Unbalanced Maximization Assignment Problem
Unbalanced Maximization Assignment Problem
whenever the number of sources is not equal to the number of destinations, the
assignment problem is called an unbalanced assignment problem. In such problems,
dummy rows (or columns) are added in the matrix so as to complete it to form a square
matrix. The dummy rows or columns will contain all costs elements as zeroes. The
Hungarian method may be used to solve the problem.
Example : A company has five machines that are used for four jobs. Each job can be
assigned to one and only one machine. The cost of each job on each machine is given in
the following Table.
Assignment Problem
Solution: Convert the 4 × 5 matrix into a square matrix by adding a dummy row D5.
Dummy Row D5 Added
Column-wise reduction is not necessary since all columns contain a single zero. Now,
draw minimum number of lines to cover all the zeros, as shown in Table.
All Zeros in the Matrix Covered
Select the least uncovered element, i.e., 1, subtract it from other uncovered elements, add
to the elements at intersection of lines and leave the elements that are covered with single
line unchanged as shown in Table.
Subtracted or Added to Elements
Example : In a plant layout, four different machines M1, M2, M3 and M4 are to be
erected in a machine shop. There are five vacant areas A, B, C, D and E. Because of
limited space, Machine M2 cannot be erected at area C and Machine M4 cannot be
erected at area A. The cost of erection of machines is given in the Table.
Assignment Problem
Solution: As the given matrix is not balanced, add a dummy row D5 with zero cost
values. Assign a high cost H for (M2, C) and (M4, A). While selecting the lowest cost
element neglect the high cost assigned H, as shown in Table below.
Dummy Row D5 Added
Note: Column-wise reduction is not necessary, as each column has at least one single
zero. Now, draw minimum number of lines to cover all the zeros, see Table.
Lines Drawn to Cover all Zeros
Number of lines drawn ≠ Order of matrix. Hence not Optimal. Select the smallest
uncovered element, in this case 1. Subtract 1 from all other uncovered element and add 1
with the elements at the intersection. The element covered by single line remains
unchanged. These changes are shown in Table. Now try to draw minimum number of
lines to cover all the zeros.
Optimal Assignment