DISCUSSION 1

Explain how the applications of Integer programming differ from those of linear
programming.
Why is “rounding-down” an LP solution a suboptimal way to solve Integer programming
problems?

Explain how the applications of Integer programming differ from those of linear
programming.

Integer programming generates integer solution values for model variables (Taylor III, 2011, p.
182). Linear programming consists of linear relationships that represent decisions with given
objectives and constraints (Taylor III, 2011, p. 30). Linear programming models assume non-
integers (not whole numbers) while integer programming models allow for integers that are rounded
off (Taylor III, 2011, p. 182).  

Why is “rounding-down” an LP solution a suboptimal way to solve Integer programming

problems?

Rounding-down an LP solution is a suboptimal way to solve Integer programming problems

because erroneous results are caused (Taylor III, 2011, p. 187). It is better to determine a different
integer solution to the problem.

Explain the characteristics of integer programming problems. 

Give specific instances in which you would use an integer programming model rather than an LP
model.  Provide real-world examples.

DISCUSSION 2

Explain the characteristics of integer programming problems. 

Give specific instances in which you would use an integer programming model rather than an
LP model.  Provide real-world examples.

Explain the characteristics of integer programming problems. 

The characteristics of integer programming problems are:

Total integer model – decision variables have integer solution values

0-1 integer model – decision variable’s integer values are one or zero

Mixed integer model –decision variables required to have some Integer solutions.

Give specific instances in which you would use an integer programming model rather than an
LP model.  Provide real-world examples.

An integer programming model would be utilized in high level budgeting for construction projects
or it can be used in scheduling for high demand space in government buildings or classrooms.
Airline companies can use integer programming models for determining their plane routing in order
to maximize the best methodology for planning the flight patterns of the planes.

DISCUSSION 3
Do you think Integer Programming or Linear Programming has more real world
applications? Why? If Integer Programming is more prevalent, why do we focus so much on
Linear Programming in this course? If Linear Programming is more prevalent, what do you
think the challenges are facing Linear Programmers (since software like QM can handle all
the computations)?

Personally, I feel that integer programming has more real world applications.  In most businesses,
inventories and supply lines are all in whole numbers.  An instance where I could see some
problems arising is when shipping methods are not fully utilized (like a cargo plane’s hold being
only partially full).

I think that the focus on linear programming in this course is to familiarize us with the concepts of
model formulation, constraint and objective definitions, and the basics of the use of spreadsheets,
all of which are easier to get a grasp on with linear programming. 

DISCUSSION 4

Explain the characteristics of integer programming problems. 

Give specific instances in which you would use an integer programming model rather than an
LP model. Provide real-world examples. 

Explain the characteristics of integer programming problems. 

Total Integer Model: all decision values are required to have integer solution values

0-1 Integer Model: all decision variables are required to have integer values of 0 or 1

Mixed Integer Model: some, but not all decision variables are required to have integer solutions.

Give specific instances in which you would use an integer programming model rather than an
LP model. Provide real-world examples.

Examples:

Total Integer Model: An inventory liquidation company must determine the optimal proportions to
spend on additional shipping trucks and pallets of additional inventories.  The number  trucks and
the number of pallets are both integer solutions.

0-1 Integer Model: A manufacturing company has decided to invest in new machines.  There are
several types of machines, and the values of 1 are a decision to buy the machines while a value of 0
represents a decision to not buy that machine

Mixed Integer Model: A residential real estate developer is trying to decide how to divide
investments between existing houses and undeveloped land.  Houses must all be integer values,
while land can be bought in partial acres.