The location-allocation problem using multi-objectives

Abstract

The paper presents a model for the location-allocation problem which incorporates both qualitative and quantitative factors. A normalized composite incorporating all the qualitative factors is obtained. The qualitative factors are weighted on the basis of the relative importance assigned to each factor. An overall weighted objective function is then developed using the qualitative and quantitative measures. The values of the weights are influenced by the desirable emphasis on the qualitative and quantitative factors. The transportation method of linear programming is used to obtain optimal solutions to the above-mentioned problem. These solutions are compared with those obtained from using only the quantitative factor in the objective function. The sensitivity of the solution to the degree of emphasis on the quantitative factor is studied through an example.