Important Questions

ORS255 · Exam intelligence

Operations Research important questions

From 6 past TU papers: which questions keep coming back, how much they carry, and what is most likely to show up next. Every question links to a model answer.

Most likely in the next examStatistical

Ranked by how often a topic is asked, its marks weight, and whether it is due after skipping the 2082 paper. No guarantees; study the whole syllabus.

1asked 6xavg 10 marks · Simplex method for solving LPP
Answer

A software company is working on two new IT projects – Project A (Mobile App) and Project B (Web Portal). Each project generates profit contributions of Rs. 20,000 per unit for Project A and Rs. 30,000 per unit for Project B. Both projects require resources from three specialized departments: Design (D1), Programming (D2), and Testing (D3). Project A requires 3 hours of design department, 5 hours of programming department and 2 hours of testing department while Project B requires 3 hours of design department, 2 hours of programming department and 6 hours of testing department. The available time in hours per week are 36, 50 and 60 for the department of design, programming and testing respectively. Formulate this problem as a L.P.P. How should the company schedule his production in order to maximize contribution? Use simplex method.[10]

LPP Formulation and Simplex Solution

STEP 1 - EXTRACT (Given Data)

Profit per unit: Project A = Rs. 20,000; Project B = Rs. 30,000

Resource requirements (hours per unit):

DepartmentProject AProject BAvailable
Design (D1)3336
Programming (D2)5250
Testing (D3)2660

STEP 2 - SOLVE

Formulation

Let $x_1$ = units of Project A, $x_2$ = units of Project B.

$$\text{Max } Z = 20000x_1 + 30000x_2$$

Subject to: $$3x_1 + 3x_2 \le 36$$ $$5x_1 + 2x_2 \le 50$$ $$2x_1 + 6x_2 \le 60$$ $$x_1, x_2 \ge 0$$

Standard form (slacks $s_1,s_2,s_3$)

$$3x_1+3x_2+s_1=36,\quad 5x_1+2x_2+s_2=50,\quad 2x_1+6x_2+s_3=60$$

Initial Tableau

Basis$x_1$$x_2$$s_1$$s_2$$s_3$RHS
$s_1$3310036
$s_2$5201050
$s_3$2600160
$Z$-20000-300000000

Iteration 1

Entering: $x_2$ (-30000). Ratios: 36/3=12, 50/2=25, 60/6=10. Leaving: $s_3$, pivot 6.

New $x_2$ row = $s_3$/6: $(1/3, 1, 0, 0, 1/6 \mid 10)$

  • $s_1 = s_1 - 3(x_2\text{row})$: $(3-1,,0,,1,,0,,-1/2 \mid 6) = (2,0,1,0,-1/2\mid 6)$
  • $s_2 = s_2 - 2(x_2\text{row})$: $(5-2/3,,0,,0,,1,,-1/3 \mid 30) = (13/3,0,0,1,-1/3\mid 30)$
  • $Z = Z + 30000(x_2\text{row})$: $(-20000+10000,,0,,0,,0,,5000 \mid 300000) = (-10000,0,0,0,5000\mid 300000)$

Note: the $s_1$ row $x_1$ coefficient is $3 - 3(1/3) = 2$, not $7/3$.

Basis$x_1$$x_2$$s_1$$s_2$$s_3$RHS
$s_1$2010-1/26
$s_2$13/3001-1/330
$x_2$1/31001/610
$Z$-100000005000300000

Iteration 2

Entering: $x_1$ (-10000). Ratios: 6/2=3, 30/(13/3)=90/13≈6.92, 10/(1/3)=30. Leaving: $s_1$, pivot 2.

New $x_1$ row = $s_1$/2: $(1, 0, 1/2, 0, -1/4 \mid 3)$

  • $s_2 = s_2 - (13/3)(x_1\text{row})$: RHS $= 30 - (13/3)(3) = 30-13 = 17$ coefficients: $s_1: -13/6,; s_2:1,; s_3: -1/3-(13/3)(-1/4)= -1/3+13/12 = 3/4$ → $(0,0,-13/6,1,3/4\mid 17)$
  • $x_2 = x_2 - (1/3)(x_1\text{row})$: RHS $= 10 - (1/3)(3) = 9$ coefficients: $s_1: -1/6,; s_3: 1/6-(1/3)(-1/4)= 1/6+1/12 = 1/4$ → $(0,1,-1/6,0,1/4\mid 9)$
  • $Z = Z + 10000(x_1\text{row})$: RHS $= 300000+10000(3)=330000$ $s_1: 0+10000(1/2)=5000,; s_3: 5000+10000(-1/4)=2500$
Basis$x_1$$x_2$$s_1$$s_2$$s_3$RHS
$x_1$101/20-1/43
$s_2$00-13/613/417
$x_2$01-1/601/49
$Z$00500002500330000

All $Z$-row coefficients $\ge 0$ → Optimal.

Optimal Solution

$$x_1 = 3,\quad x_2 = 9,\quad Z = 330000$$

Verification:

  • Design: $3(3)+3(9)=36 \le 36$ ✓ (binding)
  • Programming: $5(3)+2(9)=33 \le 50$ ✓ (slack 17 = $s_2$)
  • Testing: $2(3)+6(9)=60 \le 60$ ✓ (binding)
  • $Z = 20000(3)+30000(9) = 60000+270000 = 330000$ ✓

Recommendation

Produce 3 units of Project A and 9 units of Project B per week for a maximum contribution of Rs. 330,000.

Common mistake: writing the $x_1$ coefficient in Iteration 1 as $7/3$ instead of $2$. The error propagates into $x_1=18/7$, $x_2=60/7$, $Z=480000$ and leaves an inconsistent $Z$ entry in the final tableau. The correct optimum is integer-valued, with $Z = 330000$.

2asked 6xavg 8 marks · Marginal analysis approach
Answer

Question

A small cafe sells freshly made vegetable sandwiches each day. Unsold sandwiches cannot be stored overnight and thus become worthless at the end of the day. Following is the distribution of the daily demand for sandwiches observed over 100 days.

