A decision theoretic approach applied to goal programming of forest management

Abstract

An alternative approach to formulating a forestry goal programming problem is presented. First, single objective optima levels are solved. The analytical hierarchy process is applied in the estimation of a priori weights of deviations from the goal target levels. The ratios of the weights can be interpreted as relative importances of the goals, respectively. The sum of the weighted deviations from all single optima levels associated with the management goals is minimized. Instead of absolute deviations, relative ones are used. A case study problem of forest management planning with several objectives, measured in different units, is analyzed. -Authors