Linear Programming : Sensitivity analysis and interpretation

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Investment Advisors, Inc., is a brokerage firm that manages stock portfolios for a number of clients. A particular portfolio consists of U shares of U.S. Oil and H shares of Huber Steel. The annual return for U.S. Oil is $3 per share and the annual return for Huber Steel is $5 per share. U.S. Oil sells for $25 per share and Huber Steel sells for $50 per share. The portfolio has $80,000 to be invested. The portfolio risk index (0.50 per share U.S. Oil and 0.25 per share for Huber Steel) has a maximum of 700. In addition, the portfolio is limited to a maximum of 1000 shares of U.S. Oil. The linear programming formulation that will maximize the total annual return of the portfolio is as follows:

Max z = 3U + 5H

Subject to:

25U + 50H ≤ 80,000 Funds available

0.50U + 0.25H ≤ 700 Risk maximum

1U ≤ 1000 U.S. Oil maximum

U, H ≥ 0

Solve the problem using Excel Solver.

a) What is the optimal solution, and what is the value of the total annual return?

b) Which constraints are binding? What is your interpretation of these constraints in terms of the problem?

c) What are the shadow prices for the constraints? Interpret each.

d) Would it be beneficial to increase the maximum amount invested in U.S. Oil? Why or why not?