Solving a Network Design Problem

This assignment requires you to use a mixed integer program to solve a network design problem.

1. Refer to the “Hands on Excel” discussion on pages 53–56 of the Supply chain Networks textbook.
2. Download the attached MIP 9 City Example Excel file .
3. Ensure that Solver has been enabled on your PC. This may require you to turn Solver on in the “Add-Ins” area of Excel. For instructions on how to do this, you can go to the Office Support page and do a search for “Excel Solver Add-in.”
4. Develop an answer to question 6 on page 61. In addition, solve the model with four locations.
5. Develop a 4-page document that includes:
   • Quantitative answers to the questions raised in the text.
   • Explanations of what these solutions mean in business terms.
   • An explanation of the managerial implications to your solutions.
   • Answers to the following questions:
     • Consider the change in total distance as you move from two, to three, to four locations. How significant an improvement does the firm achieve in each step?
     • What change to your results do you see in parts C and D of question 6?
     • What service level impacts do you foresee as you move from two, to three, to four locations?

As you complete your assignment, be sure your paper meets the following guidelines:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: All resources and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
• Length: 4 typed, double-spaced pages.
• Font size and type: 10-point Arial.
• Introduction and conclusion are required

Refer to the attached scoring guide for this assignment to ensure you meet the grading criteria