Efficiency and proper efficiency in vector maximization with respect to cones

Vector maximization problems arise when more than one objective function is to be maximized over a given feasibility region. The concepts of efficiency and proper efficiency have played a useful role in the analysis of such problems. Recently these concepts have been extended to vector maximization problems in which the underlying domination cone is a convex cone. In this paper, efficient and properly efficient solutions for the vector maximization problem in which the underlying domination cone is any nontrivial, closed convex cone are examined. Differences between properly and improperly efficient solutions are established. Characterizations of efficient and properly efficient solutions are presented, and conditions under which efficient solutions exist and fail to exist are derived.