steps for solving assignment problem

• Data Structures
• Linked List
• Binary Tree
• Binary Search Tree
• Segment Tree
• Disjoint Set Union
• Fenwick Tree
• Red-Black Tree
• Advanced Data Structures

Hungarian Algorithm for Assignment Problem | Set 1 (Introduction)

• Hungarian Algorithm for Assignment Problem | Set 2 (Implementation)
• Introduction to Exact Cover Problem and Algorithm X
• Greedy Approximate Algorithm for Set Cover Problem
• Job Assignment Problem using Branch And Bound
• Implementation of Exhaustive Search Algorithm for Set Packing
• Channel Assignment Problem
• Chocolate Distribution Problem | Set 2
• Transportation Problem | Set 1 (Introduction)
• OLA Interview Experience | Set 11 ( For Internship)
• Top 20 Greedy Algorithms Interview Questions
• Job Sequencing Problem - Loss Minimization
• Prim's Algorithm (Simple Implementation for Adjacency Matrix Representation)
• Data Structures and Algorithms | Set 21
• Algorithms Quiz | Sudo Placement : Set 1 | Question 4
• Adobe Interview Experience | Set 55 (On-Campus Full Time for MTS profile)
• Amazon Interview Experience | Set 211 (On-Campus for Internship)
• OYO Rooms Interview Experience | Set 3 (For SDE-II, Gurgaon)
• C# Program for Dijkstra's shortest path algorithm | Greedy Algo-7
• Algorithms | Dynamic Programming | Question 7

• For each row of the matrix, find the smallest element and subtract it from every element in its row.
• Do the same (as step 1) for all columns.
• Cover all zeros in the matrix using minimum number of horizontal and vertical lines.
• Test for Optimality: If the minimum number of covering lines is n, an optimal assignment is possible and we are finished. Else if lines are lesser than n, we haven’t found the optimal assignment, and must proceed to step 5.
• Determine the smallest entry not covered by any line. Subtract this entry from each uncovered row, and then add it to each covered column. Return to step 3.

Try it before moving to see the solution

Explanation for above simple example:

  An example that doesn’t lead to optimal value in first attempt: In the above example, the first check for optimality did give us solution. What if we the number covering lines is less than n.

Time complexity : O(n^3), where n is the number of workers and jobs. This is because the algorithm implements the Hungarian algorithm, which is known to have a time complexity of O(n^3).

Space complexity :   O(n^2), where n is the number of workers and jobs. This is because the algorithm uses a 2D cost matrix of size n x n to store the costs of assigning each worker to a job, and additional arrays of size n to store the labels, matches, and auxiliary information needed for the algorithm.

In the next post, we will be discussing implementation of the above algorithm. The implementation requires more steps as we need to find minimum number of lines to cover all 0’s using a program. References: http://www.math.harvard.edu/archive/20_spring_05/handouts/assignment_overheads.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQDZNHwuuOY

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• Mathematical

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

Hungarian Method

The Hungarian method is a computational optimization technique that addresses the assignment problem in polynomial time and foreshadows following primal-dual alternatives. In 1955, Harold Kuhn used the term “Hungarian method” to honour two Hungarian mathematicians, Dénes Kőnig and Jenő Egerváry. Let’s go through the steps of the Hungarian method with the help of a solved example.

Hungarian Method to Solve Assignment Problems

The Hungarian method is a simple way to solve assignment problems. Let us first discuss the assignment problems before moving on to learning the Hungarian method.

What is an Assignment Problem?

A transportation problem is a type of assignment problem. The goal is to allocate an equal amount of resources to the same number of activities. As a result, the overall cost of allocation is minimised or the total profit is maximised.

Because available resources such as workers, machines, and other resources have varying degrees of efficiency for executing different activities, and hence the cost, profit, or loss of conducting such activities varies.

Assume we have ‘n’ jobs to do on ‘m’ machines (i.e., one job to one machine). Our goal is to assign jobs to machines for the least amount of money possible (or maximum profit). Based on the notion that each machine can accomplish each task, but at variable levels of efficiency.

Hungarian Method Steps

Check to see if the number of rows and columns are equal; if they are, the assignment problem is considered to be balanced. Then go to step 1. If it is not balanced, it should be balanced before the algorithm is applied.

Step 1 – In the given cost matrix, subtract the least cost element of each row from all the entries in that row. Make sure that each row has at least one zero.

Step 2 – In the resultant cost matrix produced in step 1, subtract the least cost element in each column from all the components in that column, ensuring that each column contains at least one zero.

