Project: Modelling
General Structure
The goal of this project is to write your own linear program based on an application of personal interest.
Successful completion of this project involves identifying an optimization problem, writing a linear program
that describes the problem, then solving the resulting linear program using the techniques from class. The
results of your work will be reported in a written report that will be due the last week of class.
Identifying a Problem
Students will identify a problem in an area of personal interest that can be modelled using linear program-
ming. The expectation is that the chosen problem comes from a real world scenario. Students can take
inspiration from problems discussed in class, found online, or from other classes but the problem descrip-
tion MUST BE THE STUDENT’S OWN WORK. The chosen problem must have a clear goal that can be
reasonably modelled using a linear objective, meaningful decisions being made, and relevant restrictions
that can translate to constraints. A concise and clear description of the problem will be included in the
report.
Modelling Using Linear Programming
The student will take the scenario they have chosen and model it using linear programming. All decisions
made in the modelling portion should be justified by the student and should relate back to the original
problem statement. The resulting linear program should have a linear objective, linear constraints, and at
least two decision variables.
Solving and Analyzing the Model
Students will use the techniques discussed in class to solve the resulting linear programming model that
they have created. Any code that the student uses to solve the linear program must be included in their final
submission. Along with the solution, students should provide interpretation of the solution in the context of
the original problem.
Due Dates
First check-in: Friday, April 24 scenario due (feedback will be given to ensure chosen problem is workable)
Final due date: Last week of classes
Grading Rubric
The rubric below will be used to assign points for the project
1
2
0 Needs Improvement 1 Fair 3 Good 5 Excellent
The general setup is well described,
There is a description of an
problem context is clear. Any
optimization problem. Relevant
Background No or unrelated A scenario is described. Some relevant background is well
background is described. The
and Scenario background is given. background is given. described. The described scenario
described scenario could reasonably
could reasonably be found in the
be found in the real world.
real world.
There is a clear optimization
There is an optimization problem
problem described related to the
There is no clear described related to the established
There is an optimization problem established background. The scenario
optimization problem background. The scenario has at
Optimization described. The scenario has has at least two meaningful decisions
described. The scenario least two meaningful decisions
Description decisions being made, and a goal being made, a clear goal or objective,
is missing two or more being made, a goal or objective,
or objective. and relevant restrictions on the
key elements. and relevant restrictions on the
problem. All of these parts are
problem.
clearly related and relevant.
3
A proper linear programming model
A linear programming model with linear objective and linear
with linear objective and linear constraints is defined. The LP is
No model defined or A mathematical model is defined. constraints is defined. The LP is reasonable and models the original
Linear Programming
no relation to original The written report indicates related to the original optimization optimization problem. The written
Model
problem given. the objective and variables. problem. The written report report clearly indicates where the
indicates the objective, variables, objective, variables, and constraints
and constraints. come from in relation to the original
problem.
The correct solution to the defined
No solution nor An attempt to find the solution The correct solution to the
LP Solution linear program is found. The method
attempt to find one. to the linear program is given. defined linear program is found.
for obtaining the solution is clear.
The solution of the linear program
There is some discussion of the
No context or is related back to the original
Evaluation Some discussion on the solution of the linear program.
discussion on the optimization problem. It is clear
and Analysis solution is provided. The discussed context is
LP solution. what the solution and optimal
reasonable.
objective mean in context.
The report is The report is well written and The report is well written and easily
difficult to read legible. The format is not legible. The format is not distracting.
Technical Writing The report is legible.
because of the distracting. Few errors in No errors in grammar nor
frequency of errors. grammar and syntax. syntax distract from the content.