DB$2$: Chapters $4$ & $6($Linear Programming Applications$)$

Describe workforce scheduling, blending, and logistics problems facing your current organization or industry. What is being optimized in each of your examples and why? Which linear optimization techniques could be applied to the examples you identified? Support your response with rationale from the readings.

Discuss how your organization could use an operations management linear programming application to solve a problem or improve a business process.

How might linear programming be applied to financial planning decisions? Provide at least two examples.

How might linear programming be applied to office management decisions? Provide at least two examples.

Models that pertain to the distribution of a resource within supply chains are often referred to as networks. Distribution among these networks is key to the success of a business while also keeping cost production at a minimum. Discuss at least three ways that linear optimization models can be applied to both physical as well as abstract network problems to increase efficiency in supply chain management.

Solving shortest$-$route problems enables a business organization to use its resources more efficiently and minimize expenditures, thereby increasing overall production and profit. Consider the business or industry in which you work. What is a process that could be improved by the application of a shortest$-$route linear programming model? How would this model improve production, profit, and$/$or efficiency?

Supply chains are integral systems for the production and distribution of any product. Discuss how supply chains operate within the industry sector where you work. What is a problem that you know of in the supply chain system? Explain how a linear optimization model could help preempt or improve that problem.

The umbrella of network optimization problems includes a variety of models: transportation, transshipment, assignment, shortest route, and maximal flow. Choose three models and discuss the advantages and limitations of each. Include in your discussion an explanation of the scenario in which each model would be used and explain how the individual models contribute to a more effective and efficient supply chain.

Post your initial answer to at least $4$ of these questions and reply substantially to at least $2$ other student's posts.

Each discussion post must have $2$ references in addition to the textbook. Be specific in citing the reference and using it$.$