Robust optimization

Robust optimization. A term given to an approach to deal with uncertainty, similar to the recourse model of stochastic programming, except that feasibility for all possible realizations (called scenarios) is replaced by a penalty function in the objective. As such, the approach integrates goal programming with a scenario-based description of problem data. To illustrate, consider the LP:

Min cx + dy: Ax=b, Bx + Cy = e, x, y >= 0,

where d, B, C and e are random variables with possible realizations {(d(s), B(s), C(s), e(s): s in {1,...,N}} (N = number of scenarios). The robust optimization model for this LP is:

Min f(x, y(1), ..., y(N)) + wP(z(1), ..., z(N)): Ax=b, x >= 0,

B(s)x + C(s)y(s) + z(s) = e(s), and y(s) >= 0, for all s = 1,...,N,

where f is a function that measures the cost of the policy, P is a penalty function, and w > 0 (a parameter to trade off the cost of infeasibility). One example of f is the expected value: f(x, y) = cx + Sum_s{d(s)y(s)p(s)}, where p(s) = probability of scenario s. In a worst-case model, f(x,y) = Max_s{d(s)y(s)}. The penalty function is defined to be zero if (x, y) is feasible (for all scenarios) -- i.e., P(0)=0. In addition, P satisfies a form of monotonicity: worse violations incur greater penalty. This often has the form P(z) = U(z^+) + V(-z^-) -- i.e., the "up" and "down" penalties, where U and V are strictly increasing functions.

The above makes robust optimization similar (at least in the model) to a goal program. Recently, the robust optimization community defines it differently – it optimizes for the worst-case scenario. Let the uncertain MP be given by

min f(x; s): x in X(s), where S is some set of scenarios (like parameter values). The robust optimization model (according to this more recent definition) is:

minx {maxs in S f(x; s)} x in X(t) for all t in S, The policy (x) is required to be feasible no matter what parameter value (scenario) occurs; hence, it is requied to be in the intersection of all possible X(s). The inner maximization yields the worst possible objective value among all scenarios. There are variations, such as "adjustability" (i.e., recourse).

This category is not in use because it has an ambiguous title.

• For optimization in computer science, see Category:Computer optimization.
• For optimization in electronics, see Category:Electronics optimization.
• For optimization in mathematics, see Category:Mathematical optimization.
• For network optimization, see Category:Network performance.
• For search engine optimization, see Category:Search engine optimization.

Note: This category page should be empty. All entries should be recategorized under one of the above categories or an appropriate subcategory.