The Application Of Goal Programming To Manpower Planning

The authors have constructed a goal programming model of the manpower system for officers within the Canadian Forces. The model forms part of a control system for fixing promotion quotas and strengths for the various rank levels in many occupational classifications over a planning horizon of three years. The form of the constraints is set out, and the method used by the authors to determine the objective function weights is outlined. The control system provides a fast response time and measurements indicate that it is successful in attaining the aims of the planners. An example of the use of the system to evaluate proposed manning policies is given. The authors conclude that goal-programming is a most useful tool for manpower planning.