An approach for solving a fuzzy multiobjective programming problem

In this paper we present a new approach, based on the Nearest Interval Approximation Operator, for dealing with a multiobjective programming problem with fuzzy-valued objective functions.     

A fuzzy goal programming approach to multi-objective optimization problem with priorities

In goal programming problem, the general equilibrium and optimization are often two conflicting factors. This paper proposes a generalized varying-domain optimization method for fuzzy goal programming (FGP) incorporating multiple priorities. According to the three possible styles of the objective function, the varying-domain optimization method and its generalization are proposed. This method can generate the results consistent with the decision-maker (DM)’s expectation, that the goal with higher priority may have higher level of satisfaction. Using this new method, it is a simple process to balance between the equilibrium and optimization, and the result is the consequence of a synthetic decision between them. In contrast to the previous method, the proposed method can make that the higher priority achieving the higher satisfactory degree. To get the global solution of the nonlinear nonconvex programming problem resulting from the original problem and the varying-domain optimization method, the co-evolutionary genetic algorithms (GAs), called GENOCOPIII, is used instead of the SQP method. In this way the DM can get the optimum of the optimization problem. We demonstrate the power of this proposed method by illustrative examples.     

Bucket elimination for multiobjective optimization problems

Multiobjective optimization deals with problems involving multiple measures of performance that should be optimized simultaneously. In this paper we extend bucket elimination (BE), a well known dynamic programming generic algorithm, from mono-objective to multiobjective optimization. We show that the resulting algorithm, MO-BE, can be applied to true multi-objective problems as well as mono-objective problems with knapsack (or related) global constraints. We also extend mini-bucket elimination (MBE), the approximation form of BE, to multiobjective optimization. The new algorithm MO-MBE can be used to obtain good quality multi-objective lower bounds or it can be integrated into multi-objective branch and bound in order to increase its pruning efficiency. Its accuracy is empirically evaluated in real scheduling problems, as well as in Max-SAT-ONE and biobjective weighted minimum vertex cover problems.     

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.     

Interactive fuzzy goal programming approach for bilevel programming problem

This paper presents an interactive fuzzy goal programming (FGP) approach for bilevel programming problems with the characteristics of dynamic programming (DP).     

On solving multiobjective bin packing problems using evolutionary particle swarm optimization

The bin packing problem is widely found in applications such as loading of tractor trailer trucks, cargo airplanes and ships, where a balanced load provides better fuel efficiency and safer ride. In these applications, there are often conflicting criteria to be satisfied, i.e., to minimize the bins used and to balance the load of each bin, subject to a number of practical constraints. Unlike existing studies that only consider the issue of minimum bins, a multiobjective two-dimensional mathematical model for bin packing problems with multiple constraints (MOBPP-2D) is formulated in this paper. To solve MOBPP-2D problems, a multiobjective evolutionary particle swarm optimization algorithm (MOEPSO) is proposed. Without the need of combining both objectives into a composite scalar weighting function, MOEPSO incorporates the concept of Pareto’s optimality to evolve a family of solutions along the trade-off surface. Extensive numerical investigations are performed on various test instances, and their performances are compared both quantitatively and statistically with other optimization methods to illustrate the effectiveness and efficiency of MOEPSO in solving multiobjective bin packing problems.     

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.     

A fast Pareto genetic algorithm approach for solving expensive multiobjective optimization problems

We present a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA), called fast Pareto genetic algorithm (FastPGA), for the simultaneous optimization of multiple objectives where each solution evaluation is computationally- and/or financially-expensive. This is often the case when there are time or resource constraints involved in finding a solution. FastPGA utilizes a new ranking strategy that utilizes more information about Pareto dominance among solutions and niching relations. New genetic operators are employed to enhance the proposed algorithm’s performance in terms of convergence behavior and computational effort as rapid convergence is of utmost concern and highly desired when solving expensive multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs). Computational results for a number of test problems indicate that FastPGA is a promising approach. FastPGA yields similar performance to that of the improved nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), a widely-accepted benchmark in the MOEA research community. However, FastPGA outperforms NSGA-II when only a small number of solution evaluations are permitted, as would be the case when solving expensive MOPs.     

