DISCUSSION 1

What is the relationship between decision variables and the objective function?
What is the difference between an objective function and a constraint?

What is the relationship between decision variables and the objective function?

Functional relationships, in a mathematical model, are linear and the solutions consist of
mathematical steps that are predetermined (Taylor III, 2011, 30). The decision variables are
necessary for the functionality of the objective function. The objective function varies based
on the decision variables that are determined by the company performing the linear
programming. The company decisions, decisions variables, are converted to mathematical
values and the objective function reflects the objective of the linear programming results.

What is the difference between an objective function and a constraint?

The objective function varies and the constraints are limited based on restrictions cited by the
company performing the linear programming. The objective function provides the
minimization or maximization of a model and the constraints keep that data in a restricted
capacity, which simplifies the final result (Taylor III, 2011, 30).

DISCUSSION 2

Does the linear programming approach apply the same way in different applications? 
Explain why or why not using examples.

Yes, the objective of linear programming does not change regardless of the application as
long as that application is applicable to the linear programming methodology. The primary
function of linear programming is to determine the decision variables, the objective function
and the model constraints (Taylor III, 2011, p. 30). Linear programming is very effective
when attempting to solve a general type of problem with restrictions in order to produce an
objective that will enable management to make high-quality business decisions. Linear
programming can be used in different industries and many different decision scenarios. The
use of linear programming can range from the selection of product production based on
material availability and profit to the distribution of products through different locations via
proximity to the customer.

DISCUSSION 3

Many LP models can be viewed through the lens of a Transpotation model. Choose one
of the following types of problem and explain how to see it as a Transpotation problem.
That is, explain what the "goods" we are shipping are, what the "roads" we are
shipping along are, what the costs of "shipping" are, what the supply" and "demand"
are:

Marketing
The goods would be the actual advertisements.  The roads would be the different advertising
mediums.  The costs of shipping would be the cost for air time, print ads, or online ad space. 
The supply would be the advertisements themselves and demand would be the ideal
advertising times/advertising space.