Lorraine R. Gardiner

Unified interactive multiple objective programming

Abstract Previous research has stressed the philosophical, strategic, and taxonomical differences among the procedures of interactive multiple objective programming. In this paper, however, we pursue a completely different tack by examining the all but overlooked implementation similarities of the interactive procedures. In doing so, the paper demonstrates how the preponderance of interactive procedures can be made to fit a single algorithmic outline. Then, by introducing the concept of the unified sampling program , and using only a modest inventory of component subroutines, it is shown how these procedures can be unified into a single algorithmic product. In addition, the unified approach of this paper supports procedure-switching , thus enabling a user to start with one procedure and switch to other procedures during the interactive process if so desired. A unified algorithm embracing STEM, the Geoffrion-Dyer-Feinberg procedure, interactive goal programming, Wierzbickis Aspiration Criterion Vector method, and five other prominent procedures is used to illustrate the degree to which the procedures of interactive multiple objective programming can be folded into one another when pursuing the unified strategy.

Reducing conflict between marketing and manufacturing

Abstract The competitive strategies of an industrial firm may be jeopardized by interfunctional conflict and myopic functional-level decisions. Conflict and misunderstanding can be particularly intense between the marketing and manufacturing functions. This article presents a typology of decisions where strong potential exists for friction between marketing and manufacturing. Company examples are included to provide a degree of face validity for the frequency of such problems. Four major facilitating mechanisms suggested by past research are discussed. Finally, the potential of group decision support systems as a fifth mechanism for facilitating interfunctional cooperation and understanding is examined. Several applications of group decision support systems are presented to illustrate their promise as linking mechanisms.

A Bibliographic Survey of the Activities and International Nature of Multiple Criteria Decision Making

One of the fascinating things about multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) is the degree to which the contributions that have built the field have come from all over the world. In this paper the international nature of the authorships of the 1216 refereed journal articles published on MCDM between 1987 and 1992, and the journals in which they have appeared, is examined. Also, an analysis of the 217 books and 31 journal special issues that have been published on MCDM, and 143 conferences that have been held on MCDM since the inception of the field, is similarly conducted. The paper concludes with a conference organizer, author and special issue guest editor index.

Analysis of multiple criteria decision support systems for cooperative groups

This article reviews research on multiple criteria decision support systems for cooperative groups. The systems included in this survey integrate concepts from group decision theory, multiple criteria decision methodology, and decision support system technology. Three dimensions are considered in the analysis of existing research: the multiple criteria decision technique used to generate decision alternatives or to choose from a given set; the method used to facilitate individual compromise and group consensus; and the application category, if any.

Interactive Multiple Criteria Procedures: Some Reflections

This paper offers personal reflections on the evolution of interactive multiple criteria procedures. We trace their development from early roots in mathematical programming. During this early period, the theoretical and technical challenges of computing candidate solutions dominated the research. Later, major challenges arose from consideration of the behavioral aspects of decision processes. We further discuss what we consider to be current challenges and suggest some directions for future developments.

A multiple objective marketing-manufacturing approach for order (market) selection

Abstract A multiple objective approach for the order (market) selection decision problem of industrial firms with job shop production flows is discussed. The approach consists of a multiple objective programming model, an interactive solution procedure, and a group decision making mechanism. An illustration of the use of this approach to resolve interfunctional conflict in the marketing/manufacturing interface is presented.

A Survey of Integrated Group Decision Support Systems Involving Multiple Criteria

This paper surveys group decision support systems which use multiple criteria decision making tools in generating alternative solutions and/or resolving conflict among the parties involved in reaching a compromise. Two dimensions are considered in the analysis of the existing systems; the particular multiple criteria decision technique used to generate decision alternatives or to choose from a given set, and the method used to facilitate individual compromise and group consensus. The focus of the survey is on cooperative multiple criteria decision problems. Finally, a recapitulation of the survey is provided to detect the underlying trends in the design of existing integrated systems.

On the Computational Testing of Procedures for Interactive Multiple Objective Linear Programming

The problem to be solved is the multiple objective linear program (MOLP)

Interactive Multiple Objective Programming: Concepts, Current Status, and Future Directions

\begin{array}{*{20}{l}} {\max \{ {c^1}x = {z_1}\} } \\ {\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} \vdots \end{array}} \\ {\max \{ {c^k}x = {z_k}\} } \\ {s.t.\,x \in S} \end{array}