A Heuristic for a Resource-capacitated Multi-stage Lot-sizing Problem with Lead Times

In this paper we propose a heuristic for the resource-capacitated multi-stage lot-sizing problem with general product structures, set-up costs and resource usage, work-in-process inventory costs and lead times. To facilitate the functioning of the heuristic, we use the formulation of the problem based on Echelon Stock in a rolling horizon scheme. The heuristic first obtains a reasonable solution to the corresponding uncapacitated problem and then tries to attain capacity feasibility by shifting production backwards in time. The concept of echelon stock makes the task of checking the inventory feasibility of proposed shifts easier than would be the case with conventional installation stock. The heuristic is first tested computationally for problems with a five-component product structure over a 12 period planning horizon for which optimal solutions were available and for which optimality precision guarantees were also obtained via Lagrangian Relaxation. The heuristic's performance is also explored with two different 40-component product structures, with high and low set-up costs, and is compared with the Lagrangian precision guarantees.     

Study of a special nonlinear problem arising in convex semi-infinite programming

We consider convex problems of semi-infinite programming (SIP) using an approach based on the implicit optimality criterion. This criterion allows one to replace optimality conditions for a feasible solution x ⁰ of the convex SIP problem by such conditions for x ⁰ in some nonlinear programming (NLP) problem denoted by NLP(I(x ⁰)). This nonlinear problem, constructed on the base of special characteristics of the original SIP problem, so-called immobile indices and their immobility orders, has a special structure and a diversity of important properties. We study these properties and use them to obtain efficient explicit optimality conditions for the problem NLP(I(x ⁰)). Application of these conditions, together with the implicit optimality criterion, gives new efficient optimality conditions for convex SIP problems. Special attention is paid to SIP problems whose constraints do not satisfy the Slater condition and to problems with analytic constraint functions for which we obtain optimality conditions in the form of a criterion. Comparison with some known optimality conditions for convex SIP is provided.     

Multi-item lot-sizing with joint set-up costs

We consider a multi-item lot-sizing problem with joint set-up costs and constant capacities. Apart from the usual per unit production and storage costs for each item, a set-up cost is incurred for each batch of production, where a batch consists of up to C units of any mix of the items. In addition, an upper bound on the number of batches may be imposed. Under widely applicable conditions on the storage costs, namely that the production and storage costs are nonspeculative, and for any two items the one that has a higher storage cost in one period has a higher storage cost in every period, we show that there is a tight linear program with O(mT ²) constraints and variables that solves the joint set-up multi-item lot-sizing problem, where m is the number of items and T is the number of time periods. This establishes that under the above storage cost conditions this problem is polynomially solvable. For the problem with backlogging, a similar linear programming result is described for the uncapacitated case under very restrictive conditions on the storage and backlogging costs. Computational results are presented to test the effectiveness of using these tight linear programs in strengthening the basic mixed integer programming formulations of the joint set-up problem both when the storage cost conditions are satisfied, and also when they are violated.     

Pontryagin principles for bounded discrete-time processes

Abstract

We establish necessary conditions and sufficient conditions of optimality in the form of Pontryagin principles for infinite-horizon discrete-time optimal control problems governed by a difference inequation.     

Necessary conditions for optimality in relaxed stochastic control problems

In this paper, we are concerned with optimal control problems where the system is driven by a stochastic differential equation of the Ito type. We study the relaxed model for which an optimal solution exists. This is an extension of the initial control problem, where admissible controls are measure valued processes. Using Ekeland's variational principle and some stability properties of the corresponding state equation and adjoint processes, we establish necessary conditions for optimality satisfied by an optimal relaxed control. This is the first version of the stochastic maximum principle that covers relaxed controls.     

Two-level value function approach to non-smooth optimistic and pessimistic bilevel programs

ABSTRACT

The authors' paper in Dempe et al. [Necessary optimality conditions in pessimistic bilevel programming. Optimization. 2014;63:505–533], was the first one to provide detailed optimality conditions for pessimistic bilevel optimization. The results there were based on the concept of the two-level optimal value function introduced and analysed in Dempe et al. [Sensitivity analysis for two-level value functions with applications to bilevel programming. SIAM J. Optim. 22 (2012), 1309–1343], for the case of optimistic bilevel programs. One of the basic assumptions in both of these papers is that the functions involved in the problems are at least continuously differentiable. Motivated by the fact that many real-world applications of optimization involve functions that are non-differentiable at some points of their domain, the main goal of the current paper is to extend the two-level value function approach by deriving new necessary optimality conditions for both optimistic and pessimistic versions in bilevel programming with non-smooth data.     

