Using the WOWA operator in robust discrete optimization problems

• A class of discrete optimization problems with uncertain costs is discussed.
• The Weighted OWA (WOWA) operator is applied to choose a solution.
• The complexity results for the considered problem are described.
• Some exact and approximation algorithms for a wide class of problems are proposed.

In this paper a class of discrete optimization problems with uncertain costs is discussed. The uncertainty is modeled by introducing a scenario set containing a finite number of cost scenarios. A probability distribution over the set of scenarios is available. In order to choose a solution the weighted OWA criterion (WOWA) is applied. This criterion allows decision makers to take into account both probabilities for scenarios and the degree of pessimism/optimism. In this paper the complexity of the considered class of discrete optimization problems is described and some exact and approximation algorithms for solving it are proposed. Applications to the selection and the assignment problems, together with results of computational tests are shown.