Concept of Best Solution

In a single objective optimization problem, the best solution is defined in terms of an optimal solution that maximizes (or minimizes) the objective, compared to all other feasible solutions (alternatives). In MCSP, due to the conflicting nature of the objectives, the optimal values of the various criteria do not usually occur at the same alternative. Hence, the notion of an optimal or best alternative does not exist in MCSP. Instead, decision making in MCSP is equivalent to choosing the most preferred alternative or the best compromise solution based on the preferences of the decision maker (DM). Thus, the objective of the MCSP method is to rank order the alternatives from the best to the worst, based on the DM s preference structure. 

We begin the discussion with some key definitions and concepts in solving MCSP. We will assume that all the criteria in Table 2.1 are to be maximized. 

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