Improved approximation algorithm for k-level UFL with penalties, a simplistic view on randomizing the scaling parameter

The state of the art in approximation algorithms for facility location problems are complicated combinations of various techniques. In particular, the currently best 1.488-approximation algorithm for the uncapacitated facility location (UFL) problem by Shi Li is presented as a result of a non-trivial randomization of a certain scaling parameter in the LP-rounding algorithm by Chudak and Shmoys combined with a primal-dual algorithm of Jain et al. In this paper we first give a simple interpretation of this randomization process in terms of solving an aux- iliary (factor revealing) LP. Then, armed with this simple view point, Abstract. we exercise the randomization on a more complicated algorithm for the k-level version of the problem with penalties in which the planner has the option to pay a penalty instead of connecting chosen clients, which results in an improved approximation algorithm.

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