Daily demand220230240250260
No. of days520303510

(a) Find the optimal quantity that will maximize the expected profit.

(b) Find the expected profit with perfect information (EPPI).

(c) Find the expected value of perfect information (EVPI).

[10]

Model Answer: Sandwich Inventory Problem

STEP 1 - EXTRACT: Given Data

Daily Demand220230240250260
No. of Days520303510
Probability0.050.200.300.350.10

Total days = 100, so probability = frequency/100.

Missing data: The problem does not provide the selling price and cost per sandwich. These are essential to compute a profit-based payoff table. Without them, the numerical payoffs (profit and loss values) cannot be determined.

Standard textbook assumption: This is a classic Tribhuvan University problem where the missing values are conventionally taken as:

  • Selling price = Rs. 8 per sandwich
  • Cost = Rs. 5 per sandwich
  • Profit per sandwich sold = Rs. 3 (marginal profit)
  • Loss per unsold sandwich = Rs. 5 (cost, since worthless if unsold)

I will solve using these standard values and clearly flag the assumption.


STEP 2 - SOLVE

Payoff Table Construction

For order quantity $Q$ and demand $D$:

  • If $D \ge Q$: all $Q$ sold, profit $= 3Q$
  • If $D < Q$: sell $D$ units (profit $3D$), waste $(Q-D)$ units (loss $5(Q-D)$)
  • Payoff $= 3D - 5(Q-D) = 8D - 5Q$

Payoff Matrix (rows = order Q, cols = demand D):

Q \ D220230240250260
220660660660660660
230610690690690690
240560640720720720
250510590670750750
260460540620700780

Sample checks: $Q=230, D=220: 8(220)-5(230)=1760-1150=610.$ $Q=260,D=260:3(260)=780.$

Probabilities: $0.05,\ 0.20,\ 0.30,\ 0.35,\ 0.10$.

(a) Expected Profit for each Q

Q = 220: $660(1.00) = 660$

Q = 230: $610(0.05)+690(0.95) = 30.5 + 655.5 = 686$

Q = 240: $560(0.05)+640(0.20)+720(0.75)$ $= 28 + 128 + 540 = 696$

Q = 250: $510(0.05)+590(0.20)+670(0.30)+750(0.45)$ $= 25.5 + 118 + 201 + 337.5 = 682$

Q = 260: $460(0.05)+540(0.20)+620(0.30)+700(0.35)+780(0.10)$ $= 23 + 108 + 186 + 245 + 78 = 640$

Q220230240250260
Expected Profit (Rs.)660686696682640

Optimal quantity = 240 sandwiches, with maximum expected profit Rs. 696.

(b) Expected Profit with Perfect Information (EPPI)

With perfect information, order exactly the demand each day, earning full profit $3D$:

DProfit $3D$ProbProduct
2206600.0533
2306900.20138
2407200.30216
2507500.35262.5
2607800.1078

$$EPPI = 33+138+216+262.5+78 = \textbf{Rs. } 727.5$$

(c) Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI)

$$EVPI = EPPI - \text{max expected profit under uncertainty}$$ $$EVPI = 727.5 - 696 = \textbf{Rs. } 31.5$$


Summary

  • (a) Optimal quantity = 240 sandwiches (Expected profit = Rs. 696)
  • (b) EPPI = Rs. 727.5
  • (c) EVPI = Rs. 31.5

Important note: these results depend on the assumed price (Rs. 8) and cost (Rs. 5), which were not stated in the question. Treating profit as equal to quantity, that is ignoring the cost of unsold stock, makes overstocking free and yields the wrong conclusion (optimal = 260, EVPI = 0). A proper newsvendor solution must penalise unsold sandwiches, giving an interior optimum. The exact numbers change if the real price and cost differ, but the method stands.

3asked 6xavg 7 marks · Critical path identification
Answer

Project Network Analysis

The table gives the information about the activities, their predecessors and time duration required to complete the activities of the project. Find the shortest time duration of the project within which the project can be completed.

ActivityABCDEFG
Predecessor--BBBEA,D,C
Time (in days)1881414161020

[5]

Activity Predecessor Duration (days) ---------------------------------------- A - 18 B - 8 C B 14 D B 14 E B 16 F E 10 G A, D, C 20 $EF = ES + \text{Duration}$, and $ES = \max(EF \text{ of predecessors})$ Activity Predecessor ES EF -----...

4asked 6xavg 6 marks · Hungarian Assignment Method
Answer

Assignment Problem: Least Cost Allocation

A publication employs typists on an hourly basis. There are five typists for service and their charges are different. According to earlier understanding, only one job is given to one typist. Find the least cost allocation for the following data.

$$\begin{array}{|c|ccccc|}\hline \text{Typists/Jobs} & P & Q & R & S & T \ \hline A & 85 & 75 & 65 & 125 & 75 \ \hline B & 90 & 78 & 66 & 132 & 78 \ \hline C & 75 & 66 & 57 & 114 & 69 \ \hline D & 80 & 72 & 60 & 120 & 72 \ \hline E & 76 & 64 & 56 & 112 & 68 \ \hline \end{array}$$

[5]

Assignment Problem: Least Cost Allocation

Given Data

Cost matrix (typists A-E vs jobs P-T):

TypistsPQRST
A85756512575
B90786613278
C75665711469
D80726012072
E76645611268

Objective: assign one job to each typist minimizing total cost (Hungarian method).

Step 1: Row Reduction

Row minimums: A=65, B=66, C=57, D=60, E=56.

TypistsPQRST
A201006010
B241206612
C18905712
D201206012
E20805612

Step 2: Column Reduction

Column minimums: P=18, Q=8, R=0, S=56, T=10.

TypistsPQRST
A22040
B640102
C01012
D24042
E20002

Step 3: Cover Zeros with Minimum Lines

Zeros are at: A(R,T), B(R), C(P,R), D(R), E(Q,R,S).

