not applicable to the MIBLPP. In this paper, we reformulate the MIBLPP as a mixed integer mathematical program with complementarity constraints (MIMPCC) by separating the lower-level continuous and integer variables. In particular, we show that global and local minimizers of the MIBLPP correspond to those of the MIMPCC respectively under suitable conditions.     

A trust region algorithm for solving bilevel programming problems

In this paper, we present a new trust region algorithm for a nonlinear bilevel programming problem by solving a series of its linear or quadratic approximation subproblems. For the nonlinear bilevel programming problem in which the lower level programming problem is a strongly convex programming problem with linear constraints, we show that each accumulation point of the iterative sequence produced by this algorithm is a stationary point of the bilevel programming problem.     

Towards global bilevel dynamic optimization

The global solution of bilevel dynamic optimization problems is discussed. An overview of a deterministic algorithm for bilevel programs with nonconvex functions participating is given, followed by a summary of deterministic algorithms for the global solution of optimization problems with nonlinear ordinary differential equations embedded. Improved formulations for scenario-integrated optimization are proposed as bilevel dynamic optimization problems. Solution procedures for some of the problems are given, while for others open challenges are discussed. Illustrative examples are given.     

Global optimization of mixed-integer bilevel programming problems

Two approaches that solve the mixed-integer nonlinear bilevel programming problem to global optimality are introduced. The first addresses problems mixed-integer nonlinear in outer variables and C²-nonlinear in inner variables. The second adresses problems with general mixed-integer nonlinear functions in outer level. Inner level functions may be mixed-integer nonlinear in outer variables, linear, polynomial, or multilinear in inner integer variables, and linear in inner continuous variables. This second approach is based on reformulating the mixed-integer inner problem as continuous via its vertex polyheral convex hull representation and solving the resulting nonlinear bilevel optimization problem by a novel deterministic global optimization framework. Computational studies illustrate proposed approaches.     

An overview of bilevel optimization

This paper is devoted to bilevel optimization, a branch of mathematical programming of both practical and theoretical interest. Starting with a simple example, we proceed towards a general formulation. We then present fields of application, focus on solution approaches, and make the connection with MPECs (Mathematical Programs with Equilibrium Constraints). B. Colson now at SAMTECH s.a., Liège, Belgium. This article is an updated version of a paper that appeared in 4OR 3, 87–107, 2005.     

On second-order optimality conditions for continuously Fréchet differentiable vector optimization problems

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we study a vector optimization problem (VOP) with both inequality and equality constraints. We suppose that the functions involved are Fréchet differentiable and their Fréchet derivatives are continuous or stable at the point of study. By virtue of a second-order constraint qualification of Abadie type, we provide second-order Karush–Kuhn–Tucker type necessary optimality conditions for the VOP. Moreover, we also obtain second-order sufficient optimality conditions for a kind of strict local efficiency. Both the necessary conditions and the sufficient conditions are shown in equivalent pairs of primal and dual formulations by using theorems of the alternative for the VOP.     

Optimality conditions for mixed discrete bilevel optimization problems

In this article, we consider bilevel optimization problems with discrete lower level and continuous upper level problems. Taking into account both approaches (optimistic and pessimistic) which have been developed in the literature to deal with this type of problem, we derive some conditions for the existence of solutions. In the case where the lower level is a parametric linear problem, the bilevel problem is transformed into a continuous one. After that, we are able to discuss local optimality conditions using tools of variational analysis for each of the different approaches. Finally, we consider a simple application of our results namely the bilevel programming problem with the minimum spanning tree problem in the lower level.     

