Transportation Model Key Characteristics: The transportation model is a type of linear programming model used to determine the most cost-effective way to distribute a product from several suppliers to several consumers. It involves a cost matrix, supply constraints at each source, and demand constraints at each destination. The objective is to minimize the total transportation cost while meeting all supply and demand requirements. Uses: Optimal allocation of resources in logistics and supply chain management. Planning and scheduling shipments from warehouses to retail stores or distribution centers. Cost minimization in manufacturing processes involving multiple plants and markets. Strengths: Efficiently handles large-scale distribution problems with many sources and destinations. Can be solved using specialized algorithms like the Northwest Corner Method, the Least Cost Method, or the Vogel Approximation Method. Provides clear insights into cost-saving opportunities and efficient resource allocation. Weaknesses: Assumes linear costs and does not account for non-linear transportation costs or external factors like traffic and weather conditions. Requires precise input data for supply, demand, and costs, which might not always be accurate or available. May become computationally intensive for extremely large networks. Assignment Model Key Characteristics: The assignment model is a specific type of transportation problem where the goal is