On Augmented Lagrangian Decomposition Methods For Multistage Stochastic Programs.

A general decomposition framework for large convex optimization problems based on augmented Lagrangians is described. The approach is then applied to multistage stochastic programming problems in two different ways: by decomposing the problem into scenarios or decomposing it into nodes corresponding to stages. In both cases the method has favorable convergence properties and a structure which makes it convenient for parallel computing environments.