Find a current example of a linear optimization model used in your industry. Describe the industry's needs, including any unique factors, how the linear optimization model was used, and the problem or challenge it addressed. Would you suggest a different model be used? Why or why not? Support your response with rationale from the assigned reading.

Linear optimization model:

Maximum benefit

Lowest cost

Must factor known opportunity costs to produce a potentially profitable strategy or plan (Anderson et al., 2016).

Needs/ unique factors:

Production Planning:

I have introduced my profession previously as one of many managers that make up the employees within my organization. The operations officer and client transition manager onboard a new client (501c6) and must then decide how many project managers need to be assigned to the client based on the client's needs, the number of hours contracted for, and project managers abilities and bandwidth. Normally, firms will look at production planning with actual in-hand products or production, however, I am using intellectual management as the product my organization offers.

Personnel assignments:

Our organization will also actively assess when to hire new staff or assign additional staff to current clients based on an increase in client needs and projects. Another aspect of personnel assignments are specific skillsets needed. Looking at our staff makeup, we have a lot of cumulative marketing experience and a smaller percentage of financial expertise. When a client needs financial services, we need to be strategic with who gets assigned onto a project. We are currently offering free training and schooling to internal employees to assist in meeting our projected needs in employee financial knowledge and ability. It would be unwise to offer additional hours of training in marketing because we have such a wealth of knowledge in that area and a lower client need to fulfill in that area.

Model use/ Challenge addressed:

Using the linear optimization model, we can calculate how many hours we will need to assign to a client to meet their needs/ complete their projects while maximizing profits. We do this by assigning each project manager multiple clients and providing them with support when they have questions or need resources. We use historical data to analyze how many hours each client will need and how many hours each project manager is capable of before their quality of work declines. Using a scatterplot, we can find the peak number of hours that keep the manager engaged without being overwhelmed or bored. That peak amount of work/ tasks met with the minimum amount of cost for the overall firm, allows us to maximize profits.

Suggestion/ rationale:

Linear optimization would be an efficient strategy to solve our employee distribution of knowledge and bandwidth. Understanding client needs based on historical data recording project and seasonal needs, allows us to maintain our consistent ability to rebalance knowledgeable project managers who fit our organizational needs. Forecasting using historical data allows the company to create an accurate ROI analysis that keeps profits and growth in an upward trajectory.

Do you agree or disagree with my post. Please explain.