One example of an optimization model is linear programming, which is "a problem-solving approach developed to help managers make decisions (Anderson et al, 2016)." Linear programming can assist businesses with strategic decisions such as capacity planning, investment decisions, production and inventory, and advertising allocations. In my hospital organization in particular, we are having to make very difficult decisions in regards to budget on many levels therefore linear programming is coming into play in our strategic planning. Whereas previously, our senior executives would not have thought twice to approving replacement clinical positions such as nursing, department leaders are now having to justify every single position with proof they are meeting budget year to date and other rationale for the replacement