Optimality Conditions for Nonconvex Constrained Optimization Problems

Abstract

We present optimality conditions for a class of nonsmooth and nonconvex constrained optimization problems. To achieve this aim, various well-known constraint qualifications are extended based on the concept of tangential subdifferential and the relations between them are investigated. Moreover, local and global necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are derived in the absence of convexity of the feasible set. In addition to the theoretical results, several examples are provided to illustrate the advantage of our outcomes.     

Optimality conditions for vector optimization problem governed by the cone constrained generalized equations

ABSTRACT

The paper considers a class of vector optimization problems with cone constrained generalized equations. By virtue of advanced tools of variational analysis and generalized differentiation, a limiting normal cone of the graph of the normal cone constrained by the second-order cone is obtained. Based on the calmness condition, we derive an upper estimate of the coderivative for a composite set-valued mapping. The necessary optimality condition for the problem is established under the linear independent constraint qualification. As a special case, the obtained optimality condition is simplified with the help of strict complementarity relaxation conditions. The numerical results on different examples are given to illustrate the efficiency of the optimality conditions.     

OPTIMALITY CONDITIONS AND DUALITY MODELS FOR A CLASS OF NONSMOOTH CONTINUOUS-TIME GENERALIZED FRACTIONAL PROGRAMMING PROBLEMS

Abstract

Both parametric and parameter-free stationary-point-type and saddle-point-type necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are established for a class of nonsmooth continuous-time generalized fractional programming problems with Volterra-type integral inequality and nonnegativity constraints. These optimality criteria are then utilized for constructing ten parametric and parameter-free Wolfe-type and Lagrangian-type dual problems and for proving weak, strong, and strict converse duality theorems. Furthermore, it is briefly pointed out how similar optimality and duality results can be obtained for two important special cases of the main problem containing arbitrary norms and square roots of positive semidefinite quadratic forms. All the results developed here are also applicable to continuous-time programming problems with fractional, discrete max, and conventional objective functions, which are special cases of the main problem studied in this paper.     

Nondifferentiable Minimax Fractional Programming Problems with (C, α, ρ, d)-Convexity

In this paper, we present necessary optimality conditions for nondifferentiable minimax fractional programming problems. A new concept of generalized convexity, called (C, α, ρ, d)-convexity, is introduced. We establish also sufficient optimality conditions for nondifferentiable minimax fractional programming problems from the viewpoint of the new generalized convexity. When the sufficient conditions are utilized, the corresponding duality theorems are derived for two types of dual programs. This research was partially supported by NSF and Air Force grants     

Sufficient Optimality Conditions for a Bilevel Semivectorial D.C. Problem

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the study of a bilevel multiobjective optimization problems with objectives and constraints given as differences of convex functions. The main attention is paid to deriving sufficient optimality conditions. Several intermediate optimization problems are introduced to help us in our investigation.     

Markov Decision Processes with Variance Minimization: A New Condition and Approach

Abstract

This article deals with the limiting average variance criterion for discrete-time Markov decision processes in Borel spaces. The costs may have neither upper nor lower bounds. We propose another set of conditions under which we prove the existence of a variance minimal policy in the class of average expected cost optimal stationary policies. Our conditions are weaker than those in the previous literature. Moreover, some sufficient conditions for the existence of a variance minimal policy are imposed on the primitive data of the model. In particular, the stochastic monotonicity condition in this paper has been first used to study the limiting average variance criterion. Also, the optimality inequality approach provided here is different from the “optimality equation approach” widely used in the previous literature. Finally, we use a controlled queueing system to illustrate our results.     

Risk-sensitive average continuous-time Markov decision processes with unbounded rates

Abstract

In this paper we study the risk-sensitive average cost criterion for continuous-time Markov decision processes in the class of all randomized Markov policies. The state space is a denumerable set, and the cost and transition rates are allowed to be unbounded. Under the suitable conditions, we establish the optimality equation of the auxiliary risk-sensitive first passage optimization problem and obtain the properties of the corresponding optimal value function. Then by a technique of constructing the appropriate approximating sequences of the cost and transition rates and employing the results on the auxiliary optimization problem, we show the existence of a solution to the risk-sensitive average optimality inequality and develop a new approach called the risk-sensitive average optimality inequality approach to prove the existence of an optimal deterministic stationary policy. Furthermore, we give some sufficient conditions for the verification of the simultaneous Doeblin condition, use a controlled birth and death system to illustrate our conditions and provide an example for which the risk-sensitive average optimality strict inequality occurs.     