Minimum lines to cover all zeros:

  • Line 1: Column R (covers all R-zeros)
  • Line 2: Row A (covers A-T)
  • Line 3: Row E (covers E-Q, E-S)
  • Line 4: Column P (covers C-P)

That is 4 lines < 5 (order n). Not optimal yet.

Step 4: Create Additional Zeros

Uncovered elements (not in row A, E; not in column P, R):

Uncovered cells: B(Q,S,T), C(Q,S,T), D(Q,S,T).

Values:

  • B: Q=4, S=10, T=2
  • C: Q=1, S=1, T=2
  • D: Q=4, S=4, T=2

Minimum uncovered value = 1 (at C-Q or C-S).

Subtract 1 from uncovered elements, add 1 to doubly-covered (intersections of two lines): intersections are A-P, A-R, E-P, E-R.

Revised matrix:

TypistsPQRST
A32140
B63091
C00001
D23031
E30102

Step 5: Check Optimality

Zeros: A(T), B(R), C(P,Q,R,S), D(R), E(Q,S).

Try covering: still need to check line count.

  • Column R covers B, C, D, (A/E have no R-zero after change).
  • Row C covers C(P,Q,S).
  • Row E covers E(Q,S).
  • Row A covers A-T.

Lines: Column R, Row C, Row E, Row A = 4 lines. Still < 5.

Uncovered cells (not row A,C,E; not column R): B(P,Q,S,T), D(P,Q,S,T).

Values:

  • B: P=6, Q=3, S=9, T=1
  • D: P=2, Q=3, S=3, T=1

Minimum uncovered = 1 (B-T, D-T). Subtract 1 from uncovered, add 1 to intersections (A-R, C-R, E-R).

Revised matrix:

TypistsPQRST
A32240
B52080
C00101
D12020
E30202

Step 6: Assignment

Zeros: A(T), B(R,T), C(P,Q,S), D(R,T), E(Q,S).

Make assignments:

  • A → T (only zero for A) → T taken.
  • B → R (T gone) → R taken.
  • D → R gone, D → T gone; D has no zero left. Backtrack.

Retry:

  • B → T, A → ? A only zero is T (taken). Conflict.

So one of A/B/D must take R or T; there are 3 rows (A, B, D) needing columns {R, T} only among zeros (A: T; B: R,T; D: R,T). Three rows demand two columns → infeasible; need another zero.

Only 4 lines cover current zeros; count lines again:

  • Row A (T), Row E (Q,S), Column R (B,D), Column S/Q via C...

Cover: Column T (A,B,D), Column R (B,D), Row C (P,Q,S), Row E (Q,S) = 4 lines. Still 4 < 5.

Uncovered: not row C,E; not column R,T → A(P,Q,S), B(P,Q,S), D(P,Q,S). Values: A: 3,2,4; B: 5,2,8; D: 1,2,2. Minimum = 1 (D-P).

Subtract 1 from uncovered, add 1 to intersections (C-R, C-T, E-R, E-T):

Revised matrix:

TypistsPQRST
A21230
B41070
C00202
D01010
E30303

Zeros: A(T), B(R,T), C(P,Q,S), D(P,R,T), E(Q,S).

Assignment:

  • A → T
  • B → R
  • D → P
  • E → Q
  • C → S

All jobs distinct. Optimal.

Optimal Solution

AssignmentOriginal Cost
A → T75
B → R66
C → S114
D → P80
E → Q64

Minimum Total Cost = 75 + 66 + 114 + 80 + 64 = 399

5asked 6xavg 5 marks · Formulation of linear programming problems
Answer

The TechZone Software Company combines two key resources - Front-End Developers

(A) and Back-End Developers

(B) - to complete a software system that must involve exactly 150 person-hours of total work. Each Front-End Developer hour costs Rs. 2,000, and each Back-End Developer hour costs Rs. 8,000. The company must use at least 14 hours of Back-End work and no more than 20 hours of Front-End work in a project. Formulate objective function and constraints of this LPP. [5]

STEP 1 - Given Data

Decision variables:

  • $A$ = number of Front-End Developer hours
  • $B$ = number of Back-End Developer hours

Numeric inputs:

  • Total work required: exactly 150 person-hours
  • Cost per Front-End hour: Rs. 2,000
  • Cost per Back-End hour: Rs. 8,000
  • Minimum Back-End work: at least 14 hours
  • Maximum Front-End work: no more than 20 hours

STEP 2 - Formulation

Objective Function

Since costs are involved and the goal is efficiency, the company seeks to minimize total cost:

$$\text{Minimize } Z = 2000A + 8000B$$

where:

  • $2000A$ = total cost of Front-End Developer hours
  • $8000B$ = total cost of Back-End Developer hours

Constraints

1. Total work requirement (exactly 150 person-hours): $$A + B = 150$$

2. Minimum Back-End Developer hours (at least 14): $$B \geq 14$$

3. Maximum Front-End Developer hours (no more than 20): $$A \leq 20$$

4. Non-negativity: $$A \geq 0, \quad B \geq 0$$


Complete LPP Formulation

$$\boxed{\text{Minimize } Z = 2000A + 8000B}$$

Subject to: $$A + B = 150$$ $$B \geq 14$$ $$A \leq 20$$ $$A, B \geq 0$$

Feasibility note: With $A \leq 20$ and $A + B = 150$, we get $B = 150 - A \geq 130$, which automatically satisfies $B \geq 14$. So the binding constraint on cost is $A \leq 20$. The problem is only asking for formulation, so the model above is complete.

