Part A : Theory Questions

1. Explain the Hungarian Assignment Method and its importance in solving allocation
problems.

➢ The Hungarian Assignment Method is a combinatorial optimization algorithm designed

to solve the assignment problem, which involves finding the optimal way to assign a set
of tasks to a set of agents while minimizing (or maximizing) the total cost or maximizing
efficiency. It was developed by Harold Kuhn in 1955 and is based on earlier works by
Hungarian mathematicians.

Steps of the Hungarian Assignment Method:

1. Create a Cost Matrix:

Construct a square matrix where each element represents the cost of assigning a task to
an agent.
2. Row Reduction:
Subtract the smallest value in each row from all elements of that row. This ensures at
least one zero in every row.
3. Column Reduction:
Subtract the smallest value in each column from all elements of that column. This ensures
at least one zero in every column.
4. Cover Zeros with Minimum Lines:
Use horizontal and vertical lines to cover all zeros in the matrix using the minimum
number of lines. If the number of lines equals the size of the matrix (number of
rows/columns), skip to the final step. Otherwise, proceed.
5. Adjust the Matrix:
Find the smallest value not covered by the lines, subtract it from all uncovered elements,
and add it to elements at intersections of the lines. Repeat this process until the number of
lines covering zeros equals the size of the matrix.
6. Optimal Assignment:
Assign tasks to agents by choosing zeros in the matrix such that no two zeros share the
same row or column. This provides the optimal allocation.
Importance in Solving Allocation Problems:

1. Optimality:
The method guarantees finding the optimal solution (minimum cost or maximum
efficiency) for the assignment problem.
2. Efficiency:
It is computationally efficient and works for large matrices in polynomial time.
3. Wide Applicability:
The Hungarian Method is used in various fields, including:
o Job Scheduling: Assigning workers to jobs to minimize time or cost.
o Transportation Problems: Allocating resources to minimize transportation costs.
o Matching Problems: Optimally pairing elements in bipartite graphs, such as
students to projects or buyers to sellers.
4. Simplicity:
The systematic steps make it easy to implement manually for small problems and
programmatically for larger ones.

Conclusion:

The Hungarian Assignment Method is a foundational tool in operations research and

optimization, offering an elegant solution to allocation problems that are common in logistics,
manufacturing, and resource management.

2. Discuss the conditions under which the Hungarian Assignment Method is used
➢ The Hungarian Assignment Method is a specialized optimization algorithm designed to
solve the assignment problem. This method is used under specific conditions that make it
suitable for minimizing costs or maximizing efficiency in task allocation scenarios.
Below are the key conditions under which the Hungarian Assignment Method is
applicable:
I. Square Cost Matrix:
 The method requires a square cost matrix, where the number of rows (tasks) equals the
number of columns (agents).If the problem involves an unequal number of tasks and agents,
dummy rows or columns with zero costs are added to balance the matrix.

II. One-to-One Assignments:

The Hungarian Method is applicable when each task can be assigned to only one agent, and
vice versa.It does not work for many-to-many relationships without modifications.

III. Objective: Minimization or Maximization:

The method is traditionally designed to minimize total cost (e.g., minimizing time, distance,
or expense).For maximization problems (e.g., maximizing efficiency or profit), the input
matrix can be converted by subtracting all values from the highest value in the matrix.

IV. Independence of Tasks and Agents:

The tasks and agents must operate independently, meaning that the cost of assigning one task
to an agent does not depend on the assignment of other tasks.

V. Quantifiable Costs:

The cost of assigning each task to an agent must be clearly defined and represented
numerically.These costs are often derived from criteria such as time, distance, resources, or
performance.

VI. Non-Negative Costs:

The cost matrix should contain non-negative values.If negative values exist, they can be
shifted to non-negative by adding a constant to all elements without altering the optimal
solution.

VII. Applicability to Bipartite Graphs:

The Hungarian Method is particularly suited for bipartite graphs, where one set of nodes
(tasks) is matched to another set (agents), with weighted edges representing the cost or
benefit of each match.

VIII. Finite and Deterministic Problem:

 The problem must have a finite number of tasks and agents.The costs must be deterministic
and known in advance (i.e., no randomness or probabilistic elements).

Examples of Use Cases:

▪ Job Allocation: Assigning employees to specific tasks to minimize overall labor costs.
▪ Transportation Problems: Distributing goods to warehouses to reduce delivery expenses.
▪ Resource Allocation: Assigning machines to tasks in manufacturing to reduce downtime.
▪ Education: Matching students to schools or projects based on preferences or capacities.
▪ Sports: Scheduling players to positions or teams for optimal performance.

By fulfilling these conditions, the Hungarian Assignment Method provides an efficient,

systematic, and guaranteed way to find optimal solutions for allocation problems.

