MIS 383N

Decision Support Modeling

Class 19 - Spring 2011

1. Learning Objectives

A. Today’s discussions

a. Optimization.

B. Homework and reading assignment for this session

a. Optimization.

2. We do items 5B,5F, and 5G of the class 18 plan.

3. Nonlinear problems-we solve the “product mix” tab of solvsamp.xls with diminishing returns exponents of 1.0, 0.9, 0.5 and observe and explain how the solution changes.

4. We set the solver engine to standard grg, set the show iterations flag to true, and solve shipping routes from an all zero start. This shows the process of first finding a feasible solution, then reducing cost while staying feasible until no further improvements are possible.

5. Network Problems

A. We examine some network diagrams using the PowerPoint slides from chapter 12 of our text, ch12.ppt, including figure 12.16.

B. We consider the assignment problem on the “Fig 12.14” tab of “Figures 12.14-12.27.xls” (on the text disk and the text website).

C. We discuss the “maximizing income” tab of Solvsamp_revised.xls. The class draws a network with gains for this problem.

D. We show a gams version of a transportation model, transport.gms.

6. Capital Budgeting problems: We consider the spreadsheet “Figures 13.1-13.11.xls”.

7. Set covering problems and applications

A. Locating emergency vehicles

B. Airline crew scheduling

8. Homework Assignment

A. Continue working on exam 1, due by the end of the day Thu 4/7.

B. Read chapter 13 of the text (integer programming models).

C. Read chapter 10 of the text (nonlinear optimization).

D. Look at the slides and spreadsheets for chapters 10, 12 and 13. Also examine the “staff scheduling” tab of “solvsamp.xls” .