Necessary Optimality Conditions and a New Approach to Multiobjective Bilevel Optimization Problems

Multiobjective optimization problems typically have conflicting objectives, and a gain in one objective very often is an expense in another. Using the concept of Pareto optimality, we investigate a multiobjective bilevel optimization problem (say, P). Our approach consists of proving that P is locally equivalent to a single level optimization problem, where the nonsmooth Mangasarian–Fromovitz constraint qualification may hold at any feasible solution. With the help of a special scalarization function introduced in optimization by Hiriart–Urruty, we convert our single level optimization problem into another problem and give necessary optimality conditions for the initial multiobjective bilevel optimization problem P.     

Discrete Optimal Control: Second Order Optimality Conditions

In this paper, we present a survey and refinement of our recent results in the discrete optimal control theory. For a general nonlinear discrete optimal control problem (P) , second order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are derived via the nonnegativity ( I S 0) and positivity ( I >0) of the discrete quadratic functional I corresponding to its second variation. Thus, we fill the gap in the discrete-time theory by connecting the discrete control problems with the theory of conjugate intervals, Hamiltonian systems, and Riccati equations. Necessary conditions for I S 0 are formulated in terms of the positivity of certain partial discrete quadratic functionals, the nonexistence of conjugate intervals, the existence of conjoined bases of the associated linear Hamiltonian system, and the existence of solutions to Riccati matrix equations. Natural strengthening of each of these conditions yields a characterization of the positivity of I and hence, sufficiency criteria for the original problem (P) . Finally, open problems and perspectives are also discussed.     

Another Set of Conditions for Strong n (n = −1, 0) Discount Optimality in Markov Decision Processes

Abstract

In this paper we study discrete-time Markov decision processes with average expected costs (AEC) and discount-sensitive criteria in Borel state and action spaces. The costs may have neither upper nor lower bounds. We propose another set of conditions on the system's primitive data, and under which we prove (1) AEC optimality and strong ? 1-discount optimality are equivalent; (2) a condition equivalent to strong 0-discount optimal stationary policies; and (3) the existence of strong n (n = ?1, 0)-discount optimal stationary policies. Our conditions are weaker than those in the previous literature. In particular, the “stochastic monotonicity condition” in this paper has been first used to study strong n (n = ?1, 0)-discount optimality. Moreover, we provide a new approach to prove the existence of strong 0-discount optimal stationary policies. It should be noted that our way is slightly different from those in the previous literature. Finally, we apply our results to an inventory system and a controlled queueing system.     

Constraint qualifications for nonsmooth programming

ABSTRACT

By using an implicit function theorem and a result of error bound, we provide new constraint qualifications ensuring the Karush–Kuhn–Tuker necessary optimality conditions for both smooth and nonsmooth optimization problems in normed spaces or Banach spaces.     

OPTIMALITY CONDITIONS AND APPROXIMATE OPTIMALITY CONDITIONS IN LOCALLY LIPSCHITZ VECTOR OPTIMIZATION

Abstract

In this paper, we study constrained locally Lipschitz vector optimization problems in which the objective and constraint spaces are Hilbert spaces, the decision space is a Banach space, the dominating cone and the constraint cone may be with empty interior. Necessary optimality conditions for this type of optimization problems are derived. A sufficient condition for the existence of approximate efficient solutions to a general vector optimization problem is presented. Necessary conditions for approximate efficient solutions to a constrained locally Lipschitz optimization problem is obtained.     

On Optimality Conditions for Henig Efficiency and Superefficiency in Vector Equilibrium Problems

Abstract

Necessary optimality conditions for local Henig efficient and superefficient solutions of vector equilibrium problems involving equality, inequality, and set constraints in Banach space with locally Lipschitz functions are established under a suitable constraint qualification via the Michel–Penot subdifferentials. With assumptions on generalized convexity, necessary conditions for Henig efficiency and superefficiency become sufficient ones. Some applications to vector variational inequalities and vector optimization problems are given as well.     

Some kind of Pareto stationarity for multiobjective problems with equilibrium constraints

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we derive some optimality and stationarity conditions for a multiobjective problem with equilibrium constraints (MOPEC). In particular, under a generalized Guignard constraint qualification, we show that any locally Pareto optimal solution of MOPEC must satisfy the strong Pareto Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions. We also prove that the generalized Guignard constraint qualification is the weakest constraint qualification for the strong Pareto Kuhn-Tucker optimality. Furthermore, under certain convexity or generalized convexity assumptions, we show that the strong Pareto Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions are also sufficient for several popular locally Pareto-type optimality conditions for MOPEC.