A novel evolution strategy for multiobjective optimization problem

Recent literatures have suggested that multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) can serve as a more exploratory and effective tool in solving multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs) than traditional optimizers. In order to contain a good approximation of Pareto optimal set with wide diversity associated with the inherent characters and variability of MOPs, this paper proposes a new evolutionary approach—(μ, λ) multiobjective evolution strategy ((μ, λ)-MOES). Following the highlight of how to balance proximity and diversity of individuals in exploration and exploitation stages respectively, some cooperative techniques are devised. Firstly, a novel combinatorial exploration operator that develops strong points from Gaussian mutation of proximity exploration and from Cauchy mutation of diversity preservation is elaborately designed. Additionally, we employ a complete nondominance selection so as to ensure maximal pressure for proximity exploitation while a fitness assignment determined by dominance and population diversity information is simultaneous used to ensure maximal diversity preservation. Moreover, a dynamic external archive is introduced to store elitist individuals as well as relatively better individuals and exchange information with the current population when performing archive increase scheme and archive decrease scheme. By graphical presentation and examination of selected performance metrics on three prominent benchmark test functions, (μ, λ)-MOES is found to outperform SPEA-II to some extent in terms of finding a near-optimal, well-extended and uniformly diversified Pareto optimal front.     

A fuzzy programming approach for dynamic virtual hub location problem

Hub location problem has been used in transportation network to exploit economies of scale. For example, a controversial issue in the planning of air transportation networks is inclement weather or emergency conditions. In this situation, hub facilities would not be able to provide a good service to their spoke nodes temporarily. Thus, some other kinds of predetermined underutilized facilities in the network are used as virtual hubs to host some or all connections of original hubs to recover the incurred incapacitation and increase network flexibility and demand flow. In such an unexpected situation, it is not unreasonable to expect that some information be imprecise or vague. To deal with this issue, fuzzy concept is used to pose a more realistic problem. Here, we present a fuzzy integer liner programming approach to propose a dynamic virtual hub location problem with the aim of minimizing transportation cost in the network. We examine the effectiveness of our model using the well-known CAB data set.     

A global optimization approach for solving the convex multiplicative programming problem

We consider a convex multiplicative programming problem of the form% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9qq-f0-yqaqVeLsFr0-vr% 0-vr0db8meaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaacaGG7bGaam% OzamaaBaaaleaacaaIXaaabeaakiaacIcacaWG4bGaaiykaiabgwSi% xlaadAgadaWgaaWcbaGaaGOmaaqabaGccaGGOaGaamiEaiaacMcaca% GG6aGaamiEaiabgIGiolaadIfacaGG9baaaa!4A08!\[\{ f_1 (x) \cdot f_2 (x):x \in X\} \]where X is a compact convex set of ⁿ and f ₁, f ₂ are convex functions which have nonnegative values over X.Using two additional variables we transform this problem into a problem with a special structure in which the objective function depends only on two of the (n+2) variables. Following a decomposition concept in global optimization we then reduce this problem to a master problem of minimizing a quasi-concave function over a convex set in ² ₂. This master problem can be solved by an outer approximation method which requires performing a sequence of simplex tableau pivoting operations. The proposed algorithm is finite when the functions f _i, (i=1, 2) are affine-linear and X is a polytope and it is convergent for the general convex case.Partly supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft Project CONMIN.     

Quasi-Newton methods for solving multiobjective optimization

This paper presents a quasi-Newton-type algorithm for nonconvex multiobjective optimization. In this algorithm, the iterations are repeated until termination conditions are met, which is when a suitable descent direction cannot be found anymore. Under suitable assumptions, global convergence is established.     

