A class of multiobjective linear programming model with fuzzy random coefficients

The aim of this paper is to deal with a multiobjective linear programming problem with fuzzy random coefficients. Some crisp equivalent models are presented and a traditional algorithm based on an interactive fuzzy satisfying method is proposed to obtain the decision maker’s satisfying solution. In addition, the technique of fuzzy random simulation is adopted to handle general fuzzy random objective functions and fuzzy random constraints which are usually hard to be converted into their crisp equivalents. Furthermore, combined with the techniques of fuzzy random simulation, a genetic algorithm using the compromise approach is designed for solving a fuzzy random multiobjective programming problem. Finally, illustrative examples are given in order to show the application of the proposed models and algorithms.     

Interactive multiobjective fuzzy random linear programming: Maximization of possibility and probability

This paper considers multiobjective linear programming problems with fuzzy random variables coefficients. A new decision making model is proposed to maximize both possibility and probability, which is based on possibilistic programming and stochastic programming. An interactive algorithm is constructed to obtain a satisficing solution satisfying at least weak Pareto optimality.     

A probability maximization model based on rough approximation and its application to the inventory problem

In the present paper, we concentrate on dealing with a class of multi-objective programming problems with random coefficients and present its application to the multi-item inventory problem. The P-model is proposed to obtain the maximum probability of the objective functions and rough approximation is applied to deal with the feasible set with random parameters. The fuzzy programming technique and genetic algorithm are then applied to solve the crisp programming problem. Finally, the application to Auchan’s inventory system is given in order to show the efficiency of the proposed models and algorithms.     

A multi-objective chance-constrained network optimal model with random fuzzy coefficients and its application to logistics distribution center location problem

The problem of the distribution center is concerned with how to select distribution centers from a potential set in order to minimize the total relevant cost comprising of fixed costs of the distribution center and transport costs, and minimize the transportation time. In this paper, we propose a multi-objective network optimal model with random fuzzy coefficients for the logistics distribution center location problem. Furthermore, we convert the uncertain model into a deterministic one by the probability and possibility measure. Then the spanning tree-based genetic algorithm (st-GA) by the Prüfer number representation is introduced to solve the crisp multiobjective programming. At last, the proposed model and algorithm are applied to the Xinxi Dairy Holdings Limited Company to show the efficiency.     

COTS selection using fuzzy interactive approach

In this paper, we introduce fuzzy mathematical programming (FMP) for decision-making related to software creation by selecting optimal commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products in a modular software system. Each module in such software systems have different alternatives with variations in their properties, for example, quality, reliability, execution time, size and cost. Due to these variations, component-based software developers generally deals with the problem of selecting appropriate COTS products. The development of COTS-based systems largely depends on the success of the selection process. Various crisp optimization models of COTS products selection have been proposed in literature. However, in real COTS products selection problem, it is difficult to estimate precisely the values of various model parameters due to lack of sufficient data and also because of measurement errors. Hence, instead of crisp optimization model, if we use flexible optimization model then we might obtain results which are more preferred by the decision maker. In this study, we use multiple methodologies such as quality model, analytical hierarchy process and FMP to develop fuzzy multiobjective optimization model of the COTS products selection. To determine a preferred compromise solution for the multiobjective optimization problem, an interactive fuzzy approach is used.     

随机多目标规划区间交互过程及其应用

针对随机多目标规划问题中目标函数含有连续型随机变量的情形,设计一种基于概率有效性意义下的区间交互过程,将概率有效性与多目标问题理想点进行有机结合,有效辅助决策者寻求愿意承受的风险水平,并进行决策,简化了随机多目标优化问题。最后通过实例说明该交互过程的作用。     

An adaptation of Priam to multiobjective linear programming

In this paper we present an algorithm for multiobjective linear programming. In this algorithm the decision maker directs an interactive exploration of the feasible set relying on the ‘problem solving’ ideas which were developed in artificial intelligence. This method is an adaptation to linear programming of the discrete multi-attribute Priam algorithm     

Multiobjective linear programming with context-dependent preferences

Multiobjective linear programming algorithms are typically based on value maximization. However, there is a growing body of experimental evidence showing that decision maker behavior is inconsistent with value maximization. Tversky and Simonson provide an alternative model for problems with a discrete set of choices. Their model, called the componential context model, has been shown to capture observed decision maker behavior. In this paper, an interactive multiobjective linear programming algorithm is developed which follows the rationale of Tversky and Simonson. The algorithm is illustrated with an example solved using standard linear programming software. Finally, an interactive decision support system based on this algorithm is developed to field test the usefulness of the algorithm. Results show that this algorithm compares favorably with an established algorithm in the field.     

