Sensitivity report

Definition

A sensitivity report is a document that provides insights into how changes in the parameters of a linear programming model can affect the optimal solution. It highlights the range of values for objective function coefficients and right-hand side constraints within which the current solution remains optimal, making it an essential tool in sensitivity analysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sensitivity reports indicate how sensitive the optimal solution is to changes in the coefficients of the objective function or in constraint values.
2. These reports help decision-makers understand the implications of uncertainty and variability in parameters, allowing for more informed choices.
3. In a sensitivity report, if an objective function coefficient is within a certain range, the current optimal solution remains unchanged.
4. The report also provides shadow prices for constraints, indicating how much an additional unit of a resource would be valued in terms of improving the objective function.
5. Sensitivity analysis and its reports are crucial for real-world applications, as they help organizations assess risks and make adjustments in dynamic environments.

Review Questions

• How does a sensitivity report help in understanding the impact of parameter changes on a linear programming model's optimal solution?
  • A sensitivity report details how variations in key parameters, such as objective function coefficients and resource constraints, can influence the current optimal solution. By providing ranges for these parameters where the optimal solution remains valid, decision-makers can identify potential risks and opportunities. This understanding allows for better preparation and adjustments in response to changes in real-world conditions.
• Discuss how shadow prices provided in a sensitivity report can guide resource allocation decisions.
  • Shadow prices indicate the value of one additional unit of a constrained resource and reflect its contribution to achieving better outcomes. By analyzing these prices in a sensitivity report, managers can determine which resources are most valuable to increase. This information is critical for optimizing resource allocation and prioritizing investments that will yield the highest returns based on their impact on the objective function.
• Evaluate the importance of conducting sensitivity analysis and generating sensitivity reports when solving complex linear programming problems.
  • Conducting sensitivity analysis and generating sensitivity reports is vital for addressing uncertainties inherent in complex linear programming problems. These reports provide insights into how robust solutions are against changes in input parameters, guiding strategic decisions under various scenarios. By evaluating potential outcomes based on fluctuating conditions, organizations can adapt their strategies to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in a competitive landscape.

Related terms

objective function: A mathematical expression that defines the goal of a linear programming problem, typically to maximize or minimize a certain quantity.

shadow price:

The amount by which the objective function value would improve if the right-hand side constraint of a resource were increased by one unit.

feasible region: The set of all possible points that satisfy the constraints of a linear programming problem, representing potential solutions.