The minimum information approach to the uncapacitated p-median facility location problem

In this paper, we apply the minimum information theory to the uncapacitated p-median facility location problem to determine the most probable allocation solution. Indeed, we investigate the bi-level p-median model introduced by [TRANSPORT RES B-METH. 123 (2019) 1-20] in the case that facilities have unlimited capacities. At the upper level, minimizing the cost of establishing facilities and allocating demands is considered, while the most probable allocation solution in the customers' point of view is determined through the lower level. By adding the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions of the lower-level problem to the upper-level constraints, the bi-level model is reduced to a one-level linear mixed integer problem. Some numerical examples are provided to verify the added value of the proposed model and its solution method.

Automated summary

This study applies the minimum information theory to solve the uncapacitated p-median facility location problem, determining the most likely allocation solution through a bi-level model in the case of unlimited facility capacities. By reducing the bi-level model to a one-level linear mixed integer problem, the study provides numerical examples to demonstrate the value of the proposed model and its solution method.