The Potential Deployment Of Set Covering And Location-Assignment Model: The Case Of Locating Trauma Centers At The Midwest Region

Abstract

The Midwest Trauma centers case illustrates how the application of set covering can be used in locating trauma centers in the Midwest region. It shows the students how to develop a linear programming spreadsheet model with binary variables to find the minimum number of trauma centers locations that can cover the major cities in the Midwest. Students completing the case will be able to develop a model which decides the locations of trauma centers that will maximize the total number of people covered within a certain distance. This case will present a linear programming model that will solve a set covering and location assignment problem. The application of Excel Solver and Solver Table will help students answer many what if questions. This case will also enrich students’ knowledge on how to build the model entirely throughout the spreadsheet without the need to formulate the model algebraically.