PHD Discussions Logo

Ask, Learn and Accelerate in your PhD Research

Question Icon Post Your Answer

Question Icon

2 months ago in Operations Research By Varsha

How do i start learning choice-based optimization?

I want to model problems where outcomes depend on user choices—like designing a transit network knowing passengers will choose routes. Where do I even start?

All Answers (1 Answers In All)

By Shobha Answered 1 month ago

Follow this path: 1) Foundations: Master linear/integer programming (Hillier & Lieberman is your friend). 2) Choice theory: Learn discrete choice models (Train's Discrete Choice Methods with Simulation is the bible). 3) Integration: Study bilevel programming the leader (you) sets design; the follower (users) chooses optimally. Papers on "choice-based optimization" or "optimization under logical constraints" will show you how to embed logit or probit models into optimization frameworks. 4) Tools: Gurobi, CPLEX, and Python. Start with network design tutorials. You're not just optimizing math. You're optimizing human behavior.

Your Answer