Question
Each question needs it’s own answer and its own reference.
q1. Explain the importance of correctly stating the objective function and constraints in linear optimization problems. Using examples from your professional experience, describe the problems that could result if the objective function and constraints are not stated properly. Why did these problems arise? Support your anecdotal evidence with support and rationale from the readings.
q2. Some business problems have constraints that lend themselves to the precise quantitative assessment that we are studying this week. But, consider the constraints that culture, politics, turf issues, morale, etc. impose on an organization. Their effects are visible but cannot be captured in such precise terms. How would you include these variables when making decisions for your organization?
q3. Describe a workforce scheduling, a blending, and a logistics problem facing your current organization or industry. What is being optimized in each of your examples and why? How do linear optimization techniques differ from decision tree analysis? Which are more applicable to the examples you identified? Support your response with rationale from the readings.
