Statistical Techniques for Business Analytics
Unit 9: Linear Programming – Allocation Models
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Unit
2. Objectives
3. Linear Programming Models
4. Allocation Model
5. Performing Allocation model using Excel
6. Summary
7. Check Your Understanding
Introduction to the Unit
This unit briefly describes the allocation model in linear programming and explains the methodology
for applying the allocation model. This unit also covers the ways to solve allocation model problems
in linear programming using Microsoft Excel.
Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Define the purpose of allocation model
Formulate an allocation model
Solve an allocation model using Microsoft Excel
Linear Programming Models
Though there are several linear programming models, only a few standard types are used. The
following are the four types of linear programming models:
Allocation Models
Covering Models
Blending Models
Network Models
In this unit, we will discuss Allocation Models.
Allocation Models
An allocation model is a model that calls for maximising the value of an objective function. In other
words, allocation models help business analysts and managers in maximisation of profit subject to
the reduction in capacity. Many manufacturing companies often run into difficulties that involve
optimisation of production or cost or a decision subject due to the maximum limit or constraints on
the resources. For example, a company that deals with production of electronic goods may require
some operation on an instrument, which is constrained by maximum limit in terms of its available
hours. This kind of linear programming problem is called allocation model problems. It is applicable
to allocate resources effectively and manage the problem of distributing scarce resources among
alternate activities. In allocation models, we usually represent the objective function and constraints
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similar to the basic linear programming model. It can be easily represented as an algebraic
expression. The simple and general resource allocation model is given below.
Let n denote number of activities
Activities can be indexed by j=1,2,3,4,….n
Let m denote number of resources.
Resources can be indexed by i = 1,2,3,4….m
Profit for activity can be represented by pj
Amount of available resources can be represented by bi
Amount of resource i used by a unit of activity can be denoted as aij
Maximise Profit Z = cjxj
Subject to the constraints
cjxj ≤ bi for i = 1,… m
xj ≥ 0 for j = 1,2…n
Solving Allocation Model Using Excel
To solve allocation models using Microsoft Excel, you need Microsoft Office 2010, or a higher
version like 2013, to work on the Data Solver. To use Excel to solve LP problems, the Solver Add-
in must be installed first.
Solver Add-in will not be installed by default as part of office installation. If you do not have Solver
Add-in installed, perform the following steps:
1. To install Solver Sdd-in, select File and then Options.
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2. From the dialogue box, select Add-Ins and Click Go, which will open up a new pop-up
window.
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3. In the new popup window titled Add-ins, select the Solver Add-in option and click OK.
4. Restart Excel to ensure the proper working of Solver for performing linear programming
exercises.
Let us now solve the Allocation Model.
One of the top computer assembling companies in India has three assembly units in three different
cities. All the computer assemblies, mainly personal computers (x1) and laptop computers (x2), are
done in three assembly units. Each computer assembly requires different times in the three
assembly units and there are few limitations on available assembly time at each assembly unit. With
this information and a knowledge of offerings to yield better income from the two types of
computers, the senior executives of the computer assembly company wish to determine what
quantities of each computer they should be assembling and selling in order to maximise profits.
Based on all the available data, linear programming model has been arrived as below.
Objective Function
Maximise z = 3x1 + 2x2
Constraints
Assembly unit-1 constraint: x1 <= 4
Assembly unit-2 constraint: 2x2 <= 12
Assembly unit-3 constraint: 3x1 + 2x2 <= 18
Non-negative constraints: x1, x2 >= 0
Let Z = total profit per day
x1 = number of personal computers assembled per day
x2 = number of laptop computers assembled per day
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Remove the inequalities for the constraints, if required, i.e. change <= to = sign, or specify the = or
<= or >= in Excel while adding constraints.
Step 1
List the names of the objective function, decision variables and constraints. Initially, you can enter 0
or some arbitrary value in the cell for the decision variables, because these values are going to
change/vary when actual values are entered.
Step 2
Enter the formulas in objective and constraints, by selecting the cell and equal (=) sign and then by
selecting the cell value and constants as per the objective or constraint.
The given objective function is 3x1 + 2x2
The decision variables x1 and x2 are given in the cells B9 and B10
So, the formula would be =3*B9+2*B10
Similarly, constraint formulas should be also entered
Assembly unit-1 constraint: x1 <= 4
Assembly unit-2 constraint: 2x2 <= 12
Assembly unit-3 constraint: 3x1 + 2x2 <= 18
For unit-1 constraint, x1 <= 14, so only first decision variable cell for x1 (personal computers per
week can be selected). In this case, cell B9 should be selected.
For unit-2 constraint, 2x2 <= 12, the constant 2 should be multiplied with the cell value for second
variable x2 (laptop computers per week).
For unit-3 constraint, constant 3 and cell value for variable 1 and constant 2 with cell value for
variable 2 should be selected. The actual values to be entered in to Excel is given below:
Assembly Unit-1 Value of B14 cell will be given as =B9
Assembly Unit-2 Value of B15 cell will be given as =2*B10
Assembly Unit-3 value of B16 will be given as = 3*B9+2*B10 (i.e 3x1 + 2x2)
Non-negative constraint value for B17 = B9
Non negative constraint value for B19 = B10
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Once Maximise function is entered and constraint formulas are entered, you can start using Excel
Solver. Select Data Menu and then click Solver.
For the first one, i.e. Set Objective, select the cell corresponding to Profit (Maximisation) and option
Max should be used for maximising the profit.
Choose the cell values corresponding to decision variables x1, x2.
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Add the constraints, by selecting Add and then choose respective cell values which contains the
formulas and placing the equality sign.
The final screen for the Data Solver is given below. Select the solving method like Simplex method
and click Solve.
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You will see a new window to display the results. Select Keep Server Solution and Answer as
shown in the screen snapshot below:
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The results are displayed in a new sheet.
Summary
Allocation model is the most useful model among other models for efficient resource allocation with
maximum profit. Microsoft Excel is a great utility which provides many new features like Data Solver
to solve allocation problems and produce results as per the requirements.
Check Your Understanding
1. List types of different linear programming models?
2. What is the goal of allocation model?
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