Step 3 – Assign zeros

• Analyse the rows one by one until you find a row with precisely one unmarked zero. Encircle this lonely unmarked zero and assign it a task. All other zeros in the column of this circular zero should be crossed out because they will not be used in any future assignments. Continue in this manner until you’ve gone through all of the rows.
• Examine the columns one by one until you find one with precisely one unmarked zero. Encircle this single unmarked zero and cross any other zero in its row to make an assignment to it. Continue until you’ve gone through all of the columns.

Step 4 – Perform the Optimal Test

• The present assignment is optimal if each row and column has exactly one encircled zero.
• The present assignment is not optimal if at least one row or column is missing an assignment (i.e., if at least one row or column is missing one encircled zero). Continue to step 5. Subtract the least cost element from all the entries in each column of the final cost matrix created in step 1 and ensure that each column has at least one zero.

Step 5 – Draw the least number of straight lines to cover all of the zeros as follows:

(a) Highlight the rows that aren’t assigned.

(b) Label the columns with zeros in marked rows (if they haven’t already been marked).

(c) Highlight the rows that have assignments in indicated columns (if they haven’t previously been marked).

(d) Continue with (b) and (c) until no further marking is needed.

(f) Simply draw the lines through all rows and columns that are not marked. If the number of these lines equals the order of the matrix, then the solution is optimal; otherwise, it is not.

Step 6 – Find the lowest cost factor that is not covered by the straight lines. Subtract this least-cost component from all the uncovered elements and add it to all the elements that are at the intersection of these straight lines, but leave the rest of the elements alone.

Step 7 – Continue with steps 1 – 6 until you’ve found the highest suitable assignment.

Hungarian Method Example

Use the Hungarian method to solve the given assignment problem stated in the table. The entries in the matrix represent each man’s processing time in hours.

\(\begin{array}{l}\begin{bmatrix} & I & II & III & IV & V \\1 & 20 & 15 & 18 & 20 & 25 \\2 & 18 & 20 & 12 & 14 & 15 \\3 & 21 & 23 & 25 & 27 & 25 \\4 & 17 & 18 & 21 & 23 & 20 \\5 & 18 & 18 & 16 & 19 & 20 \\\end{bmatrix}\end{array} \)

With 5 jobs and 5 men, the stated problem is balanced.

\(\begin{array}{l}A = \begin{bmatrix}20 & 15 & 18 & 20 & 25 \\18 & 20 & 12 & 14 & 15 \\21 & 23 & 25 & 27 & 25 \\17 & 18 & 21 & 23 & 20 \\18 & 18 & 16 & 19 & 20 \\\end{bmatrix}\end{array} \)

Subtract the lowest cost element in each row from all of the elements in the given cost matrix’s row. Make sure that each row has at least one zero.

\(\begin{array}{l}A = \begin{bmatrix}5 & 0 & 3 & 5 & 10 \\6 & 8 & 0 & 2 & 3 \\0 & 2 & 4 & 6 & 4 \\0 & 1 & 4 & 6 & 3 \\2 & 2 & 0 & 3 & 4 \\\end{bmatrix}\end{array} \)

Subtract the least cost element in each Column from all of the components in the given cost matrix’s Column. Check to see if each column has at least one zero.

\(\begin{array}{l}A = \begin{bmatrix}5 & 0 & 3 & 3 & 7 \\6 & 8 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\0 & 2 & 4 & 4 & 1 \\0 & 1 & 4 & 4 & 0 \\2 & 2 & 0 & 1 & 1 \\\end{bmatrix}\end{array} \)

When the zeros are assigned, we get the following:

The present assignment is optimal because each row and column contain precisely one encircled zero.

Where 1 to II, 2 to IV, 3 to I, 4 to V, and 5 to III are the best assignments.

Hence, z = 15 + 14 + 21 + 20 + 16 = 86 hours is the optimal time.

Practice Question on Hungarian Method

Use the Hungarian method to solve the following assignment problem shown in table. The matrix entries represent the time it takes for each job to be processed by each machine in hours.

\(\begin{array}{l}\begin{bmatrix}J/M & I & II & III & IV & V \\1 & 9 & 22 & 58 & 11 & 19 \\2 & 43 & 78 & 72 & 50 & 63 \\3 & 41 & 28 & 91 & 37 & 45 \\4 & 74 & 42 & 27 & 49 & 39 \\5 & 36 & 11 & 57 & 22 & 25 \\\end{bmatrix}\end{array} \)

Stay tuned to BYJU’S – The Learning App and download the app to explore all Maths-related topics.

