Models that pertain to the distribution of a resource within supply chains are often referred to as networks. Distribution among these networks is key to the success of a business while also keeping cost production at a minimum. Discuss at least three ways that linear optimization models can be applied to both physical as well as abstract network problems to increase efficiency in supply chain management.

DQ1
Models that pertain to the distribution of a resource within supply chains are often referred to as networks. Distribution among these networks is key to the success of a business while also keeping cost production at a minimum. Discuss at least three ways that linear optimization models can be applied to both physical as well as abstract network problems to increase efficiency in supply chain management.

DQ2
Solving shortest-route problems enables a business organization to use their resources more efficiently and minimize expenditures, thereby increasing overall production and profit. Consider the business or industry in which you work. What is a process that could be improved by the application of a shortest route linear programming model? How would this model improve production, profit, and/or efficiency?

Mariana Hoerr
1 posts
Re: Topic 5 DQ 1
A supply chain is defined as a set of all interconnected resources used to produce and distribute a product (Anderson et al., 2016, p. 425). According to Anderson et al., there are two common problems which are transportation and transshipment problems (2016). The objective of transportation is to get a product from the manufacturer to the customer as quickly and economically as possible. Linear programming might be able to find a product closer to the demand center. Linear programming may also identify changes in the marketplace and allow the manufacturer to respond more quickly to surges and lulls in the cycle of the product. It can also be used to determine the best and least effective route, maximize profits or revenues, and make the most of route capacities or determine unacceptable routes. Linear programming models would be effective with the supply chain at the hospital because there are times where we run out of supplies every other day depending on the frequent use. We run into many issues where products are on backorder or we weren’t able to place the order in time for overnight shipments.
Anderson, D. R., Sweeney, D. J., Williams, T. A., Camm, J. D., Cochran, J. J., Fry, M. J., & Ohlmann, J. W. (2016). Decision making process. In Quantitative methods for business with CengageNOW (13th ed.). https://doi.org/13:9781305503205

Tyler Hughes
1 posts
Re: Topic 5 DQ 1
Thinking about the three ways that linear optimization models can be applied to both physical and and abstract way network problems, I have come up with the following; marketplace, supply and demand of products and maximizing revenue of products. Now, in terms of increasing efficiency within the supply chain management, all of the following mentioned above are some of the main contributing factors of resources that can quickly identify change in workplaces as well as building revenue. According to the text, “A supply chain is defined as a set of all interconnected resources used to produce and distribute a product (Anderson et al. 2016)”. It’s important to understand all potential issues that can come about in many organizations and using the linear optimization models these inevitable issues can be better solved and organizations can have better ways at figuring out to combat such issues.

References:
Anderson, D. R., Sweeney, D. J., Williams, T. A., Camm, J. D., Cochran, J. J., Fry, M. J., & Ohlmann, J. W. (2016). Decision making process. In Quantitative methods for business with CengageNOW (13th ed.). https://doi.org/13:9781305503205

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