LINEAR PROGRAMMING

Linear Programming

Linear Programming

Introduction

In operations management, there are various complex problems that can be solved and modelled using linear programming functions. Linear programming refers to the mathematical application that is involved in solving extensive operational management problems.

Business owners and other seek help from linear programming to develop optimal solution or way for allocation of its resources among various projects to acquire the optimal benefit (i.e., maximizing profits and minimizing costs) from the output. Mostly linear programming is used through computer software with a formula that requires input of resources based on various limitation and scenarios, and software returns the answers based on optimal values. Theory of linear programming was constructed and solved during 1940s. The word 'programming' in the name does not refer it to computer programming; rather, it directs its relation with organizing and planning a program that further directs to the optimal solution for the problem (Curwin & Slater, 2008, pp. 530-532). However, linear programming existed long before the concept of computer programming, and it is also to mention here that frequently it is named linear optimization as a synonym to avoid any confusion.

Discussion

Linear programming is widely used in various businesses. These businesses include, organization having distribution system, overall planning for production and transportation needs. This approach is implemented in solving various problems, such as capital budgeting, resource conversion, predictions for economic growth, diet design problems, gaming strategy and transportation problems (Arora, 2011, pp. 215-240).

This report is based on the scenario of company for determining the product mix for production to generate maximum profit. There are two products that Company sells: A and B. It is provided that product A generates profits of £7 on each unit produced and product B generates £5 per unit produced. Therefore, the objective function of the linear programming would ...