Lindo is one of the oldest and best-known statistical software packages available. Soon after the introduction of the personal computer and early spreadsheet programs, Lindo introduced its linear programming (LP) software package. Lindo still makes first-rate optimization packages, now including non-linear programming, integer programming, and goal programming.
If you go to the Lindo Systems website, you can read about the history of the company and its product offerings. Interestingly, the company also provides examples of linear programming applications (using Lindo) employed in a variety of circumstances and a variety of industries. If you have studied linear programming in your operations management course (or in a previous management science/operations research course), you will recognize many of the "classic" linear programming applications, such as blending, diet, portfolio selection, transportation, and scheduling.
Interestingly, you'll also find some applications to project management, not often seen in linear programming discussions. For the following questions, click first on the "library" link. Then click on the "keyword index" and next click on the "project management" link. Then click on the designated example, and use what you know about linear programming and project management to answer.
Initially, think about this interesting use of linear programming. Does it make sense to use it for project management? Explain why you think so.
Back at the "keyword index" click on a "construction" example (PERTCPM.ltx). Look over the formulation and describe what you have here. What do the variables represent (in project management terms)? What do the objective function coefficients represent? What is the meaning of the constraints?
The Lindo software can also be used for crashing. Go again to the "keywords index" and then click on "Crashing". Click on the PRTCRASH.ltx link to see how this is application is formulated. Again, describe what is presented here. What do the variables represent? What do the objective function coefficients represent? What is the meaning of the constraints?
- Scott Erickson