Kelly's Garden Supplies provides tan bark to centres through Southern NSW. There are 3 supply centres at Cobram, Deniliquin and Narrandera. The distribution centres are located at Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Canberra. The cost to transport these 100 kg bags to each distribution centre is set out in the table below Figures supplied are based on average monthly demand.
Destination
|
Producers
|
Wagga Wagga
|
Griffith
|
Albury
|
Canberra
|
Supply
|
|
Cobram
|
8
|
11
|
9
|
19
|
900
|
|
Deniliquin
|
10
|
8
|
12
|
18
|
1200
|
|
Narrandera
|
6
|
7
|
16
|
16
|
1300
|
|
Demand
|
720
|
630
|
950
|
1500
|
|
Part A
As the transport manager to Kelly's Garden supplies, Tan Bark division you are required to determine the number of weekly shipments from each distribution centre. Direct your answers in an attempt to minimise the total costs involved.
Discuss the implications of the solution.
Part B
Explain what other factors you would consider to create a more realistic mathematical model. In your answer, discuss whether you would use a different mathematical modelling technique, or modify the transportation model to include new parameters.