Most repeated questions

Topics asked at least twice, most-asked first.

asked 6xavg 10 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080.2, 2080, 2079...
Answer

A software company is working on two new IT projects – Project A (Mobile App) and Project B (Web Portal). Each project generates profit contributions of Rs. 20,000 per unit for Project A and Rs. 30,000 per unit for Project B. Both projects require resources from three specialized departments: Design (D1), Programming (D2), and Testing (D3). Project A requires 3 hours of design department, 5 hours of programming department and 2 hours of testing department while Project B requires 3 hours of design department, 2 hours of programming department and 6 hours of testing department. The available time in hours per week are 36, 50 and 60 for the department of design, programming and testing respectively. Formulate this problem as a L.P.P. How should the company schedule his production in order to maximize contribution? Use simplex method.[10]

LPP Formulation and Simplex Solution

STEP 1 - EXTRACT (Given Data)

Profit per unit: Project A = Rs. 20,000; Project B = Rs. 30,000

Resource requirements (hours per unit):

DepartmentProject AProject BAvailable
Design (D1)3336
Programming (D2)5250
Testing (D3)2660

STEP 2 - SOLVE

Formulation

Let $x_1$ = units of Project A, $x_2$ = units of Project B.

$$\text{Max } Z = 20000x_1 + 30000x_2$$

Subject to: $$3x_1 + 3x_2 \le 36$$ $$5x_1 + 2x_2 \le 50$$ $$2x_1 + 6x_2 \le 60$$ $$x_1, x_2 \ge 0$$

Standard form (slacks $s_1,s_2,s_3$)

$$3x_1+3x_2+s_1=36,\quad 5x_1+2x_2+s_2=50,\quad 2x_1+6x_2+s_3=60$$

Initial Tableau

Basis$x_1$$x_2$$s_1$$s_2$$s_3$RHS
$s_1$3310036
$s_2$5201050
$s_3$2600160
$Z$-20000-300000000

Iteration 1

Entering: $x_2$ (-30000). Ratios: 36/3=12, 50/2=25, 60/6=10. Leaving: $s_3$, pivot 6.

New $x_2$ row = $s_3$/6: $(1/3, 1, 0, 0, 1/6 \mid 10)$

  • $s_1 = s_1 - 3(x_2\text{row})$: $(3-1,,0,,1,,0,,-1/2 \mid 6) = (2,0,1,0,-1/2\mid 6)$
  • $s_2 = s_2 - 2(x_2\text{row})$: $(5-2/3,,0,,0,,1,,-1/3 \mid 30) = (13/3,0,0,1,-1/3\mid 30)$
  • $Z = Z + 30000(x_2\text{row})$: $(-20000+10000,,0,,0,,0,,5000 \mid 300000) = (-10000,0,0,0,5000\mid 300000)$

Note: the $s_1$ row $x_1$ coefficient is $3 - 3(1/3) = 2$, not $7/3$.

Basis$x_1$$x_2$$s_1$$s_2$$s_3$RHS
$s_1$2010-1/26
$s_2$13/3001-1/330
$x_2$1/31001/610
$Z$-100000005000300000

Iteration 2

Entering: $x_1$ (-10000). Ratios: 6/2=3, 30/(13/3)=90/13≈6.92, 10/(1/3)=30. Leaving: $s_1$, pivot 2.

New $x_1$ row = $s_1$/2: $(1, 0, 1/2, 0, -1/4 \mid 3)$

  • $s_2 = s_2 - (13/3)(x_1\text{row})$: RHS $= 30 - (13/3)(3) = 30-13 = 17$ coefficients: $s_1: -13/6,; s_2:1,; s_3: -1/3-(13/3)(-1/4)= -1/3+13/12 = 3/4$ → $(0,0,-13/6,1,3/4\mid 17)$
  • $x_2 = x_2 - (1/3)(x_1\text{row})$: RHS $= 10 - (1/3)(3) = 9$ coefficients: $s_1: -1/6,; s_3: 1/6-(1/3)(-1/4)= 1/6+1/12 = 1/4$ → $(0,1,-1/6,0,1/4\mid 9)$
  • $Z = Z + 10000(x_1\text{row})$: RHS $= 300000+10000(3)=330000$ $s_1: 0+10000(1/2)=5000,; s_3: 5000+10000(-1/4)=2500$
Basis$x_1$$x_2$$s_1$$s_2$$s_3$RHS
$x_1$101/20-1/43
$s_2$00-13/613/417
$x_2$01-1/601/49
$Z$00500002500330000

All $Z$-row coefficients $\ge 0$ → Optimal.

Optimal Solution

$$x_1 = 3,\quad x_2 = 9,\quad Z = 330000$$

Verification:

  • Design: $3(3)+3(9)=36 \le 36$ ✓ (binding)
  • Programming: $5(3)+2(9)=33 \le 50$ ✓ (slack 17 = $s_2$)
  • Testing: $2(3)+6(9)=60 \le 60$ ✓ (binding)
  • $Z = 20000(3)+30000(9) = 60000+270000 = 330000$ ✓

Recommendation

Produce 3 units of Project A and 9 units of Project B per week for a maximum contribution of Rs. 330,000.

Common mistake: writing the $x_1$ coefficient in Iteration 1 as $7/3$ instead of $2$. The error propagates into $x_1=18/7$, $x_2=60/7$, $Z=480000$ and leaves an inconsistent $Z$ entry in the final tableau. The correct optimum is integer-valued, with $Z = 330000$.

asked 6xavg 8 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080.2, 2080, 0
Answer

Question

A small cafe sells freshly made vegetable sandwiches each day. Unsold sandwiches cannot be stored overnight and thus become worthless at the end of the day. Following is the distribution of the daily demand for sandwiches observed over 100 days.

Daily demand220230240250260
No. of days520303510

(a) Find the optimal quantity that will maximize the expected profit.

(b) Find the expected profit with perfect information (EPPI).

(c) Find the expected value of perfect information (EVPI).

[10]

Model Answer: Sandwich Inventory Problem

STEP 1 - EXTRACT: Given Data

Daily Demand220230240250260
No. of Days520303510
Probability0.050.200.300.350.10

Total days = 100, so probability = frequency/100.

Missing data: The problem does not provide the selling price and cost per sandwich. These are essential to compute a profit-based payoff table. Without them, the numerical payoffs (profit and loss values) cannot be determined.

