Hybrid evolutionary optimization of two-stage stochastic integer programming problems: an empirical investigation

Evol Comput. 2009 Winter;17(4):511-26. doi: 10.1162/evco.2009.17.4.17404.

Abstract

In this contribution, we consider decision problems on a moving horizon with significant uncertainties in parameters. The information and decision structure on moving horizons enables recourse actions which correct the here-and-now decisions whenever the horizon is moved a step forward. This situation is reflected by a mixed-integer recourse model with a finite number of uncertainty scenarios in the form of a two-stage stochastic integer program. A stage decomposition-based hybrid evolutionary algorithm for two-stage stochastic integer programs is proposed that employs an evolutionary algorithm to determine the here-and-now decisions and a standard mathematical programming method to optimize the recourse decisions. An empirical investigation of the scale-up behavior of the algorithms with respect to the number of scenarios exhibits that the new hybrid algorithm generates good feasible solutions more quickly than a state of the art exact algorithm for problem instances with a high number of scenarios.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Computing Methodologies*
  • Decision Making*
  • Stochastic Processes