Large Scale Linear And Integer Optimization A Unified Approach

This is a textbook about linear and integer linear optimization. There is a growing need in industries such as airline, trucking, and financial engineering to solve very large linear and integer linear optimization problems. Building these models requires uniquely trained individuals. Not only must they have a thorough understanding of the theory behind mathematical programming, they must have substantial knowledge of how to solve very large models in today's computing environment. The major goal of the book is to develop the theory of linear and integer linear optimization in a unified manner and then demonstrate how to use this theory in a modern computing environment to solve very large real world problems. After presenting introductory material in Part I, Part II of this book is de voted to the theory of linear and integer linear optimization. This theory is developed using two simple, but unifying ideas: projection and inverse projec tion. Through projection we take a system of linear inequalities and replace some of the variables with additional linear inequalities. Inverse projection, the dual of this process, involves replacing linear inequalities with additional variables. Fundamental results such as weak and strong duality, theorems of the alternative, complementary slackness, sensitivity analysis, finite basis the orems, etc. are all explained using projection or inverse projection. Indeed, a unique feature of this book is that these fundamental results are developed and explained before the simplex and interior point algorithms are presented.

Decomposition methods aim to reduce large-scale problems to simpler problems. This monograph presents selected aspects of the dimension-reduction problem. Exact and approximate aggregations of multidimensional systems are developed and from a known model of input-output balance, aggregation methods are categorized. The issues of loss of accuracy, recovery of original variables (disaggregation), and compatibility conditions are analyzed in detail. The method of iterative aggregation in large-scale problems is studied. For fixed weights, successively simpler aggregated problems are solved and the convergence of their solution to that of the original problem is analyzed. An introduction to block integer programming is considered. Duality theory, which is widely used in continuous block programming, does not work for the integer problem. A survey of alternative methods is presented and special attention is given to combined methods of decomposition. Block problems in which the coupling variables do not enter the binding constraints are studied. These models are worthwhile because they permit a decomposition with respect to primal and dual variables by two-level algorithms instead of three-level algorithms. Audience: This book is addressed to specialists in operations research, optimization, and optimal control.

An accessible treatment of the modeling and solution of integer programming problems, featuring modern applications and software In order to fully comprehend the algorithms associated with integer programming, it is important to understand not only how algorithms work, but also why they work. Applied Integer Programming features a unique emphasis on this point, focusing on problem modeling and solution using commercial software. Taking an application-oriented approach, this book addresses the art and science of mathematical modeling related to the mixed integer programming (MIP) framework and discusses the algorithms and associated practices that enable those models to be solved most efficiently. The book begins with coverage of successful applications, systematic modeling procedures, typical model types, transformation of non-MIP models, combinatorial optimization problem models, and automatic preprocessing to obtain a better formulation. Subsequent chapters present algebraic and geometric basic concepts of linear programming theory and network flows needed for understanding integer programming. Finally, the book concludes with classical and modern solution approaches as well as the key components for building an integrated software system capable of solving large-scale integer programming and combinatorial optimization problems. Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate essential concepts through numerous examples and figures. Each new concept or algorithm is accompanied by a numerical example, and, where applicable, graphics are used to draw together diverse problems or approaches into a unified whole. In addition, features of solution approaches found in today's commercial software are identified throughout the book. Thoroughly classroom-tested, Applied Integer Programming is an excellent book for integer programming courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a well-organized reference for professionals, software developers, and analysts who work in the fields of applied mathematics, computer science, operations research, management science, and engineering and use integer-programming techniques to model and solve real-world optimization problems.

Integer Optimization addresses a wide spectrum of practically important optimization problems and represents a major challenge for algorithmics. The goal of integer optimization is to solve a system of constraints and optimization criteria over discrete variables. Integer Optimization by Local Search introduces a new approach to domain-independent integer optimization, which, unlike traditional strategies, is based on local search. It develops the central concepts and strategies of integer local search and describes possible combinations with classical methods from linear programming. The surprising effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated in a variety of case studies on large-scale, realistic problems, including production planning, timetabling, radar surveillance, and sports scheduling. The monograph is written for practitioners and researchers from artificial intelligence and operations research.

Simultaneous considerations of multiobjectiveness, fuzziness and block angular structures involved in the real-world decision making problems lead us to the new field of interactive multiobjective optimization for large scale programming problems under fuzziness. The aim of this book is to introduce the latest advances in the new field of interactive multiobjective optimization for large scale programming problems under fuzziness on the basis of the author's continuing research. Special stress is placed on interactive decision making aspects of fuzzy multiobjective optimization for human-centered systems in most realistic situations when dealing with fuzziness. The book is intended for graduate students, researchers and practitioners in the fields of operations research, industrial engineering, management science and computer science.

Presenting a strong and clear relationship between theory and practice, Linear and Integer Optimization: Theory and Practice is divided into two main parts. The first covers the theory of linear and integer optimization, including both basic and advanced topics. Dantzig's simplex algorithm, duality, sensitivity analysis, integer optimization models

During the last decades, freight transportation experienced a worldwide boom. At the same time, competition increased considerably, such that efficient cost structures are indispensable for any market player. One of the main challenges a transportation company faces is the efficient employment of its personnel in operations, commonly referred to as crew scheduling. In this book the author presents solution approaches to large-scale crew scheduling. Firstly, the implementation of state-of-the-art operations research methods for a setting at a major European freight railway carrier is presented. Secondly, the author discusses acceleration techniques that make the developed algorithms applicable even in short-term contexts. While the analysis is based on European freight railway settings, the gained insights also apply to other (crew) scheduling contexts. Potential readership includes scholars and graduate students who are interested in the fields of crew scheduling and column generation as well as practitioners from transportation companies looking for new planning approaches.

The framework of algorithms presented in this book is called Cost Approximation. It describes, for a given formulation of a variational inequality or nonlinear programming problem, an algorithm by means of approximating mappings and problems, a principle for the updating of the iteration points, and a merit function which guides and monitors the convergence of the algorithm. One purpose of the book is to offer this framework as an intuitively appealing tool for describing an algorithm. Another purpose is to provide a convergence analysis of the algorithms in the framework. Audience: The book will be of interest to all researchers in the field (it includes over 800 references) and can also be used for advanced courses in non-linear optimization with the possibility of being oriented either to algorithm theory or to the numerical aspects of large-scale nonlinear optimization.