An alternative approach to goal programming

Abstract

An alternative approach to goal programming is described. The approach incorporates both cardinal weighting and ordinal ranking of deviation variables, and does not require apriori specification of goal target levels. Ordinal rankings are used to describe feasible and optimal policy spaces. Cardinal weightings are then adjusted through an interactive procedure until the decision makers are satisfied with the weightings and with the resulting compromise solution. The procedure is demonstrated using a hypothetical reforestation budget allocation problem.