Multiple objectives in the distribution process

The problem posited is that of the existence of multi-objectives in the distribution process. In the long-term, a firm in the distribution sector will for instance try to maximize the Net Present Value, the Internal Rate of Return and the penetration into the market and to minimize the payback period and taxation payments. In the short-term, the firm will think of the maximization of turnover and of its penetration into the market. Taking into consideration all these different objectives, is there a super-optimum to be reached? Therefore, the MODIS model was developed, originally for the long-term. MODIS is then superior to the cost-benefit or the cost-effectiveness analysis because in MODIS, more than two objectives are considered and can be expressed in their own units of measurement. In the short-term, MODIS is also applicable. Contradictions between the short- and the long-term objectives can be solved by assuming that the long-term objectives dominate the shorter ones, or arbitration is possible through quasi-dominance or through a kind of participatory planning. The application of the model could in principle be extended to each management decision facing multiple objectives.