Solving a network design problem

This assignment requires you to use a mixed integer program to solve a network design problem.

1. Refer to the “Hands on Excel” discussion on pages 53–56 of the textbook.
2. Download the MIP 9 City Example Excel file from the assignment resources and open it in Excel.
3. Ensure that Solver has been enabled on your PC. This may require  you to turn Solver on in the “Add-Ins” area of Excel. For instructions  on how to do this, you can go to the Office Support page and do a search  for “Excel Solver Add-in.”
4. Develop an answer to question 6 on page 61. In addition, solve the model with four locations.
5. Develop a 2- to 3-page document that includes:      
   • Quantitative answers to the questions raised in the text.
   • Explanations of what these solutions mean in business terms.
   • An explanation of the managerial implications to your solutions.
   • Answers to the following questions:        
     • Consider the change in total distance as you move from two,  to three, to four locations. How significant an improvement does the  firm achieve in each step?
     • What change to your results do you see in parts C and D of question 6?
     • What service level impacts do you foresee as you move from two, to three, to four locations?

As you complete your assignment, be sure your paper meets the following guidelines:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: All resources and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting guidelines.
• Length: 2–3 typed, double-spaced pages.
• Font size and type: 10-point Arial