Title
A Decentralized Approach to Discrete Optimization via Simulation: Application to Network Flow
Abstract
We study a new class of decentralized algorithms for discrete optimization via simulation, which is inspired by the fictitious play algorithm applied to games with identical interests. In this approach, each component of the solution vector of the optimization model is artificially assumed to have a corresponding “player,” and the interaction of these players in simulation allows for exploration of the solution space and, for some problems, ultimately results in the identification of the optimal solution. Our algorithms also allow for correlation in players' decision making, a key feature when simulation output is shared by multiple decision makers. We first establish convergence under finite sampling to equilibrium solutions. In addition, in the context of discrete network flow models, we prove that if the underlying link cost functions are convex, then our algorithms converge almost surely to an optimal solution.
Year
DOI
Venue
2007
10.1287/opre.1060.0379
Operations Research
Keywords
DocType
Volume
network flow,optimal solution,equilibrium solution,decentralized approach,simulation output,multiple decision maker,discrete optimization,optimization model,solution space,decentralized algorithm,solution vector,discrete network flow model,game theory,networks,cost function,simulation,decision maker,fictitious play
Journal
55
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
4
0030-364X
6
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.84
26
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Alfredo Garcia1111.68
Stephen D. Patek213117.32
Kaushik Sinha324417.81