Graded Assignment 3: WUWU Expanded

In this assignment, we revisit the WUWU Problem, which was previously discussed in this week's Lesson 2 (specifically in Video 3). If you have not done so already, please download the WUWU spreadsheet: it is available for Excel and for LibreOffice.

For the questions below, we will use as our starting point the WUWU 1 problem, which is found in the WUWU1 tab of the spreadsheet (not the WUWU2 tab). As it stands now, the objective function for WUWU1 problem has an optimal value of $6,525.00. Try solving for the problem in its current form: you should get the same value.

The questions below will ask you to modify the parameters of this model, and the model itself, to include new constraints and products.

Part 1

0.5/0.5 points (graded)

For the first variation of the problem, we will change the capacity in both our DCs. Please increase the capacity of the Atlanta DC from 200 widgets to 300 widgets, and decrease the capacity of the Boston DC from 500 widgets to 400 widgets. Solve optimally.

What is the new minimum cost of the optimal solution?

Please provide your answer in dollars, but using only numbers. For example, for a solution of $1,234 you would enter 1234 as your answer. Do this for all answers to questions about cost in this assignment. Please round your answer to the nearest integer.

correct

SaveSave your answer

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Part 2

0.5/0.5 points (graded)

For the second variation, we will build upon Part 1 and add a new constraint to the problem: the Miami plant will now have an overall capacity constraint of 250 widgets of any type. Calculate the new minimum cost solution. Compare this new cost to the one in Part 1.

Did the new constraint that we just added to the problem make any difference in the solution? Select an option Yes No

correct

We invite you to think about why this is so.

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Part 3

0.0/0.5 points (graded)

For the third variation, we will build upon Part 2 and add a new constraint to the problem: the Chicago plant will now have an overall capacity constraint of 250 widgets of any type. Solve optimally.

What is the new minimum cost of the optimal solution?

Remember to give your answer to this and all cost questions in terms of dollars, using only numbers, and rounding your answers to the nearest integer.

incorrect

Submit

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Part 4

0.5/0.5 points (graded)

The fourth variation builds upon Part 3 and adds two new constraints. First, we add a 150 widget capacity constraint at the Atlanta DC specific to widget 1. In other words, the Atlanta DC can process at most 150 units of widget 1. Second, we add a similar constraint for the the Boston DC specific to widget 2: the Boston DC can now handle at most 200 units of widget 2.

What is the new minimum cost of the optimal solution? correct

Submit

You have used 2 of 2 attemptsSome problems have options such as save, reset, hints, or show answer. These options follow the Submit button.

Part 5

0.0/1.0 point (graded)

The fifth and last variation builds upon Part 4 and adds a new commodity to the portfolio: Widget 4. Demand in the regions for Widget 4 are as follows:

20 units in NY

20 units in VA

10 units in PA

Production capacity for Widget 4 in the different plants is as follows:

Up to 20 in Chicago

Up to 40 in Dallas

Up to 25 in Miami

For Widget 4, the transportation costs from plants to DCs are:

6 from Chicago to Atlanta

5 from Chicago to Boston

4 from Dallas to Atlanta

7 from Dallas to Boston

5 from Miami to Atlanta

8 from Miami to Boston

For Widget 4, the transportation costs from DC to regions are:

For Widget 4, the transportation costs from DC to regions are:

8 from Atlanta to NY

6 from Atlanta to VA

6 from Atlanta to PA

5 from Boston to NY

6 from Boston to VA

5 from Boston to PA