Constraint qualifications for constrained Lipschitz optimization problems and applications to a MPCC

Three constraint qualifications (the weak generalized Robinson constraint qualification, the bounded constraint qualification, and the generalized Abadie constraint qualification), which are weaker than the generalized Robinson constraint qualification (GRCQ) given by Yen (1997) [1], are introduced for constrained Lipschitz optimization problems. Relationships between those constraint qualifications and the calmness of the solution mapping are investigated. It is demonstrated that the weak generalized Robinson constraint qualification and the bounded constraint qualification are easily verifiable sufficient conditions for the calmness of the solution mapping, whereas the proposed generalized Abadie constraint qualification, described in terms of graphical derivatives in variational analysis, is weaker than the calmness of the solution mapping. Finally, those constraint qualifications are written for a mathematical program with complementarity constraints (MPCC), and new constraint qualifications ensuring the C-stationary point condition of a MPCC are obtained.     

An elementary proof of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker theorem in normed linear spaces for problems with a finite number of inequality constraints

We present an elementary proof of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker theorem for the problem with a finite number of nonlinear inequality constraints in normed linear spaces under the linear independence constraint qualification. Most proofs in the literature rely on advanced concepts and results such as the convex separation theorem and Farkas, lemma. By contrast, the proofs given in this article, including a proof of the lemma, employ only basic results from linear algebra. The lemma derived in this article represents an independent theoretical result.     

A robust approach for modeling limited observability in bilevel optimization

Many applications of bilevel optimization contain a leader facing a follower whose reaction deviates from the one expected by the leader due to some kind of bounded rationality. We consider bilinear bilevel problems with follower's response uncertainty due to limited observability regarding the leader's decision and exploit robust optimization to model the decision making of the follower. We show that the robust counterpart of the lower level allows to tackle the problem via the lower level's KKT conditions.     

A new approach for solving linear bilevel problems using genetic algorithms

Bilevel programming involves two optimization problems where the constraint region of the first level problem is implicitly determined by another optimization problem. This paper develops a genetic algorithm for the linear bilevel problem in which both objective functions are linear and the common constraint region is a polyhedron. Taking into account the existence of an extreme point of the polyhedron which solves the problem, the algorithm aims to combine classical extreme point enumeration techniques with genetic search methods by associating chromosomes with extreme points of the polyhedron. The numerical results show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. In addition, this genetic algorithm can also be used for solving quasiconcave bilevel problems provided that the second level objective function is linear.     

Solution sensitivity for Karush–Kuhn–Tucker systems with non-unique Lagrange multipliers

This article is devoted to quantitative stability of a given primal-dual solution of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker system subject to parametric perturbations. We are mainly concerned with those cases when the dual solution associated with the base primal solution is non-unique. Starting with a review of known results regarding the Lipschitz-stable case, supplied by simple direct justifications based on piecewise analysis, we then proceed with new results for the cases of Hölder (square root) stability. Our results include characterizations of asymptotic behaviour and upper estimates of perturbed solutions, as well as some sufficient conditions for (the specific kinds of) stability of a given solution subject to directional perturbations. We argue that Lipschitz stability of strictly complementary multipliers is highly unlikely to occur, and we employ the recently introduced notion of a critical multiplier for dealing with Hölder stability.     

Solving nonlinear principal-agent problems using bilevel programming

While significant progress has been made, analytic research on principal-agent problems that seek closed-form solutions faces limitations due to tractability issues that arise because of the mathematical complexity of the problem. The principal must maximize expected utility subject to the agent’s participation and incentive compatibility constraints. Linearity of performance measures is often assumed and the Linear, Exponential, Normal (LEN) model is often used to deal with this complexity. These assumptions may be too restrictive for researchers to explore the variety of relationships between compensation contracts offered by the principal and the effort of the agent. In this paper we show how to numerically solve principal-agent problems with nonlinear contracts. In our procedure, we deal directly with the agent’s incentive compatibility constraint. We illustrate our solution procedure with numerical examples and use optimization methods to make the problem tractable without using the simplifying assumptions of a LEN model. We also show that using linear contracts to approximate nonlinear contracts leads to solutions that are far from the optimal solutions obtained using nonlinear contracts. A principal-agent problem is a special instance of a bilevel nonlinear programming problem. We show how to solve principal-agent problems by solving bilevel programming problems using the ellipsoid algorithm. The approach we present can give researchers new insights into the relationships between nonlinear compensation schemes and employee effort.