Three jobs are to be assigned to three machines. Cost for each job-machine combination appears in the table below. Perform the first two steps of the assignment method (subtract the smallest number in each row and subtract the smallest number in each column; then cover with straight lines). At this point in the problem-solving process:
A) the row for Job 1 contains the values 5, 6, and 0.
B) calculations are complete, and the problem is ready for an optimal set of assignments.
C) the column for Machine B indicates that it should be retired.
D) Job 1 should be performed on Machine B.
E) Job 1 should be performed on Machine A.

Question

Three jobs are to be assigned to three machines. Cost for each job-machine combination appears in the table below. Perform the first two steps of the assignment method (subtract the smallest number in each row and subtract the smallest number in each column; then cover with straight lines). At this point in the problem-solving process: 
A) the row for Job 1 contains the values 5, 6, and 0. 
B) calculations are complete, and the problem is ready for an optimal set of assignments. 
C) the column for Machine B indicates that it should be retired. 
D) Job 1 should be performed on Machine B. 
E) Job 1 should be performed on Machine A.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The first two steps of the assignment method involve subtracting the smallest number in each row and subtracting the smallest number in each column. After doing this, the row for Job 1 contains the values 5, 6, and 0. This means that Job 1 has the smallest cost on Machine C, so it should be assigned to Machine C. However, we cannot determine the optimal set of assignments until we complete the third and fourth steps of the assignment method. Therefore, choice B, C, D, and E are incorrect.

Three Jobs Are to Be Assigned to Three Machines