Frequently Asked Questions on Hungarian Method

What is hungarian method.

The Hungarian method is defined as a combinatorial optimization technique that solves the assignment problems in polynomial time and foreshadowed subsequent primal–dual approaches.

What are the steps involved in Hungarian method?

The following is a quick overview of the Hungarian method: Step 1: Subtract the row minima. Step 2: Subtract the column minimums. Step 3: Use a limited number of lines to cover all zeros. Step 4: Add some more zeros to the equation.

What is the purpose of the Hungarian method?

When workers are assigned to certain activities based on cost, the Hungarian method is beneficial for identifying minimum costs.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Request OTP on Voice Call

Post My Comment

Register with BYJU'S & Download Free PDFs

Register with byju's & watch live videos.

Assignment Problem: Meaning, Methods and Variations | Operations Research

After reading this article you will learn about:- 1. Meaning of Assignment Problem 2. Definition of Assignment Problem 3. Mathematical Formulation 4. Hungarian Method 5. Variations.

Meaning of Assignment Problem:

An assignment problem is a particular case of transportation problem where the objective is to assign a number of resources to an equal number of activities so as to minimise total cost or maximize total profit of allocation.

The problem of assignment arises because available resources such as men, machines etc. have varying degrees of efficiency for performing different activities, therefore, cost, profit or loss of performing the different activities is different.

Thus, the problem is “How should the assignments be made so as to optimize the given objective”. Some of the problem where the assignment technique may be useful are assignment of workers to machines, salesman to different sales areas.

Definition of Assignment Problem:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

Suppose there are n jobs to be performed and n persons are available for doing these jobs. Assume that each person can do each job at a term, though with varying degree of efficiency, let c ij be the cost if the i-th person is assigned to the j-th job. The problem is to find an assignment (which job should be assigned to which person one on-one basis) So that the total cost of performing all jobs is minimum, problem of this kind are known as assignment problem.

The assignment problem can be stated in the form of n x n cost matrix C real members as given in the following table:

Check it out now on O’Reilly

Dive in for free with a 10-day trial of the O’Reilly learning platform—then explore all the other resources our members count on to build skills and solve problems every day.

Assignment problem: Hungarian method 3

Assignment problem: Hungarian Method Nui Ruppert (Mtk_Nr.: 373224) David Lenh (Mtk_Nr.: 368343) Amir Farshchi Tabrizi (Mtk-Nr.: 372894)

In this OR-Wiki entry we're going to explain the Hungarian method with 3 examples. In the first example you'll find the optimal solution after a few steps with the help of the reduced matrix. The second example illustrates a complex case where you need to proceed all the steps of the algorithm to get to an optimal solution. Finally in the third example we will show how to solve a maximization problem with the Hungarian method.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Example 1 – Minimization problem
• 3 Example 2 – Minimazation problem
• 4 Example 3 – Maximization problem
• 6 References

Introduction

The Hungarian method is a combinatorial optimization algorithm which was developed and published by Harold Kuhn in 1955. This method was originally invented for the best assignment of a set of persons to a set of jobs. It is a special case of the transportation problem. The algorithm finds an optimal assignment for a given “n x n” cost matrix. “Assignment problems deal with the question how to assign n items (e.g. jobs) to n machines (or workers) in the best possible way. […] Mathematically an assignment is nothing else than a bijective mapping of a finite set into itself […]” [1]

The assignment constraints are mathematically defined as:

To make clear how to solve an assignment problem with the Hungarian algorithm we will show you the different cases with several examples which can occur .

Example 1 – Minimization problem

In this example we have to assign 4 workers to 4 machines. Each worker causes different costs for the machines. Your goal is to minimize the total cost to the condition that each machine goes to exactly 1 person and each person works at exactly 1 machine. For comprehension: Worker 1 causes a cost of 6 for machine 1 and so on …

To solve the problem we have to perform the following steps:

Step 1 – Subtract the row minimum from each row.

Step 2 – Subtract the column minimum from each column from the reduced matrix.

The idea behind these 2 steps is to simplify the matrix since the solution of the reduced matrix will be exactly the same as of the original matrix.

Step 3 – Assign one “0” to each row & column.

Now that we have simplified the matrix we can assign each worker with the minimal cost to each machine which is represented by a “0”.

- In the first row we have one assignable “0” therefore we assign it to worker 3 .

- In the second row we also only have one assignable “0” therefore we assign it to worker 4 .

