Before you can run an OptQuest simulation, you must define a forecast objective. To do this:
Start OptQuest by selecting Run, and then OptQuest.
You have probably already started OptQuest at least one time, so the Objectives panel opens (Figure 24, ObjectivesPanel, Portfolio Allocation Example (Objective Added)).
OptQuest requires that you select one forecast statistic to be the objective to minimize, maximize, or set to a target value. In addition to defining an objective, you can define optimization requirements (described in Editing the Optimization Settings).
As described earlier, the objective for this example problem is to maximize the total expected return. Since OptQuest, working with Crystal Ball, calculates forecasts as distributions (ranges of values), the mean of the Total Expected Return forecast provides a good representative statistic to use for the objective.
To define an objective, click Add Objective. A default objective is displayed. In Figure 24, ObjectivesPanel, Portfolio Allocation Example (Objective Added), the default objective has already been added:
