Provide one example each of a workforce scheduling, a blending, and a logistics linear optimization problem not discussed in the Render et al (2011). What is being optimized in each of your examples and why? Solution Workforce Scheduling – Biosense Webster is an international producer of cardiac electrophysiology equipment. The have a line of ablation catheters used by physicians to correct heart rhythm disorders. Many of these catheters are manufactured by workers in a facility in Juarez, Mexico. The management at this facility can use linear programming to effectively and efficiently meet the production needs while limiting payroll costs. It is important to staff based upon need so that costs can be contained and profits maximized. Blending –There are three main types of ablation catheter that are offered by Biosense Webster: Non-mapping ablation catheters, Mapping ablation catheters, and Remote Magnetic Technology (RMT) ablation catheters. The main three production materials needed to manufacture these catheters are platinum, copper and plastics. An optimization model could be used by Biosense Webster to define the optimal mixture of catheters to be produced. The catheters that this company manufactures are very expensive and have a specific market. It is important that Biosense Webster not over or under produce any one type of catheter as this would lead to a loss of revenue and a waste of costly production materials. Logistics – Once Biosense Webster produces their catheters that must get them in the hands of the physicians. They can use Linear programming to effectively solve this shipping problem. The objective is to minimize the cost of shipping from multiple supply points to multiple demand points while maintaining the supply chain to these demand points. Render, B., Stair, R., & Hanna, M. (2012). Quantitative Analysis for Management, 11th Ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall..

1. Provide one example each of a workforce scheduling, a blending, and a logistics linear
optimization problem not discussed in the Render et al (2011). What is being optimized in each
of your examples and why?
Solution
Workforce Scheduling – Biosense Webster is an international producer of cardiac
electrophysiology equipment. The have a line of ablation catheters used by physicians to correct
heart rhythm disorders. Many of these catheters are manufactured by workers in a facility in
Juarez, Mexico. The management at this facility can use linear programming to effectively and
efficiently meet the production needs while limiting payroll costs. It is important to staff based
upon need so that costs can be contained and profits maximized.
Blending –There are three main types of ablation catheter that are offered by Biosense
Webster: Non-mapping ablation catheters, Mapping ablation catheters, and Remote Magnetic
Technology (RMT) ablation catheters. The main three production materials needed to
manufacture these catheters are platinum, copper and plastics. An optimization model could be
used by Biosense Webster to define the optimal mixture of catheters to be produced. The
catheters that this company manufactures are very expensive and have a specific market. It is
important that Biosense Webster not over or under produce any one type of catheter as this
would lead to a loss of revenue and a waste of costly production materials.
Logistics – Once Biosense Webster produces their catheters that must get them in the hands of
the physicians. They can use Linear programming to effectively solve this shipping problem. The
objective is to minimize the cost of shipping from multiple supply points to multiple demand
points while maintaining the supply chain to these demand points.
Render, B., Stair, R., & Hanna, M. (2012). Quantitative Analysis for Management, 11th Ed.
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.