On Approximating Multi-Criteria TSP

We present approximation algorithms for almost all variants of the multi-criteria traveling salesman problem (TSP). First, we devise randomized approximation algorithms for multi-criteria maximum traveling salesman problems (Max-TSP). For multi-criteria Max-STSP, where the edge weights have to be symmetric, we devise an algorithm with an approximation ratio of 2/3 - eps. For multi-criteria Max-ATSP, where the edge weights may be asymmetric, we present an algorithm with a ratio of 1/2 - eps. Our algorithms work for any fixed number k of objectives. Furthermore, we present a deterministic algorithm for bi-criteria Max-STSP that achieves an approximation ratio of 7/27. Finally, we present a randomized approximation algorithm for the asymmetric multi-criteria minimum TSP with triangle inequality Min-ATSP. This algorithm achieves a ratio of log n + eps.Comment: Preliminary version at STACS 2009. This paper is a revised full version, where some proofs are simplifie

Increasing discrimination in multi-criteria analysis

Multi criteria methods for supporting decision-making procedures are widely used in sustainability assessment. One of the most important steps in decision-making procedures is the evaluation of policy options or alternatives in order to find a hierarchy of option choices. Utility function value distributions are often constructed for the range of indicators for the options to be assessed. This distribution can be presented as an impact matrix stacked with indicator weights to reflect the relative importance of different indicators for the decision-maker. Solving rules are then introduced to integrate all individual indicator evaluations into a single integral utility estimation. These are often based on the averaging procedures, one of the simplest being arithmetic averaging. Whilst averaging rules are very attractive to decision makers due to their simplicity and logical transparency, using averaging as the first step of the decision-making procedures can significantly reduce the discrimination of the options, especially if there are counteractive individual indicator estimations.This paper proposes a method to evaluate and overcome this loss of discrimination. The paper explains the basis of a discriminatory analysis approach to sustainability assessment demonstrates its application through the use of illustrative data and describes its application to an existing case study where researchers had applied a number of multi criteria analysis tools. It was concluded that the discriminatory analysis provided a useful addition to the decision-makers toolbox as it provided a means of assessment of the validity of the application of the simple arithmetic averaging technique

Multi-criteria scheduling of pipeline workflows

Mapping workflow applications onto parallel platforms is a challenging problem, even for simple application patterns such as pipeline graphs. Several antagonist criteria should be optimized, such as throughput and latency (or a combination). In this paper, we study the complexity of the bi-criteria mapping problem for pipeline graphs on communication homogeneous platforms. In particular, we assess the complexity of the well-known chains-to-chains problem for different-speed processors, which turns out to be NP-hard. We provide several efficient polynomial bi-criteria heuristics, and their relative performance is evaluated through extensive simulations

Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making (Fuzzy Mcdm) untuk Pemilihan Lokasi Gudang Distribusi

Persaingan bisnis yang semakin ketat mendorong Perusahaan yang memiliki jaringan pasar yang luas untuk mengefisienkan penggunaan biaya, dan memaksimalkan layanan terhadap konsumen. Salah cara yang bisa dilakukan yaitu memilih lokasi gudang distribusi secara tepat, karena hal ini dapat memberikan pengaruh besar terhadap biaya transportasi, biaya investasi, waktu dan layanan distribusi kepada konsumen, serta pangsa pasarnya. Penelitian ini mengkaji pemilihan lokasi gudang distribusi di tiga lokasi (A, B, C) di wilayah kabupaten Sidoarjo dengan mempertimbangkan multikriteria yang menggunakan metode Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process dengan Extent Analysis (FAHP Extent Analysis). Berdasarkan studi literatur dan survei terhadap pelaku bisnis dibeberapa lokasi pergudangan di wilayah kabupaten Sidoarjo, diperoleh 5 kriteria yang dijadikan pertimbangan dalam pemilihan lokasi gudang, yaitu: kondisi transportasi, kedekatan dengan konsumen, biaya investasi, kondisi pasar, luas lokasi. Dengan menggunakan kuesioner, setiap kriteria ini diberi bobot oleh beberapa investor, sedangkan penilaian tiap alternatif dilakukan melalui konsensus. Bobot kriteria kemudian dihitung menggunakan FAHP Extent Analysis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kriteria 'kedekatan dengan konsumen' merupakan kriteria yang paling dipertimbangkan dalam memilih lokasi pergudangan, disusul dengan kriteria 'biaya investasi', 'luas lokasi pergudangan', 'kondisi transportasi', 'kondisi pasar'. Dan, lokasi yang paling baik (paling direkomendasikan) untuk gudang distribusi adalah lokasi B, disusul dengan lokasi A dan C

Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation (SMCE)

The main argument developed here is the proposal of the concept of “Social Multi-Criteria Evaluation” (SMCE) as a possible useful framework for the application of social choice to the difficult policy problems of our Millennium, where, as stated by Funtowicz and Ravetz, “facts are uncertain, values in dispute, stakes high and decisions urgent”. This paper starts from the following main questions: 1. Why “Social” Multi-criteria Evaluation? 2. How such an approach should be developed? The foundations of SMCE are set up by referring to concepts coming from complex system theory and philosophy, such as reflexive complexity, post-normal science and incommensurability. To give some operational guidelines on the application of SMCE basic questions to be answered are: 1. How is it possible to deal with technical incommensurability? 2. How can we deal with the issue of social incommensurability? To answer these questions, by using theoretical considerations and lessons learned from realworld case studies, is the main objective of the present article.Multi-Criteria Analysis, Economics, Complexity Theory, Environment, Social Choice, Post-Normal Science, Incommensurability, Ethics

Spatial Multi-criteria Decision Making for Delineating Agricultural Land in Jakarta Metropolitan Area\u27s Hinterland: Case Study of Bogor Regency, West Java

The hinterland of Jakarta has experienced high pressure in its land utilization due to Jakarta\u27s rapid development. The objective of this research was to analyse the suitable land available for agriculture. The research was conducted in Bogor, a hinterland regency of Jakarta. The methodology used includes two steps of analysis, which are land suitability and land availability analysis. Land suitability for agriculture was analysed using multi-criteria decision making method. Seven (7) criteria were included, which consist of soil class, land capability class, slope, elevation, slope aspect, land use/land cover and distance to roads. The criteria were weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. Combining criteria weights and sub-criteria scores, an overlay model in Geographic Information System was applied. The result from land suitability analysis was used as a feed for determining land availability, considering the forest area status and land allocation in the official spatial land use plan. The results indicate that an area amounting to 87.5% of Bogor Regency is suitable for agriculture. Land which is suitable and available for agriculture is 16.7% of the regency\u27s area. Considering available land which is currently in use, the area that can be allocated for the expansion of agriculture is 3.3%