Discrete Mathematics & Theoretical Computer Science, Vol 12, No 2 (2010)

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On a Class of Optimal Stopping Problems with Mixed Constraints

Thomas Bruss

Abstract


Let X1, X2, ⋯, Xn be independent, identically distributed uniform random variables on [0,1]. We can observe the outcomes sequentially and must select online at least r of them, and, moreover, in expectation at least µ≥ r. Here µ need not be integer. We see Xk as the cost of selecting item k and want to minimise the expected total cost under the described combined (r,µ)-constraint. We will see that an optimal selection strategy exists on the set Sn of all selection strategies for which the decision at instant k may depend on the value Xk, on the number Nk of selections up to time k and of the number n-k of forthcoming observations. Let σr,µ(n) be the corresponding Sn-optimal selection strategy and vr,µ(n) its value. The main goal of this paper is to determine these and to understand the limiting behaviour of vr,µ(n). After discussion of the specific character of this combination of two types of constraints we conclude that the Sn-problem has a recursive structure and solve it in terms of a double recursion. Our interest will then focus on the limiting behaviour of n vr,µ(n) as n →∞. This sequence converges and its limit allows for the interpretation of a normalised limiting cost L(r,µ) of the (r,µ)-constraint. Our main result is that L(r,µ)=gr((µ-r)2/2) where gr is the rth iterate of the function g(x)=1+x+1+2x. Our motivation to study mixed-constraints problems is indicated by several examples of possible applications. We also shortly discuss the intricacy of the expectational part of the constraint if we try to extend the class of strategies Sn to the set of full-history-dependent and/or randomized strategies.

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