A procedure for worst outcomes displacement in multiple criteria decision making (Q1122499)

The authors discuss an approach for the iterative generation of a unique solution to a vector optimization problem. The iterative method developed makes use of a reference point concept by using the worst outcome levels as the stereotype. This is in contrast with the ideal and nadir points of reference adopted by \textit{R. Benayoun}, \textit{J. de Montgolfier}, \textit{J. Tergny} and \textit{O. Laritchev} [Math. Program. 1, 366-375 (1971; Zbl 0242.90026)]. The procedure described by the authors is based on the improvement direction method proposed by the first author [IEEE Trans. Syst. Man Cybern. 18, No.3, 472-477 (1988)]. The authors claim that the method proposed is a useful tool aimed at supporting the learning of a decision maker and its strength lies in its ability to deal with the decisional framework of avoiding undesirable outcomes.