Goal programming for decision making: An overview of the current state-of-the-art

• Published in: European journal of operational research Vol. 111; no. 3; pp. 569 - 581
• Main Authors: Tamiz, Mehrdad, Jones, Dylan, Romero, Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 16.12.1998; Elsevier; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Series: European Journal of Operational Research
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Decision analysis; Decision making; Decision theory. Utility theory; Exact sciences and technology; Goal programming; Mathematical models; Modelling; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Operations research; Pareto optimum; Studies; Utility functions; Utility theory; Modelling; Utility theory; Decision analysis; Goal programming; State of the art; Ranking; Multicriteria analysis; Decision making; Multiobjective programming
• ISSN: 0377-2217; 1872-6860
• DOI: 10.1016/S0377-2217(97)00317-2

There have been significant advances in the theory of goal programming (GP) in recent years, particularly in the area of intelligent modelling and solution analysis. The intention of this paper is to provide an overview of these developments, to detail and assess the current state-of-the-art in the subject, and to highlight areas which seem promising for future research. Modelling techniques such as detection and restoration of pareto efficiency, normalisation, redundancy checking, and non-standard utility function modelling are overviewed. The connection between GP and other multi-objective-programming techniques as well as a utility interpretation of GP are examined. The rationality of ranking Multi-Criteria Decision Making techniques, and of placing GP in such a ranking, is discussed.