On Fuzzy Location Models

Typically, in location problems “optimisation” is judged according to criteria which are mainly deterministic and crisply defined. In a great many location problems, however, the policy and decision makers are not always in a position to determine crisply either the criteria on the basis of which optimisation will be assumed or the aims and objectives to be achieved or even the restrictions imposed on the overall project. This paper presents some fuzzy location models and solution methodologies which can be applied to such situations. The emphasis here is on the application of fuzzy discrete location models on i) The general mixed integer programming formulation of the discrete model, commonly known as “the simple plant location model”, and ii) the set covering and set partitioning 0–1 pure integer programming formulations.