Decision aids for asset-to-objective allocation

Mathematical mechanisms have been proposed to address large scale optimization problems in which optimal or nearly optimal allocations of a hierarchically organized collection of assets to a hierarchically organized set of objectives are to be identified. This paper describes an a automated decision aid that uses the extended dependency model (EDM) for evaluation of costs and benefits within hierarchical structures and a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimization. Design of a graphical user interface to support user formulation of asset allocation problems involving complex hierarchical structures of assets and objectives is described, and examples involving tasking of aircraft assets in tactical scenarios are presented.