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.     

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.     

Monomial geometric programming with fuzzy relation equation constraints

Monomials are widely used. They are basic structural units of geometric programming. In the process of optimization, many objective functions can be denoted by monomials. We can often see them in resource allocation and structure optimization and technology management, etc. Fuzzy relation equations are important elements of fuzzy mathematics, and they have recently been widely applied in fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and cybernetics. In view of the importance of monomial functions and fuzzy relation equations, we present a fuzzy relation geometric programming model with a monomial objective function subject to the fuzzy relation equation constraints, and develop an algorithm to find an optimal solution based on the structure of the solution set of fuzzy relation equations. Two numerical examples are given to verify the developed algorithm. Our numerical results show that the algorithm is feasible and effective.     

Fuzzy goal programming for multiobjective transportation problems

Several fuzzy approaches can be considered for solving multiobjective transportation problem. This paper presents a fuzzy goal programming approach to determine an optimal compromise solution for the multiobjective transportation problem. We assume that each objective function has a fuzzy goal. Also we assign a special type of nonlinear (hyperbolic) membership function to each objective function to describe each fuzzy goal. The approach focuses on minimizing the negative deviation variables from 1 to obtain a compromise solution of the multiobjective transportation problem. We show that the proposed method and the fuzzy programming method are equivalent. In addition, the proposed approach can be applied to solve other multiobjective mathematical programming problems. A numerical example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed approach.     

A multi-objective joint replenishment inventory model of deteriorated items in a fuzzy environment

In this study, a fuzzy multi-objective joint replenishment inventory model of deteriorating items is developed. The model maximizes the profit and return on inventory investment (ROII) under fuzzy demand and shortage cost constraint. We propose a novel inverse weight fuzzy non-linear programming (IWFNLP) to formulate the fuzzy model. A soft computing, differential evolution (DE) with/without migration operation, is proposed to solve the problem. The performances of the proposed fuzzy method and the conventional fuzzy additive goal programming (FAGP) are compared. We show that the solution derived from the IWFNLP method satisfies the decision maker’s desirable achievement level of the profit objective, ROII objective and shortage cost constraint goal under the desirable possible level of fuzzy demand. It is an effective decision tool since it can really reflect the relative importance of each fuzzy component.     

Fuzzy expectation values in multistage optimization problems

The study demonstrates the use of fuzzy expectation values in problems of multistage optimization under uncertainty. A practicable procedure is presented for the case where the optimization objective can be decomposed into a series of single-stage decision goals. Instead of probability theory, the uncertainty resolution is accomplished by fuzzy expectation values. In essence, then, the risk aversion is emboided in the selection of the fuzzy integration measure. If for example, the primary goal of the optimization is to achieve a strict cost minimum, then in the lack of information, a weaker goal can be introduced that corresponds to balancing the anticipated costs to the risk of exceeding these in reality. In a number of common optimization problems the method proposed facilitates a rapid solution with clear information on the risk involved.     

Fuzzy nonlinear programming for mixed-discrete design optimization through hybrid genetic algorithm

Many practical engineering optimization problems involve discrete or integer design variables, and often the design decisions are to be made in a fuzzy environment in which the statements might be vague or imprecise. A mixed-discrete fuzzy nonlinear programming approach that combines the fuzzy λ-formulation with a hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed in this paper. This method can find a globally compromise solution for a mixed-discrete fuzzy optimization problem, even when the objective function is nonconvex and nondifferentiable. In the construction of the objective membership function, an error from the early research work is corrected and the right conclusion has been made. The illustrative examples demonstrate that more reliable and satisfactory results can be obtained through the present method.     

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.     

Stackelberg solutions for fuzzy random two-level linear programming through level sets and fractile criterion optimization

This paper considers Stackelberg solutions for two-level linear programming problems under fuzzy random environments. To deal with the formulated fuzzy random two-level linear programming problem, an α-stochastic two-level linear programming problem is defined through the introduction of α-level sets of fuzzy random variables. Taking into account vagueness of judgments of decision makers, fuzzy goals are introduced and the α-stochastic two-level linear programming problem is transformed into the problem to maximize the satisfaction degree for each fuzzy goal. Through fractile criterion optimization in stochastic programming, the transformed stochastic two-level programming problem can be reduced to a deterministic two-level programming problem. An extended concept of Stackelberg solution is introduced and a numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed method.     

On the calculation of a membership function for the solution of a fuzzy linear optimization problem

In the present paper the fuzzy linear optimization problem (with fuzzy coefficients in the objective function) is considered. Recent concepts of fuzzy solution to the fuzzy optimization problem based on the level-cut and the set of Pareto optimal solutions of a multiobjective optimization problem are applied. Chanas and Kuchta suggested one approach to determine the membership function values of fuzzy optimal solutions of the fuzzy optimization problem, which is based on calculating the sum of lengths of certain intervals. The purpose of this paper is to determine a method for realizing this idea. We derive explicit formulas for the bounds of these intervals in the case of triangular fuzzy numbers and show that only one interval needs to be considered.     