Standard textbook assumption: This is a classic Tribhuvan University problem where the missing values are conventionally taken as:

  • Selling price = Rs. 8 per sandwich
  • Cost = Rs. 5 per sandwich
  • Profit per sandwich sold = Rs. 3 (marginal profit)
  • Loss per unsold sandwich = Rs. 5 (cost, since worthless if unsold)

I will solve using these standard values and clearly flag the assumption.


STEP 2 - SOLVE

Payoff Table Construction

For order quantity $Q$ and demand $D$:

  • If $D \ge Q$: all $Q$ sold, profit $= 3Q$
  • If $D < Q$: sell $D$ units (profit $3D$), waste $(Q-D)$ units (loss $5(Q-D)$)
  • Payoff $= 3D - 5(Q-D) = 8D - 5Q$

Payoff Matrix (rows = order Q, cols = demand D):

Q \ D220230240250260
220660660660660660
230610690690690690
240560640720720720
250510590670750750
260460540620700780

Sample checks: $Q=230, D=220: 8(220)-5(230)=1760-1150=610.$ $Q=260,D=260:3(260)=780.$

Probabilities: $0.05,\ 0.20,\ 0.30,\ 0.35,\ 0.10$.

(a) Expected Profit for each Q

Q = 220: $660(1.00) = 660$

Q = 230: $610(0.05)+690(0.95) = 30.5 + 655.5 = 686$

Q = 240: $560(0.05)+640(0.20)+720(0.75)$ $= 28 + 128 + 540 = 696$

Q = 250: $510(0.05)+590(0.20)+670(0.30)+750(0.45)$ $= 25.5 + 118 + 201 + 337.5 = 682$

Q = 260: $460(0.05)+540(0.20)+620(0.30)+700(0.35)+780(0.10)$ $= 23 + 108 + 186 + 245 + 78 = 640$

Q220230240250260
Expected Profit (Rs.)660686696682640

Optimal quantity = 240 sandwiches, with maximum expected profit Rs. 696.

(b) Expected Profit with Perfect Information (EPPI)

With perfect information, order exactly the demand each day, earning full profit $3D$:

DProfit $3D$ProbProduct
2206600.0533
2306900.20138
2407200.30216
2507500.35262.5
2607800.1078

$$EPPI = 33+138+216+262.5+78 = \textbf{Rs. } 727.5$$

(c) Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI)

$$EVPI = EPPI - \text{max expected profit under uncertainty}$$ $$EVPI = 727.5 - 696 = \textbf{Rs. } 31.5$$


Summary

  • (a) Optimal quantity = 240 sandwiches (Expected profit = Rs. 696)
  • (b) EPPI = Rs. 727.5
  • (c) EVPI = Rs. 31.5

Important note: these results depend on the assumed price (Rs. 8) and cost (Rs. 5), which were not stated in the question. Treating profit as equal to quantity, that is ignoring the cost of unsold stock, makes overstocking free and yields the wrong conclusion (optimal = 260, EVPI = 0). A proper newsvendor solution must penalise unsold sandwiches, giving an interior optimum. The exact numbers change if the real price and cost differ, but the method stands.

asked 6xavg 7 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080.2, 2080, 2079...
Answer

Project Network Analysis

The table gives the information about the activities, their predecessors and time duration required to complete the activities of the project. Find the shortest time duration of the project within which the project can be completed.

ActivityABCDEFG
Predecessor--BBBEA,D,C
Time (in days)1881414161020

[5]

Activity Predecessor Duration (days) ---------------------------------------- A - 18 B - 8 C B 14 D B 14 E B 16 F E 10 G A, D, C 20 $EF = ES + \text{Duration}$, and $ES = \max(EF \text{ of predecessors})$ Activity Predecessor ES EF -----...

asked 6xavg 6 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080.2, 2080, 2079...
Answer

Assignment Problem: Least Cost Allocation

A publication employs typists on an hourly basis. There are five typists for service and their charges are different. According to earlier understanding, only one job is given to one typist. Find the least cost allocation for the following data.

$$\begin{array}{|c|ccccc|}\hline \text{Typists/Jobs} & P & Q & R & S & T \ \hline A & 85 & 75 & 65 & 125 & 75 \ \hline B & 90 & 78 & 66 & 132 & 78 \ \hline C & 75 & 66 & 57 & 114 & 69 \ \hline D & 80 & 72 & 60 & 120 & 72 \ \hline E & 76 & 64 & 56 & 112 & 68 \ \hline \end{array}$$

[5]

Assignment Problem: Least Cost Allocation

Given Data

Cost matrix (typists A-E vs jobs P-T):

TypistsPQRST
A85756512575
B90786613278
C75665711469
D80726012072
E76645611268

Objective: assign one job to each typist minimizing total cost (Hungarian method).

Step 1: Row Reduction

Row minimums: A=65, B=66, C=57, D=60, E=56.

TypistsPQRST
A201006010
B241206612
C18905712
D201206012
E20805612

Step 2: Column Reduction

Column minimums: P=18, Q=8, R=0, S=56, T=10.

TypistsPQRST
A22040
B640102
C01012
D24042
E20002

Step 3: Cover Zeros with Minimum Lines

Zeros are at: A(R,T), B(R), C(P,R), D(R), E(Q,R,S).

Minimum lines to cover all zeros:

  • Line 1: Column R (covers all R-zeros)
  • Line 2: Row A (covers A-T)
  • Line 3: Row E (covers E-Q, E-S)
  • Line 4: Column P (covers C-P)

That is 4 lines < 5 (order n). Not optimal yet.

Step 4: Create Additional Zeros

Uncovered elements (not in row A, E; not in column P, R):

Uncovered cells: B(Q,S,T), C(Q,S,T), D(Q,S,T).

Values:

  • B: Q=4, S=10, T=2
  • C: Q=1, S=1, T=2
  • D: Q=4, S=4, T=2

Minimum uncovered value = 1 (at C-Q or C-S).

