Constructing the value function for an Integer Linear Programme over a Cone

The value function of an Integer Programme is the optimal objective value expressed as a function of the right-hand-side coefficients. For an Integer Programme over a Cone (ILPC) this takes the form of a Chvátal Function which is built up from the operations of taking non-negative linear combinations and integer round-up. A doubly recursive procedure for calculating such a value function is given. This is illustrated by a small numerical example. It is also shown how the optimal solution of an ILPC can be obtained as a function of the right-hand-side through this recursion. The connection with the Group optimization representation of an ILPC is also given together with a discussion of the difficulty of calculating the value function for a general Integer Programme.