A practical weight sensitivity algorithm for goal and multiple objective programming

This paper presents a weight sensitivity algorithm that can be used to investigate a portion of weight space of interest to the decision maker in a goal or multiple objective programme. The preferential information required from the decision maker is an initial estimate of their starting solution, with an equal weights solution being used as a default if this is not available, and preference information that will define the portion of weight space on which the sensitivity analysis is to be conducted. The different types of preferential information and how they are incorporated by the algorithm are discussed. The output of the algorithm is a set of distinct solutions that characterise the portion of weight space searched. The possible different output requirements of decision makers are detailed in the context of the algorithm.The methodology is demonstrated on two examples, one hypothetical and the other relating to predicting cinema-going behaviour. Conclusions and avenues for future research are given.     

Multi-choice goal programming formulation based on the conic scalarizing function

The multi-choice goal programming allows the decision maker to set multi-choice aspiration levels for each goal to avoid underestimation of the decision. In this paper, we propose an alternative multi-choice goal programming formulation based on the conic scalarizing function with three contributions: (1) the alternative formulation allows the decision maker to set multi-choice aspiration levels for each goal to obtain an efficient solution in the global region, (2) the proposed formulation reduces auxiliary constraints and additional variables, and (3) the proposed model guarantees to obtain a properly efficient (in the sense of Benson) point. Finally, to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed formulation, illustrative examples and test problems are included.     

Revised multi-choice goal programming

Chang [C.-T. Chang, Multi-choice goal programming, Omega, The Inter. J. Manage. Sci. 35 (2007) 389–396] has recently proposed a new method namely multi-choice goal programming (MCGP) for multi-objective decision problems. The multi-choice goal programming allows the decision maker to set multi-choice aspiration levels for each goal to avoid underestimation of the decision. However, to express the multi-choice aspiration levels, multiplicative terms of binary variables are involved in their model. This leads to difficult implementation and it is not easily understood by industrial participants. In this paper, we propose an alternative method to formulate the multi-choice aspiration levels with two contributions: (1) the alternative approach does not involve multiplicative terms of binary variables, this leads to more efficient use of MCGP and is easily understood by industrial participants, and (2) the alternative approach represents a linear form of MCGP which can easily be solved by common linear programming packages, not requiring the use of integer programming packages. In addition, a new concept of constrained MCGP is introduced for constructing the relationships between goals in this paper. Finally, to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method, an illustrate example is included.     

A chance constraints goal programming model for the advertising planning problem

This paper presents a model which has been designed to decide the number of advertisement in different advertising media and the optimal allocation of the budget assigned to the different media. The main objective of this problem is to maximize the reach to the desired section of people for different media within their maximum allowable budget without violating the max and min number of advertisement goals. The media have been considered as different newspapers and different channels in Televisions. Here in this article the model has been formulated in such a way that the advertisement should reach to those who are suitable for the product instead of going to those section who are not considered suitable for the product as well. A chance constrained goal programming model has been designed after considering the parameter corresponding to reach for different media as random variables. The random variables in this case has been considered as values which have known mean and standard deviations. A case for an upcoming institution who are interested to advertise for its two years Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme to the different newspapers and television channels has been designed to illustrate the solution methodology.     

Fuzzy multi-choice goal programming

Goal programming as a well known technique has been widely used for solving multi objective decision making problems. However, in some practical cases, there may exist situations where the decision maker is interested in setting multi aspiration levels for objectives that may not be expressed in a precise manner. In this paper, a novel formulation of fuzzy multi-choice goal programming (FMCGP) is presented. The proposed approach not only improves the applicability of goal programming in real world situations but also provides useful insight about the solution of a new class of problems. To illustrate and clarify the proposed approach, a numerical example is presented.     

Satisfying optimization method based on goal programming for fuzzy multiple objective optimization problem

This paper proposes a satisfying optimization method based on goal programming for fuzzy multiple objective optimization problem. The aim of this presented approach is to make the more important objective achieving the higher desirable satisfying degree. For different fuzzy relations and fuzzy importance, the reformulated optimization models based on goal programming is proposed. Not only the satisfying results of all the objectives can be acquired, but also the fuzzy importance requirement can be simultaneously actualized. The balance between optimization and relative importance is realized. We demonstrate the efficiency, flexibility and sensitivity of the proposed method by numerical examples.     

Binary fuzzy goal programming

Goal programming is an important technique for solving many decision/management problems. Fuzzy goal programming involves applying the fuzzy set theory to goal programming, thus allowing the model to take into account the vague aspirations of a decision-maker. Using preference-based membership functions, we can define the fuzzy problem through natural language terms or vague phenomena. In fact, decision-making involves the achievement of fuzzy goals, some of them are met and some not because these goals are subject to the function of environment/resource constraints. Thus, binary fuzzy goal programming is employed where the problem cannot be solved by conventional goal programming approaches. This paper proposes a new idea of how to program the binary fuzzy goal programming model. The binary fuzzy goal programming model can then be solved using the integer programming method. Finally, an illustrative example is included to demonstrate the correctness and usefulness of the proposed model.     

