This is for a Business Research Methods Class:

Business Question:

A computer manufacturer is developing a production schedule for the next four

quarters. Demands for this manufacturer$$s laptop computer are forecasted to be

$1200$ in quarter $1$; $2100$ in quarter $2$; $1500$ in quarter in $3$; and $600$ in quarter $4.$

Assume that it costs this manufacturer $$1200$ to produce each laptop computer. At

the end of each quarter, a holding cost of $$300$ per computer left in inventory is

incurred. Increasing production from quarter to the next incurs costs for hiring and

training new employees. It is estimated that a cost of $$2100$ per computer is

incurred if production is increased from one quarter to the next. Decreasing

production from one quarter to the next incurs costs for laying off employees, loss

of morale, and so forth. It is estimated that a cost of $$1800$ per computer is incurred

if production is decreased from one quarter to the next. All demands must be met

on time, and the units produced in one quarter can be used to meet demand for the

current quarter as well as for future quarters. During the quarter immediately

preceding quarter $1,1500$ laptop computers were produced. Assume that at the

beginning of quarter $1$ no computers are in inventory.

Objective:

Help the computer manufacturer formulate and solve a linear programming

spreadsheet model to find the production schedule that minimizes total cost over

the given planning horizon. It is expected that you will provide an accurate and

insightful report.

MUST BE COMPLETETED IN EXCEL. PLEASE PROVIDE THE FORMULAS USED AND BE AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE. WILL LEAVE A LIKE!