A simplified interactive multiple objective linear programming procedure

Abstract

Differences in decision making styles and decision settings have motivated the development of a variety of interactive approaches to assist decision makers (DMs) in determining preferred solutions to multiple criteria decision making problems. This paper presents a Simplified Interactive Multiple Objective Linear Programming (SIMOLP) procedure which is designed to appeal to a broad range of DMs because of its simplicity and flexibility. Specifically, at any stage in the interactive process, the procedure attempts to 1. (1) minimize the inputs required from the DMs; 2. (2) provide DMs with a representative set of decision alternatives while simultaneously limiting the number of alternatives considered; and 3. (3) allow DMs to change their minds about previously eliminated alternatives. The procedure is illustrated with both graphical and numerical examples and computational experience is discussed.