Search arXivSearch

arXiv · 2603.12805

Data-driven Policies For Two-stage Stochastic Linear Programs

Abstract

A stochastic program typically involves several parameters, including deterministic first-stage parameters and stochastic second-stage elements that serve as input data. These programs are re-solved whenever any input parameter changes. However, in practical applications, quick decision-making is necessary, and solving a stochastic program from scratch for every change in input data can be computationally costly. This work addresses this challenge for two-stage stochastic linear programs (2-SLPs) with varying right-hand sides for the first-stage constraints. We construct a Piecewise Linear Difference-of-Convex (PLDC) policy by leveraging optimal bases from previous solves. This PLDC policy retains optimal solutions for previously encountered parameters and provides high-quality solutions for new right-hand-side vectors. Our proposed policy directly applies to the extensive form of the 2-SLP. When stage decomposition algorithms, such as the L-Shaped and Stochastic Decomposition, are applied to solve the 2-SLPs, we develop L-Shaped- and Stochastic-Decomposition-guided static procedures to train the policy. We also develop a sequential procedure that iteratively tracks the quality of the learned policy and incorporates new basis information to improve it. We assess the performance of our policy through analytical and numerical techniques. Our compelling experimental results show that the policy prescribes solutions that are feasible and optimal for a significant percentage of new instances.

Explore related subjects

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Chhavi Sharma, Harsha Gangammanavar. 2026-03-13. Data-driven Policies For Two-stage Stochastic Linear Programs. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.12805

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related papers

Strategic Inference in Stackelberg Games: Optimal Control for Revealing Adversary Intent

We study a continuous-time stochastic Stackelberg game in which a leader seeks to accomplish a primary objective while inferring a hidden parameter of a rational follower. The follower solves an entropy-regularized linear-quadratic tracking problem and responds to the leader's trajectory with a randomized policy. Anticipating this response, the leader designs informative controls to maximize the estimation efficiency for the follower's latent intent, through maximum likelihood estimation. Unlike prior work on discrete-time or finite-candidate inverse learning, our framework enables continuous parameter inference without prior assumptions and endogenizes the information source through the follower's strategic feedback. We derive semi-explicit solutions, prove well-posedness, and develop recurrent neural network algorithms to approximate the leader's path-dependent control. Numerical experiments demonstrate how the leader balances task performance and information gain, highlighting the practical value of our approach for adversarial strategic inference.

math.OC

Stratification for Nonlinear Semidefinite Programming

This paper introduces a stratification framework for nonlinear semidefinite programming (NLSDP) that reveals and utilizes the geometry behind the nonsmooth KKT system. Based on the index stratification of $\mathbb{S}^n$ and its lift to the primal-dual space, a stratified variational analysis is developed. Specifically, we define the stratum-restricted regularity property, characterize it by the verifiable weak second order condition (W-SOC) and weak strict Robinson constraint qualification (W-SRCQ), and interpret the W-SRCQ geometrically via transversality, with stability along strata. The interactions of these properties across neighboring strata are further examined, leading to the conclusion that classical strong-form regularity conditions correspond to the local uniform validity of stratum-restricted counterparts. On the algorithmic side, a stratified Gauss--Newton method with normal steps and a correction mechanism is proposed for globally solving the KKT equation through a least-squares merit function. We demonstrate that the algorithm converges globally to directional stationary points. Moreover, under the second order sufficient condition (SOSC) and the strict Robinson constraint qualification (SRCQ) at an accumulation point, with a suitable correction threshold, the whole sequence converges superlinearly to this point, which is a KKT pair, and eventually identifies the active stratum. The rate is quadratic if the problem data are additionally of class $LC^2$ near the solution.

math.OC

Convergence Rate Analysis of SOAP with Arbitrary Orthogonal Projection Matrices

In this short note, we establish, for the first time, the convergence rate of SOAP, an efficient and popular matrix-based optimizer for training deep neural networks. Our analysis extends to a more general variant of SOAP that admits arbitrary orthogonal projection matrices and requires only that these matrices be conditionally independent of the current stochastic gradient at each iteration. For example, they may be constructed from information available up to the preceding step.

math.OC