Equity in optimization models

In optimization models, we often use an aggregate measure in the objective function, such as total profit, the sum of tardiness of jobs, and countrywide GDP. This can lead to particularly bad results for some individuals or groups.

Here is an example I have used on several occasions. 

Problem Statement

We have \(P\) persons. They must be assigned to \(M\) groups or teams. For simplicity, we can assume \(n\) is a multiple of \(m\), and the group size is \[\frac{N}{M}\] Each person \(p_1\) specifies some preferences to be placed in the same group as a person \(p_2\). A negative preference can be used to indicate that I prefer to be in a different group. Find an optimal assignment taking into account these preferences. 

GAMS 48 tests

Some minor quibbles. 

gdx2sqlite

The latest version of GAMS contains a replacement of gdx2sqlite. This dumps a GDX file into a SQLite database. It is a tool I use a lot. Here is a comparison using the indus89 model in the GAMS model library:

Prevent Loops in GAMS

 

This book [1] on DEA models has an accompanying website with all the GAMS models [2]. 

Of course, I'll be doing some nitpicking on the GAMS code. 

CSV readers mutilating my data

R and CSV files

When I deal with regional codes such as FIPS[1] and HUC[2], CSV file readers often mutilate my regions. Here is an example in R: 

Solving DEA Models with GAMS

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models are somewhat special. They typically consist of small LPs, of which a whole bunch have to be solved. The CCR formulation (after [1]), for the \(i\)-th DMU (Decision Making Unit), can be stated as [2]:

CCR LP Model

\[\begin{align} \max \>& \color{darkred}{\mathit{efficiency}}_i=\sum_{\mathit{outp}} \color{darkred}u_{{\mathit{outp}}} \cdot \color{darkblue}y_{i,{\mathit{outp}}} \\ & \sum_{\mathit{inp}} \color{darkred}v_{{\mathit{inp}}} \cdot \color{darkblue}x_{i,{\mathit{inp}}} = 1 \\ & \sum_{\mathit{outp}} \color{darkred}u_{{\mathit{outp}}} \cdot \color{darkblue}y_{j,{\mathit{outp}}} \le \color{darkred}v_{{\mathit{inp}}} \cdot \color{darkblue}x_{j,{\mathit{inp}}} && \forall j \\ & \color{darkred}u_{{\mathit{outp}}} \ge 0, \color{darkred}v_{{\mathit{inp}}} \ge 0 \end{align}\]

Multiple Solutions in Minimum Spanning Tree example

In [1], I discussed some LP and MIP formulations for the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) problem. 

Minimum Spanning Tree visualized through Google Maps

Here, I focus on two formulations: a multicommodity network approach (this can be solved as a large LP) and a MIP formulation based on techniques we know from the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). The main issue I want to discuss is the presence of multiple optimal solutions.

N-queens and solution pool

In [1], I described some chess-related problems. Here, I want to reproduce the \(n\)-queens problem. The single solution problem, placing as many queens on the chess board as possible so they don't attack each other, is pretty standard. I want to focus on the more complex question: How many different ways can we place those queens? In other words: what are all the optimal solutions? We can do this by adding a no-good constraint that forbids the previously found solution. However, as this problem has more than a handful of different solutions, I want to use the Cplex solution pool.

Single Solution Model

We define the decision variables as: \[\color{darkred}x_{i,j} = \begin{cases} 1 & \text{if we place a queen on the square $(i,j)$} \\ 0 & \text{otherwise}\end{cases}\] 

Chess Board

Circle Packing and HTML reporting

Little example. Here, we try to pack \(n\) circles with a given radius \(r_i\) into a larger disc with an unknown radius \(R\). The goal is to minimize \(R\). The underlying model is simple: 

Packing of Circles
\[\begin{align} \min\> & \color{darkred}R \\ & \sum_c \left(\color{darkred}p_{i,c}-\color{darkred}p_{j,c}\right)^2 \ge \left(\color{darkblue}r_i+\color{darkblue}r_j\right)^2 & \forall i\lt j \\ & \sum_c \color{darkred}p_{i,c}^2 \le \left(\color{darkred}R-\color{darkblue}r_i\right)^2 & \forall i \\ & \color{darkred}R \ge 0\\ & c \in \{x,y\} \\ \end{align}\]

Revised Simplex LP Solver written in GAMS

I am teaching some GAMS classes, and a question arose: "How does the Simplex method work?" It's not easy to answer in a few sentences, but I want to touch upon the concept of a basis anyway. Once you have a good intuition of what a basis is, a simple Simplex method is not so far-fetched. I find the tableau presentation somewhat confusing and far removed from what actual Simplex solvers do. I strongly prefer the Revised Simplex Method in matrix notation. 

Minor rant: I just don't understand the appeal of the tableau method. It looks to me like an invention for torturing undergrad students. Most of all, it is not very structure-revealing; it does not help you understand the underlying concepts. But about 100% of the LP textbooks insist we should learn that first.

As a gimmick, I implemented a simplified version in the GAMS language. This reminds me that someone spent the effort writing a Basic interpreter in TeX [1]. This is probably just as useful.

Practical Large-Scale Modeling: Sparsity

Presentation at USDA-ERS Model Summit 2024.