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Goal programming
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<p>Goal programming is a branch of <a href="/facts/Multiobjective_optimization/1Hb4gjGJ">multiobjective optimization</a>, which in turn is a branch of <a href="/facts/Multi-criteria_decision_analysis/IXQLJgBx">multi-criteria decision analysis</a> (MCDA). It can be thought of as an extension or generalisation of <a href="/facts/Linear_programming/GduXFQxT">linear programming</a> to handle multiple, normally conflicting objective measures. Each of these measures is given a goal or target value to be achieved. Deviations are measured from these goals both above and below the target. Unwanted deviations from this set of target values are then minimised in an achievement function. This can be a <a href="/facts/Vector_(mathematics)/U8mM7A5F">vector</a> or a <a href="/facts/Weighted_sum/YNJL7o99">weighted sum</a> dependent on the goal programming variant used. As satisfaction of the target is deemed to satisfy the decision maker(s), an underlying <a href="/facts/Satisficing/Bzcsq4l8">satisficing</a> philosophy is assumed. Goal programming is used to perform three types of analysis: </p> <ol><li>Determine the required resources to achieve a desired set of objectives.</li> <li>Determine the degree of attainment of the goals with the available resources.</li> <li>Providing the best satisfying solution under a varying amount of resources and priorities of the goals.</li></ol>