Multi-objective optimisation model of emergency material allocation in emergency logistics: a view of utility, priority and economic principles

Abstract

This study presents a multi-objective optimisation model of emergency material allocation with a utility-priority-economy allocation strategy. This strategy is suitable for a multi-depot and multiple affected area emergency logistics system. This proposed allocation strategy comprises three principles, namely utility, priority and economic. First, according to the analysis of the three principles, three objectives were set as the total utility of allocated emergency materials, total satisfaction of emergency requirement and total cost of emergency material allocation. Secondly, the solution procedure for the proposed multi-objective optimisation model was designed on the basis of goal programming. Thirdly, the model and the solution procedure were evaluated with a simulation case from the Wenchuan Earthquake. Results confirm that this model and solution procedure can effectively address emergency material allocation problems with a more reasonable solution.