A vector linear programming approach for certain global optimization problems

Abstract

Global optimization problems with a quasi-concave objective function and linear constraints are studied. We point out that various other classes of global optimization problems can be expressed in this way. We present two algorithms, which can be seen as slight modifications of Benson-type algorithms for multiple objective linear programs (MOLP). The modification of the MOLP algorithms results in a more efficient treatment of the studied optimization problems. This paper generalizes results of Schulz and Mittal on quasi-concave problems and Shao and Ehrgott on multiplicative linear programs. Furthermore, it improves results of L\"ohne and Wagner on minimizing the difference $f=g-h$ of two convex functions $g$, $h$ where either $g$ or $h$ is polyhedral. Numerical examples are given and the results are compared with the global optimization software BARON.