An interactive fuzzy programming system

An interactive system is introduced which supports a decision maker in solving programming models with crisp or fuzzy constraints and crisp or fuzzy goals. One part of the system is the determination of membership functions representing goals. To this purpose fuzzy extreme solutions are computed and are presented to the decision maker. These and each of the proposed compromise solutions are fuzzy-efficient.     

Preference modelling by estimating local utility functions for multiobjective optimization

This paper is intended to design goal programming models for capturing the decision maker's (DM's) preference information and for supporting the search for the best compromise solutions in multiobjective optimization. At first, a linear goal programming model is built to estimate piecewise linear local utility functions based on pairwise comparisons of efficient solutions as well as objectives. The interactive step trade-off method (ISTM) is employed to generate a typical subset of efficient solutions of a multiobjective problem. Another general goal programming model is then constructed to embed the estimated utility functions in the original multiobjective problem for utility optimization using ordinary nonlinear programming algorithms. This technique, consisting of the ISTM method and the newly investigated search process, facilitates the identification and elimination of possible inconsistent information which may exist in the DM's preferences. It also provides various ways to carry out post-optimality analysis to test the robustness of the obtained best solutions. A modified nonlinear multiobjective management problem is taken as example to demonstrate the technique.     

Modelling stochastic decision systems using dependent-chance programming

This paper further discusses the techniques of dependent-chance programming, dependent-chance multiobjective programming and dependent-chance goal programming. Some illustrative examples are provided to show how to model complex stochastic decision systems by using dependent-chance programming and how to solve these models by employing a Monte Carlo simulation based genetic algorithm.     

ISTMO: An interval reference point-based method for stochastic multiobjective programming problems

In this paper, we present an interactive algorithm (ISTMO) for stochastic multiobjective problems with continuous random variables. This method combines the concept of probability efficiency for stochastic problems with the reference point philosophy for deterministic multiobjective problems. The decision maker expresses her/his references by dividing the variation range of each objective into intervals, and by setting the desired probability for each objective to achieve values belonging to each interval. These intervals may also be redefined during the process. This interactive procedure helps the decision maker to understand the stochastic nature of the problem, to discover the risk level (s)he is willing to assume for each objective, and to learn about the trade-offs among the objectives.     

求群体多目标决策问题的一种可行方向交互算法

对于群体多目标决策问题,决策者可以各自的关于目标之间的权衡比表达其偏爱信息并进行决策.当个体权衡比具有加性性质时可得群体权衡比.本文以此构造一种求解群体非线性规划问题的交互算法.迭代中基于求解决非线性规划的Topkis-Veinott方法构造可行方向.在一定的条件下,算法收敛于所讨论问题的群体满意解.     

An interactive fuzzy satisficing method for random fuzzy multiobjective integer programming problems through probability maximization with possibility

This paper considers multiobjective integer programming problems where each coefficient of the objective functions is expressed by a random fuzzy variable. A new decision making model is proposed by incorporating the concept of probability maximization into a possibilistic programming model. For solving transformed deterministic problems, genetic algorithms with double strings for nonlinear integer programming problems are introduced. An interactive fuzzy satisficing method is presented for deriving a satisficing solution to a decision maker by updating the reference probability levels. An illustrative numerical example is provided to clarify the proposed method.     

Multiobjective optimization using differential evolution for real-world portfolio optimization

Portfolio optimization is an important aspect of decision-support in investment management. Realistic portfolio optimization, in contrast to simplistic mean-variance optimization, is a challenging problem, because it requires to determine a set of optimal solutions with respect to multiple objectives, where the objective functions are often multimodal and non-smooth. Moreover, the objectives are subject to various constraints of which many are typically non-linear and discontinuous. Conventional optimization methods, such as quadratic programming, cannot cope with these realistic problem properties. A valuable alternative are stochastic search heuristics, such as simulated annealing or evolutionary algorithms. We propose a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm for portfolio optimization, which we call DEMPO??Differential Evolution for Multiobjective Portfolio Optimization. In our experimentation, we compare DEMPO with quadratic programming and another well-known evolutionary algorithm for multiobjective optimization called NSGA-II. The main advantage of DEMPO is its ability to tackle a portfolio optimization task without simplifications, while obtaining very satisfying results in reasonable runtime.     

Interactive multiobjective programming in airline network design for international airline code-share alliance

This study presents an interactive airline network design procedure to facilitate bargaining interactions necessitated by international code-share alliance agreements. Code sharing involves partner airlines individually maximizing their own profits, while mutually considering overall profitability, traffic gains, and quality benefits for the markets in which they cooperate with their partners. This study uses a reference point method to solve the interactive multiobjective programming model, to support the bargaining interactions between two partner-airlines in an alliance negotiation. The impact of the code-share alliance network on market demand, alliance partners’ costs and profits, and levels of service are also discussed. A case study demonstrates the feasibility of applying the proposed models and elucidates how interactive multiobjective programming models may be applied to determine flight frequencies for airline code-share alliance networks. The results of this study provide ways by which alliance airlines can evaluate iteratively the output and profits of the alliance members under code-share alliance agreements.     

An algorithm for systems welfare interactive goal programming modelling

Every human system is faced with the problem of choosing between alternative options, and methods of interactive programming have been suggested as the best way to lead decision makers reach decisions that are consistent with their preferences. However, even though a large number of interactive algorithms have been proposed for multiobjective decision making (MODM), there is yet no truly interactive goal programming (GP) algorithm, despite the preference of GP over other MODM methodologies. The current paper presents an algorithm for interactive GP modelling called SWIGP (systems welfare interactive GP) which ensures that the overall welfare of the system under consideration is adequately taken into account in the interactive process. To achieve this, this paper distinguishes between technical, allocative and economic efficiencies and combines an economic efficiency index with interactive GP process. Besides being of wide applicability, the algorithm exerts little cognitive burden on the decision maker (DM). Indeed, even if the DM is assumed to operate under conditions of complete ignorance, SWIGP provides the direction for searching the “best” compromise solution. Moreover, the algorithm converges very fast because of the economic efficiency index that complements the interactive process in aiding the DM arrive at a most preferred solution.     

Mathematical programming in rough environment

Classical mathematics is usually crisp while most real-life problems are not; therefore, classical mathematics is usually not suitable for dealing with real-life problems. In this article, we present a systematic and focused study of the application of rough sets (Z. Pawlak, Rough sets, In. J. Comput. Informa. Sci. 11 (1982), pp. 341–356.) to a basic area of decision theory, namely ‘mathematical programming’. This new framework concerns mathematical programming in a rough environment and is called ‘rough programming’ (L. Baoding, Theory and Practice of Uncertain Programming, 1st ed., Physica-Verlag, Heidelberg, 2002; E.A. Youness, Characterizing solutions of rough programming problems, Eut. J. Oper. Res. 168 (2006), pp. 1019–1029). It implies the existence of the roughness in any part of the problem as a result of the leakage, uncertainty and vagueness in the available information. We classify rough programming problems into three classes according to the place of the roughness. In rough programming, wherever roughness exists, new concepts like rough feasibility and rough optimality come to the front of our interest. The study of convexity for rough programming problems plays a key role in understanding global optimality in a rough environment. For this, a theoretical framework of convexity in rough programming and conceptualization of the solution is created on the lines of their crisp counterparts.     

Robust optimization for interactive multiobjective programming with imprecise information applied to R&D project portfolio selection

A multiobjective binary integer programming model for R&D project portfolio selection with competing objectives is developed when problem coefficients in both objective functions and constraints are uncertain. Robust optimization is used in dealing with uncertainty while an interactive procedure is used in making tradeoffs among the multiple objectives. Robust nondominated solutions are generated by solving the linearized counterpart of the robust augmented weighted Tchebycheff programs. A decision maker’s most preferred solution is identified in the interactive robust weighted Tchebycheff procedure by progressively eliciting and incorporating the decision maker’s preference information into the solution process. An example is presented to illustrate the solution approach and performance. The developed approach can also be applied to general multiobjective mixed integer programming problems.     

Multiobjective mathematical programming via the Multiplex model and algorithm

The increased interest in the existence and consideration of multiple objectives has made itself evident in the significant growth in the development and implementation of multiobjective mathematical programming. Unfortunately, it is our opinion that this field is now characterized by such a diversity of philosophies, models, approaches and terminology that any unifying theme is obscured. In fact, rather than stressing the (substantial) degree of inherent commonality between multiobjective models and methods, most presentations seem to focus on their real, or imagined, differences. We believe that such treatment can be counterproductive and thus propose, herein, what we hope is a more unified treatment of multiobjective mathematical programming via the use of the multiphase simplex, or Multiplex model and algorithm. While none of the components and concepts of the Multiplex method are, in themselves, new, we do believe that the specific arrangement of these ideas, in the form presented, does serve to clarify the close relationships between the models and (simplex based) algorithms for most forms of multiobjective mathematical programming (and, in turn, their relationship to ‘conventional,’ single objective programming).