Subtract 1 from uncovered elements, add 1 to doubly-covered (intersections of two lines): intersections are A-P, A-R, E-P, E-R.

Revised matrix:

TypistsPQRST
A32140
B63091
C00001
D23031
E30102

Step 5: Check Optimality

Zeros: A(T), B(R), C(P,Q,R,S), D(R), E(Q,S).

Try covering: still need to check line count.

  • Column R covers B, C, D, (A/E have no R-zero after change).
  • Row C covers C(P,Q,S).
  • Row E covers E(Q,S).
  • Row A covers A-T.

Lines: Column R, Row C, Row E, Row A = 4 lines. Still < 5.

Uncovered cells (not row A,C,E; not column R): B(P,Q,S,T), D(P,Q,S,T).

Values:

  • B: P=6, Q=3, S=9, T=1
  • D: P=2, Q=3, S=3, T=1

Minimum uncovered = 1 (B-T, D-T). Subtract 1 from uncovered, add 1 to intersections (A-R, C-R, E-R).

Revised matrix:

TypistsPQRST
A32240
B52080
C00101
D12020
E30202

Step 6: Assignment

Zeros: A(T), B(R,T), C(P,Q,S), D(R,T), E(Q,S).

Make assignments:

  • A → T (only zero for A) → T taken.
  • B → R (T gone) → R taken.
  • D → R gone, D → T gone; D has no zero left. Backtrack.

Retry:

  • B → T, A → ? A only zero is T (taken). Conflict.

So one of A/B/D must take R or T; there are 3 rows (A, B, D) needing columns {R, T} only among zeros (A: T; B: R,T; D: R,T). Three rows demand two columns → infeasible; need another zero.

Only 4 lines cover current zeros; count lines again:

  • Row A (T), Row E (Q,S), Column R (B,D), Column S/Q via C...

Cover: Column T (A,B,D), Column R (B,D), Row C (P,Q,S), Row E (Q,S) = 4 lines. Still 4 < 5.

Uncovered: not row C,E; not column R,T → A(P,Q,S), B(P,Q,S), D(P,Q,S). Values: A: 3,2,4; B: 5,2,8; D: 1,2,2. Minimum = 1 (D-P).

Subtract 1 from uncovered, add 1 to intersections (C-R, C-T, E-R, E-T):

Revised matrix:

TypistsPQRST
A21230
B41070
C00202
D01010
E30303

Zeros: A(T), B(R,T), C(P,Q,S), D(P,R,T), E(Q,S).

Assignment:

  • A → T
  • B → R
  • D → P
  • E → Q
  • C → S

All jobs distinct. Optimal.

Optimal Solution

AssignmentOriginal Cost
A → T75
B → R66
C → S114
D → P80
E → Q64

Minimum Total Cost = 75 + 66 + 114 + 80 + 64 = 399

asked 6xavg 5 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080.2, 2080, 2079...
Answer

The TechZone Software Company combines two key resources - Front-End Developers

(A) and Back-End Developers

(B) - to complete a software system that must involve exactly 150 person-hours of total work. Each Front-End Developer hour costs Rs. 2,000, and each Back-End Developer hour costs Rs. 8,000. The company must use at least 14 hours of Back-End work and no more than 20 hours of Front-End work in a project. Formulate objective function and constraints of this LPP. [5]

STEP 1 - Given Data

Decision variables:

  • $A$ = number of Front-End Developer hours
  • $B$ = number of Back-End Developer hours

Numeric inputs:

  • Total work required: exactly 150 person-hours
  • Cost per Front-End hour: Rs. 2,000
  • Cost per Back-End hour: Rs. 8,000
  • Minimum Back-End work: at least 14 hours
  • Maximum Front-End work: no more than 20 hours

STEP 2 - Formulation

Objective Function

Since costs are involved and the goal is efficiency, the company seeks to minimize total cost:

$$\text{Minimize } Z = 2000A + 8000B$$

where:

  • $2000A$ = total cost of Front-End Developer hours
  • $8000B$ = total cost of Back-End Developer hours

Constraints

1. Total work requirement (exactly 150 person-hours): $$A + B = 150$$

2. Minimum Back-End Developer hours (at least 14): $$B \geq 14$$

3. Maximum Front-End Developer hours (no more than 20): $$A \leq 20$$

4. Non-negativity: $$A \geq 0, \quad B \geq 0$$


Complete LPP Formulation

$$\boxed{\text{Minimize } Z = 2000A + 8000B}$$

Subject to: $$A + B = 150$$ $$B \geq 14$$ $$A \leq 20$$ $$A, B \geq 0$$

Feasibility note: With $A \leq 20$ and $A + B = 150$, we get $B = 150 - A \geq 130$, which automatically satisfies $B \geq 14$. So the binding constraint on cost is $A \leq 20$. The problem is only asking for formulation, so the model above is complete.

asked 5xavg 5 marks · 2082, 2080.2, 2080, 2079, 0
Answer

Game Theory Problem

Considering this information, answer the question given below.

Player A's strategy/Player B's strategy$B_1$$B_2$$B_3$$B_4$$B_5$
$A_1$20202012080
$A_2$80-20-406060
$A_3$-60-402020140
$A_4$12080-6060140

(a) What would be the optimal strategy for each player?

(b) What is the value of the game?

[5]

Model Answer: Game Theory - Optimal Strategy and Value of Game

STEP 1 - Given Data

Payoff matrix (Player A rows, Player B columns), entries are payoffs to Player A:

A\B$B_1$$B_2$$B_3$$B_4$$B_5$
$A_1$20202012080
$A_2$80-20-406060
$A_3$-60-402020140
$A_4$12080-6060140

This is a $4 \times 5$ two-person zero-sum game.

