Solving Transportation Models With Spreadsheet Software

Abstract

This paper describes the solution of transportation models on personal computers (PCs) using spreadsheet and other readily-available software.  We choose PCs because of their commonness in university colleges of business and in organizations of all size.  The models discussed include a simple transportation model and more complex models involving quantity discounts and multiple brands.  The techniques are applicable to other linear programming situations.  To facilitate their use, detailed descriptions of both model formulation and the use of the optimizing software are provided.