Web-Based Decision Support System for Solving Multiple-Objective Decision-Making Problems

Abstract

A web-based Decision Support System WebOptim for solving multiple objective optimization problems is presented. The system WebOptim is designed in a modular principle, extensively using XML as communication standard and web services. Its basic characteristics are: user-independent, multisolver-admissibility, method-independent, heterogeneity, web-accessibility. Core system module is an original generalized interactive scalarizing method. It incorporates a number of thirteen interactive methods. Most of the known scalarizing approaches (reference point approach, reference direction approach, classification approach etc.) are realized in this method. The Decision Maker (DM) can choose the most suitable for him/her form for setting his/her preferences: objective weights, aspiration levels, aspiration directions, aspiration intervals. This information could be changed interactively by the DM during the solution process. Depending on the DM's preferences form the suitable scalarizing method is chosen automatically. The chapter begins with an overview of Decision Support Systems (DSS). Examples of DSSs and their applications are discussed.