Resolving multiple goal conflicts with interactive goal programming

A two-phase interactive goal programming procedure is described, which is potentially useful for resolving multiple-use conflicts where multiple and conflicting objectives exist. In the analytical phase, the procedure locates efficient solutions that are proportionally equidistant from the established goal targets. In the decision phase, these results are presented to the decision maker who either accepts the compromise solution provided by the analyst or revises the goal targets and enters into another iteration. The important features of the procedure are (i) the decision maker is not required to explicitly specify any weights or utility function to express preference among objectives; (ii) the results of each iteration are presented to the decision maker graphically, using value paths to allow easy visualization of the extent of compatibility or conflict among the different objectives; and (iii) the analyst explores efficient basic as well as nonbasic solutions in search of the best compromise solution. An illustrative example is included to demonstrate the application of the procedure.