Model, solution concept, and Kth-best algorithm for linear trilevel programming

Trilevel programming refers to hierarchical optimization problems in which the top-level, middle-level, and bottom-level decision entities all attempt to optimize their individual objectives, but are impacted by the actions and partial control exercised by decision entities located at other levels. To solve this complex problem, in this study first we propose the use of a general linear trilevel programming (LTLP) subsequently, we develop a trilevel Kth-best algorithm to solve LTLP problems. A user-friendly trilevel decision support tool is also developed. A case study further illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved