Required:

Required: 1. Using Excel Solver, formulate a linear program to determine the optimal production mix which ensures that the maximum contribution margin per month is obtained. Discuss the key features of your results and why these were considered to be the optimal result (10 marks). 2. Prepare a 1-page memo which discusses and suggest three possible ways in which the firm could improve the contribution margin in light of the above Solver analysis. Provide financial information to support your recommendations and clearly illustrate how your proposals impact the production mix and the firm's contribution margin. Relevant tables/charts/figures to illustrate the comparative results under each of your options (10 marks). Ensure that your answers for the above are discussed and supported by relevant calculations/ workings. Your excel file must be supplied (penalties will apply if you do not comply with this requirement).

Showers Plus is a manufacturer of shower heads. As below, the firm has five kely product lines: Each of these products goes through the same manufacturing process. The time for each process for each variety and the total hours available for each process per month are provided in the table below. Showers Plus is a manufacturer of shower heads. As below, the firm has five kely product lines: Each of these products goes through the same manufacturing process. The time for each process for each variety and the total hours available for each process per month are provided in the table below