Given the above information what is the optimal schedule and the associated cost? Call this solution and the associated total cost the benchmark solution

a.How does the benchmark solution change with increases in the needed number of firefighters on the weekend night shifts (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) of 5%, 10%, and 20%?

b.How does the benchmark optimal solution change if there are part-time employees who work two consecutive days with 5 days off either day or night?

This case focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the personnel scheduling problem.- Big Town Fire Department would like to schedule their human resource requirements in fire and safety operations. The town runs two schedules per day, 12 hours each. Employees are compensated hourly at $30 per hour plus 33% for benefits. Employees who work the night shift received $5 more per hour and have a commensurate increase in benefits. + The weekly firefighter personnel requirements are:- Mon Tues Weds Thurs Frie Sat Sun 5a-5p 114 134 15 192 152 134 94 1. 5p-5a 17 132 154 172 194 212 14 The normal shift for a fire-fighter is 4 days 12 hours a day followed 3 consecutive days off, working on either the day or the night shift. Big Town managers would like to schedule the fire fighters in the least cost way, but must make sure the requirements are met