House selection via the internet by considering homebuyers’ risk attitudes with S-shaped utility functions

The widespread use of the Internet has significantly changed the behavior of homebuyers. Using online real estate agents, homebuyers can rapidly find some modern houses that meet their needs; however, most current online housing systems provide limit features. In particular, existing systems fail to consider homebuyers’ housing goals and risk attitudes. To increase effectiveness, online real estate agents should provide an efficient matching mechanism, personalized service and house ranking with the aim of increasing both buyers’ satisfaction and deal rate. An efficient online real estate agent should provide an easy way for homebuyers to find (rank) a suitable house (alternatives) with consideration of their different housing philosophies and risk attitudes. In order to comprehend these ambiguous housing goals and risk attitudes, it is also indispensable to determine a satisfaction level for each fuzzy goal and constraint.     

Interval goal programming for S-shaped penalty function

The approach of Jones and Tamiz (1995) [Jones, D.F., Tamiz, M., 1995. Expanding the flexibility of goal programming via preference modeling techniques. Omega 23, 41–48] has been accepted as the most efficient approach in the field of interval goal programming (IGP). Although several modifications to the original approach have been proposed recently [Vitoriano, B., Romero, C., 1999. Extended interval goal programming. Journal of the Operational Research Society 50, 1280–1283; Chang, C.-T., 2006. Mixed binary interval goal programming. Journal of the Operational Research Society 35, 389–396], all of them cannot formulate IGP with an S-shaped penalty function. In order to improve the utility of IGP, we extend the model of Chang (2006) [Chang, C.-T., 2006. Mixed binary interval goal programming. Journal of the Operational Research Society 35, 389–396] to be able to model an S-shaped penalty function. The newly formulated model is more concise and compact than the method of Li and Yu (2000) and it can easily be applied to a decision problem with the S-shaped penalty function. Finally, an illustrative example (i.e. how to build an appropriate E-learning system) is included for demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed model.     

A multiple criteria decision making approach to manure management systems in the Netherlands

The intensification of livestock operations in the last few decades has resulted in an increased social concern over the environmental impacts of livestock operations and thus making appropriate manure management decisions increasingly important. A socially acceptable manure management system that simultaneously achieves the pressing environmental objectives while balancing the socio-economic welfare of farmers and society at large is needed. Manure management decisions involve a number of decision makers with different and conflicting views of what is acceptable in the context of sustainable development. This paper developed a decision-making tool based on a multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) approach to address the manure management problems in the Netherlands. This paper has demonstrated the application of compromise programming and goal programming to evaluate key trade-offs between socio-economic benefits and environmental sustainability of manure management systems while taking decision makers’ conflicting views of the different criteria into account. The proposed methodology is a useful tool in assisting decision makers and policy makers in designing policies that enhance the introduction of economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manure management systems.     

Multi-choice mixed integer goal programming optimization for real problems in a sugar and ethanol milling company

Goal Programming (GP) is an important analytical approach devised to solve many realworld problems. The first GP model is known as Weighted Goal Programming (WGP). However, Multi-Choice Aspirations Level (MCAL) problems cannot be solved by current GP techniques. In this paper, we propose a Multi-Choice Mixed Integer Goal Programming model (MCMI-GP) for the aggregate production planning of a Brazilian sugar and ethanol milling company. The MC-MIGP model was based on traditional selection and process methods for the design of lots, representing the production system of sugar, alcohol, molasses and derivatives. The research covers decisions on the agricultural and cutting stages, sugarcane loading and transportation by suppliers and, especially, energy cogeneration decisions; that is, the choice of production process, including storage stages and distribution. The MCMIGP allows decision-makers to set multiple aspiration levels for their problems in which “the more/higher, the better” and “the less/lower, the better” in the aspiration levels are addressed. An application of the proposed model for real problems in a Brazilian sugar and ethanol mill was conducted; producing interesting results that are herein reported and commented upon. Also, it was made a comparison between MCMI GP and WGP models using these real cases.     

A goal programming method for obtaining interval weights from an interval comparison matrix

Crisp comparison matrices lead to crisp weight vectors being generated. Accordingly, an interval comparison matrix should give an interval weight estimate. In this paper, a goal programming (GP) method is proposed to obtain interval weights from an interval comparison matrix, which can be either consistent or inconsistent. The interval weights are assumed to be normalized and can be derived from a GP model at a time. The proposed GP method is also applicable to crisp comparison matrices. Comparisons with an interval regression analysis method are also made. Three numerical examples including a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem with a hierarchical structure are examined to show the potential applications of the proposed GP method.     

An efficient method for solving linear goal programming problems

This note proposes a solution algorithm for linear goal programming problems. The proposed method simplifies the traditional solution methods. Also, the proposed method is computationally efficient.     

Quality control system design through the goal programming model and the satisfaction functions

The goal programming (GP) model has been utilized for designing a quality control system (QCS) where several features are simultaneously considered. In the context of the quality control, the parameters can be imprecise and expressed through intervals. The aim of this paper is to propose two formulations for designing a QCS based on the imprecise GP model. The concept of satisfaction functions will be utilized to integrate explicitly the decision-maker’s preference. The developed formulations are illustrated through an example of a paper factory.     

Incorporating additional meta-objectives into the extended lexicographic goal programming framework

This paper introduces two new meta-objectives into the extended goal programming framework. The first meta-objective is the number of unmet goals and the second is a measure of closeness to the pairwise comparisons given by the decision maker. These complement the original two meta-objectives of the weighted sum of deviations and the maximal weighted deviation to provide a flexible four meta-objective framework. Lexicographic and non-lexicographic representations of the framework are developed. An example relating to transportation is solved in both the lexicographic and non-lexicographic forms. Weight sensitivity analysis is applied to the meta-weight parameters for the non-lexicographic case in order to find a range of available distinct solutions.     

A goal programming approach to strategic resource allocation in acute care hospitals

This paper describes a methodology for allocating resources in hospitals. The methodology uses two linear goal-programming models. One model sets case mix and volume for physicians, while holding service costs fixed; the other translates case mix decisions into a commensurate set of practice changes for physicians. The models allow decision makers to set case mix and case costs in such a way that the institution is able to break even, while preserving physician income and minimizing disturbance to practice. The models also permit investigation of trade-offs between case mix and physician practice parameters. Results are presented from a decision-making scenario facing the surgical division of Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital after the announcement of a 3-year, 18% reduction in funding.     

Solving multi-level multi-objective linear programming problems through fuzzy goal programming approach

In this paper, two new algorithms are presented to solve multi-level multi-objective linear programming (ML-MOLP) problems through the fuzzy goal programming (FGP) approach. The membership functions for the defined fuzzy goals of all objective functions at all levels are developed in the model formulation of the problem; so also are the membership functions for vectors of fuzzy goals of the decision variables, controlled by decision makers at the top levels. Then the fuzzy goal programming approach is used to achieve the highest degree of each of the membership goals by minimizing their deviational variables and thereby obtain the most satisfactory solution for all decision makers.     

Pattern classification by goal programming and support vector machines

Support Vector Machines (SVMs) are now very popular as a powerful method in pattern classification problems. One of main features of SVMs is to produce a separating hyperplane which maximizes the margin in feature space induced by nonlinear mapping using kernel function. As a result, SVMs can treat not only linear separation but also nonlinear separation. While the soft margin method of SVMs considers only the distance between separating hyperplane and misclassified data, we propose in this paper multi-objective programming formulation considering surplus variables. A similar formulation was extensively researched in linear discriminant analysis mostly in 1980s by using Goal Programming(GP). This paper compares these conventional methods such as SVMs and GP with our proposed formulation through several examples.Received: September 2003, Revised: December 2003,     

Applying stochastic goal programming: A case study on water use planning

A decision support model to help public water agencies allocate surface water among farmers and authorize the use of groundwater for irrigation (especially in Mediterranean dry regions) is developed. This is a stochastic goal programming approach with two goals, the first concerning farm management while the other concerns environmental impact. Targets for both goals are established by the agency. This model yields three reduction factors to decide the different reductions in available surface water, standard groundwater and complementary groundwater that the agency should grant/authorize for irrigation, this depending on if it is a dry or wet year. In drought periods, the model recommends using more groundwater (in percentage) than in wet periods. A case study using year-to-year statistical information on available water over the period 1941–2005 is developed through numerical tables. A step-by-step computational process is presented in detail.     

An interactive satisficing method based on alternative tolerance for fuzzy multiple objective optimization

An interactive satisficing method based on alternative tolerance is proposed for fuzzy multiple objective optimization. The new tolerances of the dissatisficing objectives are generated using an auxiliary programming problem. According to the alternative tolerant limits, either the membership functions are changed, or the objective constraints are added. The lexicographic two-phase programming is implemented to find the final solution. The results of the dissatisficing objectives are iteratively improved. The presented method not only acquires the efficient or weak efficient solution of all the objectives, but also satisfies the progressive preference of decision maker. Numerical examples show its power.