3. Describe the step-by-step procedure for solving an assignment problem using the
Hungarian Method.
➢ The Hungarian Method is a step-by-step procedure to solve assignment problems
optimally by minimizing cost (or maximizing efficiency). Here is a detailed explanation
of the process:

Step-by-Step Procedure

I. Create a Cost Matrix:

Construct a square matrix representing the cost of assigning tasks (rows) to agents
(columns).If the problem involves an unequal number of tasks and agents, add dummy rows
or columns with zero costs to make the matrix square.

II. Row Reduction:

Subtract the smallest value in each row from all elements of that row.This ensures at least
one zero in every row while preserving relative differences.

III. Column Reduction:

Subtract the smallest value in each column from all elements of that column.This ensures at
least one zero in every column.
IV. Cover All Zeros with Minimum Lines:

Cover all the zeros in the matrix using the minimum number of horizontal and vertical lines.

The goal is to determine if the current solution is optimal: If the number of lines equals the
matrix size (number of rows/columns), the optimal assignment can be made. If not, proceed
to the next step.

V. Adjust the Matrix:

Identify the smallest value not covered by the lines.Modify the matrix as follows: Subtract
this smallest value from all uncovered elements.Add this smallest value to the elements at
intersections of the lines.

Leave all other elements unchanged.Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the number of lines covering
zeros equals the matrix size.

VI. Make the Optimal Assignment:

Identify assignments based on the zeros in the matrix, ensuring no two assignments share the
same row or column.

Follow these rules: Start with rows or columns having only one zero and assign the
corresponding task-agent pair.Cross out the assigned row and column to avoid duplicate
assignments.Repeat until all tasks are assigned.

Example Problem:

Tasks \ Agents A B C D
1 9 2 7 8
2 6 4 3 7
3 5 8 1 8
4 7 6 9 4
Step 1: Row Reduction

Subtract the smallest value in each row:

Tasks \ Agents A B C D
 1 7 0 5 6
2 3 1 0 4
3 4 7 0 7
4 3 2 5 0
Step 2: Column Reduction

Subtract the smallest value in each column:

Tasks \ Agents A B C D
1 4 0 5 6
2 0 1 0 4
3 1 7 0 7
4 0 2 5 0
Step 3: Cover Zeros and Adjust

Cover zeros using minimum lines.

If the number of lines < 4, adjust the matrix as described in Step 5.

Step 4: Assignment

Assign zeros such that no two are in the same row or column.

Continue until all tasks are assigned.

This systematic approach ensures that the assignment is both optimal and efficient.

4. Identify and discuss three real-life scenarios where the Hungarian Assignment
Method can be Applied effectively.
➢ The Hungarian Assignment Method is a versatile optimization technique applicable to
various real-life scenarios where tasks need to be assigned to agents in an optimal way.
Below are three real-life scenarios where it can be applied effectively:
1. Job Allocation in Companies

Scenario:
A company needs to assign employees to specific tasks or projects based on their skills and the
cost of completing each task. Each employee can handle only one task, and the goal is to
minimize the total cost (e.g., time, effort, or monetary expense).

Application:

Construct a cost matrix where each row represents an employee and each column represents a
task. The matrix entries indicate the cost of assigning a specific employee to a specific task.
Apply the Hungarian Assignment Method to determine the optimal task assignment that
minimizes costs.

Benefits:

Ensures efficient use of resources and minimizes operational costs. Balances workload among
employees. Saves time compared to manual task allocation.

2. Transportation and Logistics

▪ Scenario:

A logistics company must assign delivery trucks to specific routes to minimize total fuel costs or
delivery times. Each truck can only handle one route, and the company wants to ensure optimal
utilization of its fleet.

▪ Application:

Create a cost matrix where rows represent delivery trucks and columns represent routes. The
matrix entries indicate the cost (e.g., fuel consumption or travel time) of assigning a particular
truck to a specific route. Use the Hungarian Assignment Method to assign routes to trucks in a
way that minimizes total costs.

▪ Benefits:

Reduces fuel consumption and delivery costs.Improves efficiency in route planning and resource
allocation.Maximizes fleet productivity.

3. School or College Admissions

▪ Scenario:
A university needs to allocate students to available seats in different programs or courses based
on their preferences and merit scores. The objective is to maximize student satisfaction while
ensuring a fair allocation.

▪ Application:

Construct a matrix where rows represent students and columns represent programs or
courses.The matrix entries reflect the “cost” of assigning a student to a program (e.g., inversely
related to their preference or merit).Apply the Hungarian Assignment Method to find an
allocation that maximizes overall satisfaction or minimizes dissatisfaction.

▪ Benefits:

Ensures a fair and efficient allocation of limited seats.Aligns student preferences with program
availability.Helps maintain academic and administrative efficiency.

▪ Conclusion

The Hungarian Assignment Method is a powerful tool for solving one-to-one allocation problems
efficiently. Whether in job allocation, logistics, or educational planning, its systematic approach
ensures optimal results, saving time and resources while maximizing benefits.