A Multi-Objective Fuzzy Linear Programming Model for Cash Flow Management

Although significant research work has been conducted on cash flow forecast, planning, and management, the objective is constantly the maximization of profit/final cash balance, or minimization of total project cost. This paper presents a multi-objective fuzzy linear programming model (FLP) for resolving the optimization problem of three conflicting objectives: final cash balance, cost of money, and initial cash balance. The proposed model depends on Jiang et al. (2011) Model. In the new formulation, both the advanced payment and delay of owner's progress payment one period were considered. Literature concerned with cash flow studies and models for construction projects was reviewed. Fuzzy linear programming applications in literature was presented and it's concept was then described. Jiang et al. (2011) Model is presented. The proposed model development was then presented. The proposed model was validated using an example project. An optimization of each individual objective was performed with a linear programming (LP) software (Lindo) that gave the upper and lower bounds for the multi-objective analysis. Fuzzy linear programming was then applied to optimize the solution. Four cases are considered: considering advanced payment and delay of owner's progress payment one period simultaneously, then separately, and neglecting advanced payment and delay of owner's progress payment. Penalty of delayed payment have been also considered. Analysis of the results revealed that the model is an effective decision making tool to be used by industry practitioners with reasonable accuracy.