Integrating particle swarm optimization with genetic algorithms for solving nonlinear optimization problems

Heuristic optimization provides a robust and efficient approach for solving complex real-world problems. The aim of this paper is to introduce a hybrid approach combining two heuristic optimization techniques, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithms (GA). Our approach integrates the merits of both GA and PSO and it has two characteristic features. Firstly, the algorithm is initialized by a set of random particles which travel through the search space. During this travel an evolution of these particles is performed by integrating PSO and GA. Secondly, to restrict velocity of the particles and control it, we introduce a modified constriction factor. Finally, the results of various experimental studies using a suite of multimodal test functions taken from the literature have demonstrated the superiority of the proposed approach to finding the global optimal solution.     

A path following method for box-constrained multiobjective optimization with applications to goal programming problems

We propose a path following method to find the Pareto optimal solutions of a box-constrained multiobjective optimization problem. Under the assumption that the objective functions are Lipschitz continuously differentiable we prove some necessary conditions for Pareto optimal points and we give a necessary condition for the existence of a feasible point that minimizes all given objective functions at once. We develop a method that looks for the Pareto optimal points as limit points of the trajectories solutions of suitable initial value problems for a system of ordinary differential equations. These trajectories belong to the feasible region and their computation is well suited for a parallel implementation. Moreover the method does not use any scalarization of the multiobjective optimization problem and does not require any ordering information for the components of the vector objective function. We show a numerical experience on some test problems and we apply the method to solve a goal programming problem.     

Discrete dynamic programming with outcomes in random variable structures

Multiobjective approach is the common way of generalization single-criterion dynamic programming models. Another way is to consider partially ordered criteria structures. That approach is rather rare. The aim of the paper is to present such a model. Generalization of Bellman’s principle of optimality is employed to create a forward procedure to find the set of all maximal elements. As this set is usual large, the second problem under consideration is to find its subsets. To reduce the number of solutions presented to decision maker we propose to apply a family of narrowing relations. That approach is similar to scalarization in multiobjective programming. Ordered structures of random variables based on mean–variance, stochastic dominance and inverse stochastic dominance are considered. Numerical illustration is given at the end of the paper.     

A hybrid quantum-inspired immune algorithm for multiobjective optimization

This study suggests a novel quantum immune algorithm for finding Pareto-optimal solutions to multiobjective optimization problems based on quantum computing and immune system. In the proposed algorithm, there are distinct characteristics as follows. First, the encoding method is based on Q-bit representation, and thus a chaos-based approach is suggested to initialize the population. Second, a new chaos-based rotation gate and Q-gates are presented to perform mutation and improve the quality of the population, respectively. Finally, especially, a new truncation algorithm with similar individuals (TASI) is utilized to preserve the diversity of the population. Also, a new selection operator is proposed to create the new population based on TASI. Simulation results on six standard problems (ZDT6, CP, SP, VNT, OSY and KIT) show the proposed algorithm is able to find a much better spread of solutions and has better convergence near the true Pareto-optimal front compared to the vector immune algorithm (VIS) and the elitist non-dominated sorting genetic system (NSGA-II).     

A method for solving fuzzy goal programming problems based on MINMAX approach

Narasimhan incorporated fuzzy set theory within goal programming formulation in 1980. Since then numerous research has been carried out in this field. One of the well-known models for solving fuzzy goal programming problems was proposed by Hannan in 1981. In this paper the conventional MINMAX approach in goal programming is applied to solve fuzzy goal programming problems. It is proved that the proposed model is an extension to Hannan model that deals with unbalanced triangular linear membership functions. In addition, it is shown that the new model is equivalent to a model proposed in 1991 by Yang et al. Moreover, a weighted model of the new approach is introduced and is compared with Kim and Whang’s model presented in 1998. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the validity and strengths of the new models.     

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 hybrid optimization technique coupling an evolutionary and a local search algorithm

Evolutionary algorithms are robust and powerful global optimization techniques for solving large-scale problems that have many local optima. However, they require high CPU times, and they are very poor in terms of convergence performance. On the other hand, local search algorithms can converge in a few iterations but lack a global perspective. The combination of global and local search procedures should offer the advantages of both optimization methods while offsetting their disadvantages. This paper proposes a new hybrid optimization technique that merges a genetic algorithm with a local search strategy based on the interior point method. The efficiency of this hybrid approach is demonstrated by solving a constrained multi-objective mathematical test-case.