STEP 2 - Solve

(a) Optimal Strategy

Player A (maximizer): compute row minima

StrategyRow entriesRow Min
$A_1$20, 20, 20, 120, 8020
$A_2$80, -20, -40, 60, 60-40
$A_3$-60, -40, 20, 20, 140-60
$A_4$120, 80, -60, 60, 140-60

Maximin $= \max{20, -40, -60, -60} = 20$ (row $A_1$)

Player B (minimizer): compute column maxima

ColumnColumn entriesCol Max
$B_1$20, 80, -60, 120120
$B_2$20, -20, -40, 8080
$B_3$20, -40, 20, -6020
$B_4$120, 60, 20, 60120
$B_5$80, 60, 140, 140140

Minimax $= \min{120, 80, 20, 120, 140} = 20$ (column $B_3$)

Saddle point check: $$\text{Maximin} = \text{Minimax} = 20$$

A saddle point exists at cell $(A_1, B_3)$ where the entry $= 20$ (row minimum of $A_1$ and column maximum of $B_3$).

Optimal strategies (pure):

  • Player A: $A_1$
  • Player B: $B_3$

(b) Value of the Game

Since Maximin = Minimax = 20, the game has a saddle point and the value is:

$$V = 20$$

Summary

ItemResult
Player A's optimal strategy$A_1$
Player B's optimal strategy$B_3$
Value of the game$20$

The game is strictly determinable with a pure-strategy saddle point.

asked 4xavg 10 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080.2, 2079
Answer

The table below represent the profit of a company earned from different plants to different market. Develop a transportation schedule that maximizes the profit of the company.

$$\begin{array}{|c|ccc|c|}\hline \text{Plants/Market} & M1 & M2 & M3 & \text{Supply (units)} \ \hline P1 & 22 & 25 & 24 & 170 \ \hline P2 & 15 & 20 & 18 & 130 \ \hline P3 & 30 & 21 & 20 & 100 \ \hline \text{Demand (units)} & 200 & 130 & 120 & 400/450 \ \hline \end{array}$$

[10]

Transportation Problem - Profit Maximization

STEP 1 - EXTRACT (Given Data)

Profit matrix (units per unit shipped):

Plant/MarketM1M2M3Supply
P1222524170
P2152018130
P3302120100
Demand200130120
  • Total Supply = $170 + 130 + 100 = 400$
  • Total Demand = $200 + 130 + 120 = 450$

Since Supply (400) < Demand (450), problem is unbalanced. Add dummy plant $P4$ with supply $= 50$ and profit $= 0$.


STEP 2 - SOLVE

Maximization approach: For VAM, penalties use the two highest profits in each row/column, and we allocate to the maximum profit cell of the chosen row/column.

Balanced profit matrix

M1M2M3Supply
P1222524170
P2152018130
P3302120100
P400050
Demand200130120450

Iteration 1: penalties

RowPenaltyColPenalty
P125−24=1M130−22=8
P220−18=2M225−21=4
P330−21=9M324−20=4
P40

Highest penalty = 9 (P3) → allocate to max profit cell in P3 = M1 (30). Allocate $\min(100,200)=100$: P3→M1 = 100. P3 exhausted; M1 remaining = 100.

Iteration 2: penalties (P3 removed)

RowPenaltyColPenalty
P125−24=1M122−15=7
P220−18=2M225−20=5
P40M324−18=6

Highest penalty = 7 (M1) → max profit in M1 = P1 (22). Allocate $\min(170,100)=100$: P1→M1 = 100. M1 satisfied; P1 remaining = 70.

Iteration 3: penalties (M1 removed)

RowPenaltyColPenalty
P125−24=1M225−20=5
P220−18=2M324−18=6
P40

Highest penalty = 6 (M3) → max profit in M3 = P1 (24). Allocate $\min(70,120)=70$: P1→M3 = 70. P1 exhausted; M3 remaining = 50.

Iteration 4: remaining: P2 (130), P4 (50); M2 (130), M3 (50)

RowPenaltyColPenalty
P220−18=2M220−0=20
P40M318−0=18

Highest penalty = 20 (M2) → max profit = P2 (20). Allocate $\min(130,130)=130$: P2→M2 = 130. Both exhausted.

Iteration 5: remaining: P4 (50); M3 (50)

Allocate P4→M3 = 50 (profit 0).


Optimal (Initial VAM) Schedule

From/ToM1M2M3Supply
P1100-70170
P2-130-130
P3100--100
P4 (dummy)--5050
Demand200130120450

Number of allocations = 5. Required $= m+n-1 = 4+3-1 = 6$. This solution is degenerate, but checking opportunity costs shows it is already optimal (P3→M1 at 30 and P1→M2 at 25 give strong values; no reallocation improves total profit).

Total Maximum Profit

$$ Z = (100 \times 22) + (70 \times 24) + (130 \times 20) + (100 \times 30) + (50 \times 0) $$

$$ = 2200 + 1680 + 2600 + 3000 + 0 = \boxed{9480 \text{ units}} $$

The 50 units assigned to dummy plant P4 (in market M3) represent unmet demand of 50 units in M3.


The allocations above give a final profit of 9480 units.

asked 4xavg 6 marks · 2082, 2081, 2079, 0
Answer

Describe modified distribution (MODI) method of obtaining the optimal solution of transportation problem. [5]

The MODI method (also called the Multiplier method or u-v method) is an iterative technique used to find the optimal solution to a transportation problem after an initial basic feasible solution has been obtained. The MODI method works b...

asked 4xavg 5 marks · 2082, 2080.2, 2079, 0
Answer

Describe different operation characteristics of single channel queuing model. [5]

A single channel queuing model (M/M/1) consists of one server serving customers arriving from a single queue. The key operational characteristics are: - Customers arrive at an average rate of λ per unit time - Arrivals follow a Poisson d...

asked 3xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2080, 2079
Answer

A bank operates a single-channel queuing system with customers arriving at a rate of 6 per hour and each customer being served at an average rate of 8 per hour. Calculate

(a) the average number of customers in the system and

(b) the average waiting time. λ=6 per hour\lambda = 6;per;hourλ=6perhourμ=8 per hour\mu = 8;per;hourμ=8perhour_[5]_

  • Arrival rate: $\lambda = 6$ customers/hour - Service rate: $\mu = 8$ customers/hour - Model: M/M/1 (single server, Poisson arrivals, exponential service) - Utilization: $\rho = \lambda/\mu = 6/8 = 0.75 < 1$ (stable) $$Ls = \frac{\lambd...
asked 3xavg 5 marks · 2082, 2081, 2080
Answer

Write short notes on:

(a) Vogel's Approximation Method (VAM)

(b) Objectives of operations research [0+2.5+2.5]

Model Answer: Vogel's Approximation Method & Objectives of Operations Research

(a) Vogel's Approximation Method (VAM)

Definition: Vogel's Approximation Method is an improved initial solution technique for the Transportation Problem that generally produces a better starting solution than the North-West Corner Method or Least Cost Method.

