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.     

Interactive fuzzy linear programming and an application sample at a textile firm

The purpose of this study is to examine Interactive Fuzzy Linear Programming (IFLP) model by using Zimmermann, Werners, Chanas and Verdegay’s approaches that provide best decision-making under fuzzy environments. In this study, it is used the method which can model the fuzzy structure of the real world and which operates with the decision maker interactively, which aims at obtaining the best solution by continuing this interactiveness in the solution process, which includes fuzziness with more realistic approach to the system. It is showed that the importance of fuzziness concept for IFLP problems, how it is applied on real-world problems and its effects.     

On fuzzy linear programming

Fuzzy multi-objective and fuzzy Goal Programming are discussed in connection with several membership functions which are used to transform the original problem into three equivalent linear programming problems. Existence and uniqueness theorems are given. Fuzzy duality is presented, and an extension of the initial fuzzy problem arises immediately from it.     

Possibility linear programming with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers

Fuzzy linear programming with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TrFNs) is considered and a new method is developed to solve it. In this method, TrFNs are used to capture imprecise or uncertain information for the imprecise objective coefficients and/or the imprecise technological coefficients and/or available resources. The auxiliary multi-objective programming is constructed to solve the corresponding possibility linear programming with TrFNs. The auxiliary multi-objective programming involves four objectives: minimizing the left spread, maximizing the right spread, maximizing the left endpoint of the mode and maximizing the middle point of the mode. Three approaches are proposed to solve the constructed auxiliary multi-objective programming, including optimistic approach, pessimistic approach and linear sum approach based on membership function. An investment example and a transportation problem are presented to demonstrate the implementation process of this method. The comparison analysis shows that the fuzzy linear programming with TrFNs developed in this paper generalizes the possibility linear programming with triangular fuzzy numbers.     

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.     

A dual approach to solve the fuzzy linear programming problem

A concept of fuzzy objective based on the Fuzzification Principle is presented. In accordance with this concept, the Fuzzy Linear Mathematical Programming problem is easily solved. A relationship of duality among fuzzy constraints and fuzzy objectives is given. The dual problem of a Fuzzy Linear Programming problem is also defined.     

Solving a full fuzzy linear programming using lexicography method and fuzzy approximate solution

This paper discusses full fuzzy linear programming (FFLP) problems of which all parameters and variable are triangular fuzzy numbers. We use the concept of the symmetric triangular fuzzy number and introduce an approach to defuzzify a general fuzzy quantity. For such a problem, first, the fuzzy triangular number is approximated to its nearest symmetric triangular number, with the assumption that all decision variables are symmetric triangular. An optimal solution to the above-mentioned problem is a symmetric fuzzy solution. Every FLP models turned into two crisp complex linear problems; first a problem is designed in which the center objective value will be calculated and since the center of a fuzzy number is preferred to (its) margin. With a special ranking on fuzzy numbers, the FFLP transform to multi objective linear programming (MOLP) where all variables and parameters are crisp.     

Fuzzy multi-objective programming for supplier selection and risk modeling: A possibility approach

Selection of supply chain partners is an important decision involving multiple criteria and risk factors. This paper proposes a fuzzy multi-objective programming model to decide on supplier selection taking risk factors into consideration. We model a supply chain consisting of three levels and use simulated historical quantitative and qualitative data. We propose a possibility approach to solve the fuzzy multi-objective programming model. Possibility multi-objective programming models are obtained by applying possibility measures of fuzzy events into fuzzy multi-objective programming models. Results indicate when qualitative criteria are considered in supplier selection, the probability of a certain supplier being selected is affected.     

Solving a multi-objective multi-skilled manpower scheduling model by a fuzzy goal programming approach

Manpower scheduling is an intricate problem in production and service environments with the purpose of generating fair schedules that consider employers’ objectives and employees’ preferences as much as possible. However, sometimes, vagueness of information related to employers’ objectives and employees’ preferences leads to the fuzzy nature of the problem. This paper presents a multi-objective manpower scheduling model regarding the lack of clarity on the target values of employers’ objectives and employees’ preferences. Hence, a fuzzy goal programming model is developed for the presented model. Afterwards, two fuzzy solution approaches are used to convert the fuzzy goal programming model to two single-objective models. Finally, the results obtained by both single-objective models are compared with each other to select the solution that has the greatest degree of the satisfaction level of employers’ objectives and employees’ preferences.     

An integrated FANP–MOLP for supplier evaluation and order allocation

In the face of acute global competition, supplier management is rapidly emerging as a crucial issue to any companies striving for business success and sustainable development. To optimize competitive advantages, a company should incorporate “suppliers” as an essential part of its core competencies. Supplier evaluation, the first step in supplier management, is a complex multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, and its complexity is further aggravated if the highly important interdependence among the selection criteria is taken into consideration. The objective of this paper is to suggest a comprehensive decision method for identifying top suppliers by considering the effects of interdependence among the selection criteria, as well as to achieve optimal allocation of orders among the selected suppliers.     

On the manpower allocation within matrix organization: A fuzzy linear programming approach

In this study, we provide a framework of fuzzy linear programming model for the function management division dealing with manpower allocation problem within matrix organization. The proposed model reveals how the function management division seeks a minimized cost and satisfies with the requirement of subordinate functional departments as far as possible under limited manpower and project budget. Numerical example illustrates that an adjustable parameter in the proposed model can be employed by the function management division to generate many different alternatives and grasp the degree of satisfaction of each subordinate functional department.     