An interval-parameter fuzzy nonlinear optimization model for stream water quality management under uncertainty

Planning for water quality management systems is complicated by a variety of uncertainties and nonlinearities, where difficulties in formulating and solving the resulting inexact nonlinear optimization problems exist. With the purpose of tackling such difficulties, this paper presents the development of an interval-fuzzy nonlinear programming (IFNP) model for water quality management under uncertainty. Methods of interval and fuzzy programming were integrated within a general framework to address uncertainties in the left- and right-hand sides of the nonlinear constraints. Uncertainties in water quality, pollutant loading, and the system objective were reflected through the developed IFNP model. The method of piecewise linearization was developed for dealing with the nonlinearity of the objective function. A case study for water quality management planning in the Changsha section of the Xiangjiang River was then conducted for demonstrating applicability of the developed IFNP model. The results demonstrated that the accuracy of solutions through linearized method normally rises positively with the increase of linearization levels. It was also indicated that the proposed linearization method was effective in dealing with IFNP problems; uncertainties can be communicated into optimization process and generate reliable solutions for decision variables and objectives; the decision alternatives can be obtained by adjusting different combinations of the decision variables within their solution intervals. It also suggested that the linearized method should be used under detailed error analysis in tackling IFNP problems.     

Two basic problems in reliability-based structural optimization

Optimization of structures with respect to performance, weight or cost is a well-known application of mathematical optimization theory. However optimization of structures with respect to weight or cost under probabilistic reliability constraints or optimization with respect to reliability under cost/weight constraints has been subject of only very few studies. The difficulty in using probabilistic constraints or reliability targets lies in the fact that modern reliability methods themselves are formulated as a problem of optimization. In this paper two special formulations based on the so-called first-order reliability method (FORM) are presented. It is demonstrated that both problems can be solved by a one-level optimization problem, at least for problems in which structural failure is characterized by a single failure criterion. Three examples demonstrate the algorithm indicating that the proposed formulations are comparable in numerical effort with an approach based on semi-infinite programming but are definitely superior to a two-level formulation.     

A convexification method for a class of global optimization problems with applications to reliability optimization

A convexification method is proposed for solving a class of global optimization problems with certain monotone properties. It is shown that this class of problems can be transformed into equivalent concave minimization problems using the proposed convexification schemes. An outer approximation method can then be used to find the global solution of the transformed problem. Applications to mixed-integer nonlinear programming problems arising in reliability optimization of complex systems are discussed and satisfactory numerical results are presented.     

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.     

Priority based fuzzy goal programming technique to fractional fuzzy goals using dynamic programming

This paper describes the use of preemptive priority based fuzzy goal programming method to fuzzy multiobjective fractional decision making problems under the framework of multistage dynamic programming. In the proposed approach, the membership functions for the defined objective goals with fuzzy aspiration levels are determined first without linearizing the fractional objectives which may have linear or nonlinear forms. Then the problem is solved recursively for achievement of the highest membership value (unity) by using priority based goal programming methodology at each decision stages and thereby identifying the optimal decision in the present decision making arena. A numerical example is solved to represent potentiality of the proposed approach.     

A weighted max–min model for fuzzy goal programming

After Narasimhan's pioneering study of applying fuzzy set theory to goal programming in 1980, many achievements in the field have been recorded. Most of them followed the max–min approach. However, when objectives have different levels of importance, only the weighted additive model of Tiwari et al. seems to be applicable. However, the shortcoming of the additive model is that the summation of quasiconcave functions may not be quasiconcave. This study proposes a novel weighted max–min model for fuzzy goal programming (FGP) and for fuzzy multiple objective decision-making. The proposed model adapts well to even the most complicated membership functions. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed model can be effectively incorporated with other approaches to FGP and is superior to the weighted additive approach.     

A fuzzy goal programming method with imprecise goal hierarchy

Two most widely used approaches to treating goals of different importance in goal programming (GP) are: (1) weighted GP, where importance of goals is modelled using weights, and (2) preemptive priority GP, where a goal hierarchy is specified implying infinite trade-offs among goals placed in different levels of importance. These approaches may be too restrictive in modelling of real life decision making problems. In this paper, a novel fuzzy goal programming method is proposed, where the hierarchical levels of the goals are imprecisely defined. The imprecise importance relations among the goals are modelled using fuzzy relations. An additive achievement function is defined, which takes into consideration both achievement degrees of the goals and degrees of satisfaction of the fuzzy importance relations. Examples are given to illustrate the proposed method.     

An interval approach based on expectation optimization for fuzzy random bilevel linear programming problems

This paper considers a class of bilevel linear programming problems in which the coefficients of both objective functions are fuzzy random variables. The main idea of this paper is to introduce the Pareto optimal solution in a multi-objective bilevel programming problem as a solution for a fuzzy random bilevel programming problem. To this end, a stochastic interval bilevel linear programming problem is first introduced in terms of α-cuts of fuzzy random variables. On the basis of an order relation of interval numbers and the expectation optimization model, the stochastic interval bilevel linear programming problem can be transformed into a multi-objective bilevel programming problem which is solved by means of weighted linear combination technique. In order to compare different optimal solutions depending on different cuts, two criterions are given to provide the preferable optimal solutions for the upper and lower level decision makers respectively. Finally, a production planning problem is given to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.     

A simulation optimization approach for a two-echelon inventory system with service level constraints

In this paper, we present a simulation optimization algorithm for solving the two-echelon constrained inventory problem. The goal is to determine the optimal setting of stocking levels to minimize the total inventory investment costs while satisfying the expected response time targets for each field depot. The proposed algorithm is more adaptive than ordinary optimization algorithms, and can be applied to any multi-item multi-echelon inventory system, where the cost structure and service level function resemble what we assume. Empirical studies are performed to compare the efficiency of the proposed algorithms with other existing simulation algorithms.