|
Goal programming can be considered as a branch of
multi-objective optimization which itself is a part of multi-criteria decision analysis, also
known as multiple-criteria decision making. Goal programming is an example of
an optimization program. This can also be considered as a generalization
or extension of linear programming, in which more than one and in
general conflicting objectives are to be optimized. For each of the objectives, a
target value or goal would be given, which is needed to be achieved. This target
may be a certain amount of profit, cost, sales or utilization of machine capacity.
The problem is to select the best way among different alternatives available
to the decision maker. For this reason, the objectives are needed to be
prioritized. Finally, the undesired deviations from the given set of targets are
minimized by using an achievement function. Depending on the goal programming
variant used this achievement function can either be a vector or a weighted sum.
As the fulfillment of the goal is deemed to gratify the decision maker,
an underlying satisficing (a portmanteau of `satisfy' and `suffice' coined by
Herbert Simon, 1957) philosophy is assumed. A sample model for goal
programming is discussed here (originally given by Lin, 1979).
Here, Ps (s = 1, 2, , z) is the preemptive priority factor which
follows the relationship that Ps >>> Ps +
1, i.e., the multiplication of any number, however, large it may be, cannot make the latter greater than or equal to
the former. Lower order goal is considered only after the higher order goal
is satisfied.
Charnes, Cooper and Ferguson first introduced goal programming in
1955, although the actual name `goal programming' emerged first in 1961 in a
book called "Management Models and Industrial Applications of Linear
Programming" by Charnes and Cooper. The theory then improved in the capable hands of
Lee, Ignizio, Cavalier, and Romero. The bibliography of a large number of
articles related to goal programming was given by Schniederjans (for articles
published before 1995) and Jones and Tamiz (for articles published within the period
of 1990-2000).
The first application of goal programming to the mankind was done by
Ignizio in 1962, when he applied the concept to the designing and placement of
the antennas employed on the second stage of the Saturn V, which was later
used to launch the space capsule named Apollo which landed the Neil Armstrong
on the moon. The vast application of goal programming also includes fields
as diverse as ballistic missile defense technology, power-supply,
protein-synthesis, etc. In this paper, however, the discussion is on the application of
goal programming on various fields of management. |
