An introduction to goal programming with applications in urban systems

Abstract Decisions involving large-scale, complex systems, particularly those in which “society” serves as an ultimate judge of their outcome and effectiveness, also involve multiple, conflicting and noncommensurable goals. Traditional models for the representation and solution of such problems have generally been forced to ignore the multiobjective nature of such problems. As a result, we obtain “optimal” solutions to the simplified models but, since the models do not reflect the actual situation, these solutions can sometimes cause more harm than good. Since large-scale, complex and multiobjective systems are so predominate in urban systems, it is vital that any improved methodology for modeling and solution be at least considered. In this paper we direct our attention to just one of the several new approaches to multiobjective decision analysis; the tool known as goal programming. Considerable interest seems to have been generated in this area recently but the perceptions of goal programming are varied and conflicting and, all too often, erroneous. In this paper an attempt is made to present the reader with a logical structuring of multiobjective optimization and, in particular, to identify goal programming's place and role within this framework. In doing this we hope to dispel a number of myths and misconceptions that have arisen while, at the same time, present an accurate view of the scope and limitations of the methodology. While the paper is primarily tutorial, we will however, also consider the actual and potential implementation of goal programming in problems encountered in the study of urban systems.