Robust Optimization of Vaccine Distribution Problem with Demand Uncertainty

Abstract

This study proposes a multi objective optimization model for vaccine distribution problems using the Maximum Covering Location Problem (MCLP) model. The objective function of the MCLP model in this study is to maximize the fulfillment of vaccine demand for each priority group at each demand point. In practice, the MCLP model requires data on the amount of demand at each demand point, which in reality can be influenced by many factors so that the value is uncertain. This problem makes the optimization model to be uncertain linear problem (ULP). The robust optimization approach converts ULP into a single deterministic problem called Robust Counterpart (RC) by assuming the demand quantity parameter in the constraint function is in the set of uncertainty boxes, so that a robust counterpart to the model is obtained. Numerical simulations are carried out using available data. It is found that the optimal value in the robust counterpart model is not better than the deterministic model but is more resistant to changes in parameter values. This causes the robust counterpart model to be more reliable in overcoming uncertain vaccine distribution problems in real life. This research is limited to solving the problem of vaccine distribution at a certain time and only assumes that the uncertainty of the number of requests is within a specified range so that it can be developed by assuming that the number of demand is dynamic.