Operations Research and Simulation: Linear Programming and RFID Technology

Penalties for Late Submissions

• Late submission of any item of coursework for each day or part thereof (or for hard copy submission only, working day or part thereof) for up to five days after the published deadline, coursework relating to modules at Levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 submitted late (including deferred coursework, but with the exception of referred coursework), will have the numeric grade reduced by 10 grade points until or unless the numeric grade reaches or is 40 (50). Where the numeric grade awarded for the assessment is less than 40, no lateness penalty will be applied.

• Late submission of referred coursework will automatically be awarded a grade of zero (0).

• Coursework (including deferred coursework) submitted later than five days (five working days in the case of hard copy submission) after the published deadline will be awarded a grade of zero (0).

Please refer to your student handbook for details about the grading schemes used by the School when assessing your work.

This Assignment assesses the following module Learning Outcomes:

1. Select and apply quantitative modelling concepts for problem solving and decision making.

2. Use classical decision theory as aid to decision making.

3. Acquire a critical awareness of the logical process of modelling complex decision problems.

4. Apply techniques and practice to model real-world problems.

5. Derive solution(s) using a suitable software package when required.

6. Critically analyse and report results.

Assignment Brief:

This individual assignment requires that you answer Questions 1 and 2 below.

1. Linear Programming has been successfully applied in many Operations Research applications. Therefore, a) describe, with the aid of two self-selected case studies from the literature, examples where Linear Programming has been applied as a mathematical technique to help Operations Research managers to plan and make the decision necessary to allocate resources, and b) discuss limitations of Linear Programming.

2. Dr Wellman Hun is the Operations Director of XYZ-Brains Ltd based in Hertfordshire UK. The company manufactures smart suitcases and they intend to introduce Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology into their manufacturing operations. Wellman has requested for a simulation of their manufacturing operations to study the impact of RFID solution on their productivity. You are required to: a) Explain to Dr Wellman Hun the advantages of simulation,

b) Develop a plan for the XYZ-Brains Ltd.’s proposed simulation study, and c) Critically discuss the proposed plan.  

You are expected to provide secondary sources to underpin your work. These must be cited and referenced according to the Harvard Referencing System. Include the word count in the header of your report.

Ensure that your technical report is well-structured and choose appropriate number and titles for

the sections of the report please. There is no need to number the references section. Your technical report must follow the content and guidance above and must include the specific instructions outlined below.

A note to the Students:

1. For undergraduate modules, a score above 40% represent a pass performance at honours level.

2. For postgraduate modules, a score of 50% or above represents a pass mark.

3. Modules may have several components of assessment and may require a pass in all elements. For further details, please consult the relevant Module Guide or ask the Module Leader.