Question 1
In transportation model analysis the stepping-stone method is used to
◦ obtain an initial feasible solution.
◦ evaluate empty cells for potential solution improvements.
◦ balance supply and demand.
◦ obtain an initial optimum solution.
◦ evaluate empty cells for possible degeneracy.
Question 2
The total cost of the optimal solution to a transportation problem
◦ is found by multiplying the amounts in each cell by the cost for that cell for each row and then subtracting the products of the amounts in each cell times the cost of each cell for the columns.
◦ can be calculated from the original northwest corner solution.
◦ cannot be calculated from the information given.
◦ can be calculated based only on the entries in the filled cells of the solution.
◦ is calculated by multiplying the total supply (including any dummy values) by the average cost of the cells.