MCDMDecision-makingRankingMath steps
Goal Programming — Minimise deviations from multiple aspiration levels
GOAL-PROGRAMMING (Goal Programming — Minimise deviations from multiple aspiration levels) is a ranking multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method introduced by Charnes, A., Cooper, W. W. in 1955. It turns a decision matrix of alternatives scored on multiple criteria into a structured, reproducible result.
Key highlights
- Follows a transparent, reproducible computational procedure that can be audited step by step.
- Handles multiple criteria of differing scales and units within a single decision matrix.
Intuition
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How it works
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When to use it
Goal Programming — Minimise deviations from multiple aspiration levels
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
- Follows a transparent, reproducible computational procedure that can be audited step by step.
- Handles multiple criteria of differing scales and units within a single decision matrix.
Limitations
- Assumes full compensation — a strong score on one criterion can offset a weak score on another.
Sources
- 1.Charnes, A., Cooper, W. W. (1955). Optimal estimation of executive compensation by linear programming. Management Science
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ScholarGate. (2026, June 2). GOAL-PROGRAMMING. ScholarGate. https://scholargate.app/decision-making/goal-programming