A Simple O(log log(rank))-Competitive Algorithm for the Matroid Secretary Problem

Moran Feldman, Ola Svensson, Rico Zenklusen

Abstract: Only recently progress has been made in obtaining o(log(rank))-competitive algorithms for the matroid secretary problem. More precisely, Chakraborty and Lachish (2012) presented a -competitive procedure, and Lachish (2014) recently presented a O(log log(rank))-competitive algorithm. Both algorithms are involved with complex analyses. Using different tools, we present a considerably simpler O(log log(rank))-competitive algorithm. Our algorithm can be interpreted as a distribution over a simple type of matroid secretary algorithms which are easy to analyze. We are also able to vastly improve on the hidden constant in the competitive ratio.