Title: Analytical clarifications and an easy excel-based implementation of a basic location model in Operations Management

Authors: Shailesh Kulkarni

Addresses: College of Business, University of North Texas, 1167 Union Circle, Denton, TX 76203-5249, USA

Abstract: This paper clarifies some important issues related to a basic location model that is covered is most Operations Management courses. We show that the Euclidean mini-sum single facility location problem is structurally similar in terms of its convexity properties to its squared Euclidean counterpart and although a closed-form solution may not be readily available for the former it may be easily solved using standard spreadsheet-based software. We provide alternate representations of the solution methodology, including graphical aids which make it easy to contrast the similarities and differences in the solutions to the Euclidean model vs. it|s squared Euclidean counterpart. We also make available an interactive demonstration that can be readily used in the classroom to highlight the similarities and differences between the Euclidean and squared Euclidean solutions.

Keywords: location models; operations management education; nonlinear optimisation; MS Excel Solver; interactive demonstrations; Mathematica; facility location; spreadsheets.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIOME.2011.037917

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, 2011 Vol.4 No.1, pp.22 - 34

Received: 31 Jul 2010
Accepted: 30 Aug 2010
Published online: 07 Feb 2015 *

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