This project is not required. You do not need to do this project for this class.

The purpose of this project is to obtain hands on experience with a software product for solving linear programs.

Although there are many packages available for solving LPs, in this project you must us the SOLVER tool in EXCEL which can be found here.

The project is worth 80 points. Your grade will be added to your pool of quiz grades.

In this project you must use the Excel Solver tool and produce at least one sensitivity report.

You are to work on this project independently. You cannot collaborate on this project or seek assistance from anyone other than Professor Burke.

The project has three parts:

1. Model one of the three problems
   1. Coffee blending
   2. Car manufacturing, or
   3. computer production.
   Then creat an Excel spread sheet that encodes the model.
2. Solve your model using Excel Solver creating a sensitivity report.
3. Write a brief report commenting on the nature of the solution. This report should be accompanied by the solution to the LP, the solution to the dual, and the full sensitivity report. In particular, your report should comment on the robustness of the solution indicating the most sensitive elements of the model. In addition, you should address the underlying concerns of the client as can be implied from the problem statement.

The project should be put together as follows:

• Page 1: the problem statement appearing on the modeling webpage.
• Page 2: your LP model typed up in Word or some other editor.
• Page 3: the Excel spread sheet file for your model.
• Page 4: The solution and the sensitivity report from Excel Solver.
• Page 5-6: Your discussion of the sensitivity report as presented to a client. In particular, your discussion should address any sensitivity in the range boundaries, reduced costs, and/or shadow prices.

Finally, your report will be graded on the correctness of your model and quality of your exposition on page 5 above (sensitivity report).

The project is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday, December 6.