Implicit/Explicit Approach to Multiobjective Optimization with an Application to Forest Management Planning.

摘要

Implicit utility/value maximization and explicit utility/value maximization are identified as two major classes of multiobjective optimization methods. The explicit methods have the advantage that they can fully exploit the power of existing mathematical programming algorithms. Their disadvantage is the high information burden placed on the decision maker. Implicit i.e., interactive)methods have complementary strengths and weaknesses: they require less extensive information but do not lend themselves as easily to optimizing algorithms. The authors developed a hybrid implicit/explicit approach which attempts to combine the advantages of both. The idea is to embed within the implicit method a procedure which periodically formulates an approximate explicit representation of the multiobjective problem, and then optimally solves it without user interaction. Operationally the use of this idea requires frequent solution of two nonlinear programs. This document also reports on the implementation of this method in a forest management decision support system. This is a completely microcomputer based implementation, and is currently undergoing field testing for use in planning the timing and intensity of timber harvest on nonindustrial forests throughout the southeastern U.S. (Author)