Environmental supply chain network design using multi-objective fuzzy mathematical programming

The concern about environmental impact of business activities has spurred an interest in designing environmentally conscious supply chains. This paper proposes a multi-objective fuzzy mathematical programming model for designing an environmental supply chain under inherent uncertainty of input data in such problem. The proposed model is able to consider the minimization of multiple environmental impacts beside the traditional cost minimization objective to make a fair balance between them. A life cycle assessment-based (LCA-based) method is applied to assess and quantify the environmental impact of different options for supply chain network configuration. Also, to solve the proposed multi-objective fuzzy optimization model, an interactive fuzzy solution approach is developed. A real industrial case is used to demonstrate the significance and applicability of the developed fuzzy optimization model as well as the usefulness of the proposed solution approach.     

Stochastic linear knapsack programming problem and its application to a portfolio selection problem

In this paper a probability maximization model of a stochastic linear knapsack problem is considered where the random variables consist of several groups with mutually correlated ones. We propose a solution algorithm to the equivalent nonlinear fractional programming problem with a simple ranking method. This approach will be effectively applied to one of the portfolio selection problems.     

A linear programming approach to test efficiency in multi-objective linear fractional programming problems

In a multi-objective linear fractional programming problem (MOLFPP), it is often useful to check the efficiency of a given feasible solution, and if the solution is efficient, it is useful to check strong or weak efficiency. In this paper, by applying a geometrical interpretation, a linear programming approach is achieved to test weak efficiency. Also, in order to test strong efficiency for a given weakly efficient point, a linear programming approach is constructed.     

Analytical models for supplier selection and order quantity allocation

In the literature, decision models and techniques for supplier selection do not often consider inventory management of the items being purchased as part of the analysis. In this article, two mixed integer nonlinear programming models are proposed to select the best set of suppliers and determine the proper allocation of order quantities while minimizing the annual ordering, inventory holding, and purchasing costs under suppliers’ capacity and quality constraints. The first model allows independent order quantities for each supplier while the second model restricts all order quantities to be of equal size, as it would be required in a multi-stage (supply chain) inventory model. Illustrative examples are used to highlight the advantages of the proposed models over a previous model introduced in the literature.     

The solution of fuzzy linear systems by non-linear programming: a financial application

Fuzzy linear systems of equations play a major role in various financial applications. In this paper we analyse a particular fuzzy linear system: the derivation of the risk neutral probabilities in a fuzzy binary tree. This system has previously been investigated and different solutions to different forms of the same system have been proposed.     

A fuzzy multi-objective programming for optimization of fire station locations through genetic algorithms

Location of fire stations is an important factor in its fire protection capability. This paper aims to determine the optimal location of fire station facilities. The proposed method is the combination of a fuzzy multi-objective programming and a genetic algorithm. The original fuzzy multiple objectives are appropriately converted to a single unified ‘min–max’ goal, which makes it easy to apply a genetic algorithm for the problem solving. Compared with the existing methods of fire station location our approach has three distinguish features: (1) considering fuzzy nature of a decision maker (DM) in the location optimization model; (2) fully considering the demands for the facilities from the areas with various fire risk categories; (3) being more understandable and practical to DM. The case study was based on the data collected from the Derbyshire fire and rescue service and used to illustrate the application of the method for the optimization of fire station locations.     

A geometric approach for solving fuzzy linear programming problems

In this paper we first recall some definitions and results of fuzzy plane geometry, and then introduce some definitions in the geometry of two-dimensional fuzzy linear programming (FLP). After defining the optimal solution based on these definitions, we use the geometric approach for obtaining optimal solution(s) and show that the algebraic solutions obtained by Zimmermann method (ZM) and our geometric solutions are the same. Finally, numerical examples are solved by these two methods.     

Fuzzy multi-objective vendor selection under lean procurement

This paper investigates a fuzzy multi-objective vendor selection program under lean procurement based on cost minimization, delivery schedule violation minimization, and maximizing the quality level of the purchased quantity. Specifically, the paper incorporates the vendor production capacity uncertainty into the model to identify an appropriate selection policy for vendors under practical operating conditions. The use of a soft time-window mechanism for the vendor selection model enables decision makers to further incorporate a time based performance metric for vendor evaluation, based on the degree of urgency or need for a part. A solution algorithm using fuzzy AHP is proposed. The results of a numerical example suggest that decision makers prefer vendors who can promise tighter delivery schedules rather than on cost or quality. A sensitivity analysis of the soft time-window on the achievement of the lean procurement objectives is also conducted.     

Linear programming with fuzzy parameters: An interactive method resolution

This paper proposes a method for solving linear programming problems where all the coefficients are, in general, fuzzy numbers. We use a fuzzy ranking method to rank the fuzzy objective values and to deal with the inequality relation on constraints. It allows us to work with the concept of feasibility degree. The bigger the feasibility degree is, the worst the objective value will be. We offer the decision-maker (DM) the optimal solution for several different degrees of feasibility. With this information the DM is able to establish a fuzzy goal. We build a fuzzy subset in the decision space whose membership function represents the balance between feasibility degree of constraints and satisfaction degree of the goal. A reasonable solution is the one that has the biggest membership degree to this fuzzy subset. Finally, to illustrate our method, we solve a numerical example.