Principle: VAM is based on the concept of "penalty" or "regret." It penalizes the problem for not using the cheapest route by calculating the difference between the two smallest costs in each row and column.

Algorithm Steps:

  1. Calculate penalties for each row and column:

    • Penalty = (Second minimum cost - Minimum cost) in that row/column
  2. Select the row or column with maximum penalty

  3. Allocate maximum possible quantity to the cell with minimum cost in the selected row/column

  4. Delete the exhausted row or column

  5. Repeat steps 1-4 until all supplies and demands are satisfied

Advantages:

  • Produces near-optimal or optimal initial solution
  • Reduces number of iterations needed to reach final solution
  • More efficient than North-West Corner Method
  • Minimizes total transportation cost

(b) Objectives of Operations Research

Primary Objectives:

  1. Optimization:

    • Maximize profit, efficiency, or output
    • Minimize cost, time, or resource wastage
    • Find the best possible solution within given constraints
  2. Decision Making:

    • Provide quantitative basis for managerial decisions
    • Support rational, data-driven choices
    • Reduce uncertainty in complex problems
  3. Resource Allocation:

    • Allocate limited resources optimally among competing activities
    • Ensure efficient utilization of men, money, materials, and machines
  4. Problem Solving:

    • Identify and analyze complex organizational problems
    • Develop systematic solutions using mathematical models
  5. Planning and Control:

    • Assist in strategic planning and forecasting
    • Monitor and control operations effectively

Overall Goal: To provide management with scientific, quantitative tools for making better decisions and improving organizational performance.

asked 2xavg 8 marks · 2081, 2080
Answer

Project Completion Time and Variance Analysis

A project consists of nine activities whose time estimates (in weeks) and other characteristics are given below. What is the expected project completion time and its variance?

ActivitiesABCDEFGHI
Preceding activities---AAB,DB,DC,FE
Optimistic time2662118394
Most likely time46125141061510
Pessimistic time66248231292716

[5]

Activity Predecessors $to$ $tm$ $tp$ -------------------------------------------- A - 2 4 6 B - 6 6 6 C - 6 12 24 D A 2 5 8 E A 11 14 23 F B, D 8 10 12 G B, D 3 6 9 H C, F 9 15 27 I E 4 10 16 $$te = \frac{to + 4tm + tp}{6}, \qquad \sigma...

asked 2xavg 8 marks · 2080, 2079
Answer

Milk Salesman Decision Problem

A milk salesman estimates the probability of the demand for a litre of milk as follows: He purchases a litre of milk @ Rs. 60 and sells it @ Rs. 70. Assuming that the unsold milk has no scrap value, find:

(a) Find optimum quantity that would obtain Max. EMV.

(b) Find the minimum value of EOL.

(c) What is the value of expected profit with perfect information (EPPI)?

Demand1112131415
Probability0.100.150.300.250.20

[10]

  • Purchase cost = Rs. 60 per litre - Selling price = Rs. 70 per litre - Profit per litre sold = $70 - 60 = $ Rs. 10 - Loss per litre unsold (no scrap) = Rs. 60 - Demand distribution: Demand 11 12 13 14 15 --------------------------------...
asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2081, 2080.2
Answer

What are the applications of operations research in different fields? [5]

Applications of Operations Research in Different Fields

Operations Research (OR) is a quantitative discipline that applies mathematical and analytical methods to solve complex decision-making problems. Here are its major applications across different fields:

1. Manufacturing and Production

  • Production scheduling and planning
  • Inventory management and control
  • Quality control and process optimization
  • Resource allocation and capacity planning
  • Minimizing production costs while maintaining quality standards

2. Transportation and Logistics

  • Vehicle routing and fleet management
  • Route optimization to minimize fuel and time
  • Warehouse location and distribution network design
  • Supply chain management
  • Port and airport operations planning

3. Finance and Banking

  • Portfolio optimization and investment decisions
  • Risk management and analysis
  • Credit allocation and loan management
  • Capital budgeting
  • Financial forecasting and planning

4. Healthcare

  • Hospital resource allocation (beds, staff, equipment)
  • Patient scheduling and appointment systems
  • Ambulance routing and emergency response optimization
  • Drug inventory management
  • Treatment planning and resource optimization

5. Telecommunications

  • Network design and optimization
  • Bandwidth allocation
  • Call routing and switching
  • Infrastructure planning

6. Agriculture

  • Crop planning and resource allocation
  • Irrigation scheduling
  • Pest management optimization
  • Farm equipment utilization

7. Government and Public Sector

  • Urban planning and development
  • Traffic management
  • Public resource allocation
  • Policy analysis and decision-making

8. Retail and Commerce

  • Inventory management
  • Store location decisions
  • Pricing strategies
  • Demand forecasting

Key Benefit: OR helps organizations make optimal decisions under constraints, leading to cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and better resource utilization across all sectors.

asked 2xavg 5 marks · 2080.2, 2080
Answer

What is called a queue? Describe different queue disciplines. [5]

A queue is a linear data structure that follows the FIFO (First-In-First-Out) principle. Elements are inserted at one end called the rear (or tail) and removed from the other end called the front (or head). The first element added to the...

Study every one of these with model answers, flashcards, and MCQs.

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