- In the third row we have two assignable “0”. We leave it as it is for now.

- In the fourth row we have one assignable “0” therefore we assign it. Consider that we can only assign each worker to each machine hence we can’t allocate any other “0” in the first column.

- Now we go back to the third row which now only has one assignable “0” for worker 2 .

As soon as we can assign each worker to one machine, we have the optimal solution . In this case there is no need to proceed any further steps. Remember also, if we decide on an arbitrary order in which we start allocating the “0”s then we may get into a situation where we have 3 assignments as against the possible 4. If we assign a “0” in the third row to worker 1 we wouldn’t be able to allocate any “0”s in column one and row two.

The rule to assign the “0”:

- If there is an assignable “0”, only 1 assignable “0” in any row or any column, assign it.

- If there are more than 1, leave it and proceed.

This rule would try to give us as many assignments as possible.

Now there are also cases where you won’t get an optimal solution for a reduced matrix after one iteration. The following example will explain it.

Example 2 – Minimazation problem

In this example we have the fastest taxi company that has to assign each taxi to each passenger as fast as possible. The numbers in the matrix represent the time to reach the passenger.

We proceed as in the first example.

Iteration 1:

Now we have to assign the “0”s for every row respectively to the rule that we described earlier in example 1.

- In the first row we have one assignable “0” therefore we assign it and no other allocation in column 2 is possible.

- In the second row we have one assignable “0” therefore we assign it.

- In the third row we have several assignable “0”s. We leave it as it is for now and proceed.

- In the fourth and fifth row we have no assignable “0”s.

Now we proceed with the allocations of the “0”s for each column .

- In the first column we have one assignable “0” therefore we assign it. No other “0”s in row 3 are assignable anymore.

Now we are unable to proceed because all the “0”s either been assigned or crossed. The crosses indicate that they are not fit for assignments because assignments are already made.

We realize that we have 3 assignments for this 5x5 matrix. In the earlier example we were able to get 4 assignments for a 4x4 matrix. Now we have to follow another procedure to get the remaining 2 assignments (“0”).

Step 4 – Tick all unassigned rows.

Step 5 – If a row is ticked and has a “0”, then tick the corresponding column (if the column is not yet ticked).

Step 6 – If a column is ticked and has an assignment, then tick the corresponding row (if the row is not yet ticked).

Step 7 - Repeat step 5 and 6 till no more ticking is possible.

In this case there is no more ticking possible and we proceed with the next step.

Step 8 – Draw lines through unticked rows and ticked columns. The number of lines represents the maximum number of assignments possible.

Step 9 – Find out the smallest number which does not have any line passing through it. We call it Theta. Subtract theta from all the numbers that do not have any lines passing through them and add theta to all those numbers that have two lines passing through them. Keep the rest of them the same.

(With this step we create a new “0”)

With the new assignment matrix we start to assign the “0”s after the explained rules. Nevertheless we have 4 assignments against the required 5 for an optimal solution. Therefore we have to repeat step 4 – 9.

Iteration 2:

Step 4 – Tick all unassigned row.

Note: The indices of the ticks show you the order we added them.

Iteration 3:

Iteration 4:

After the fourth iteration we assign the “0”s again and now we have an optimal solution with 5 assignments.

The solution:

- Taxi1 => Passenger1 - duration 12

- Taxi2 => Passenger4 - duration 11

- Taxi3 => Passenger2 - duration 8

- Taxi4 => Passenger3 - duration 14

- Taxi5 => Passenger5 - duration 11

If we define the needed duration as costs, the minimal cost for this problem is 56.

Example 3 – Maximization problem

Furthermore the Hungarian algorithm can also be used for a maximization problem in which case we first have to transform the matrix. For example a company wants to assign different workers to different machines. Each worker is more or less efficient with each machine. The efficiency can be defined as profit. The higher the number, the higher the profit.

As you can see, the maximal profit of the matrix is 13. The simple twist that we do is rather than try to maximize the profit, we’re going to try to minimize the profit that you don’t get. If every value is taken away from 13, then we can minimize the amount of profit lost. We receive the following matrix:

From now on we proceed as usual with the steps to get to an optimal solution.

With the determined optimal solution we can compute the maximal profit:

- Worker1 => Machine2 - 9

- Worker2 => Machine4 - 11

- Worker3 => Machine3 - 13

- Worker4 => Machine1 - 7

Maximal profit is 40.

The optimal solution is found if there is one assigned “0” for each row and each column.

[1] Linear Assignment Problems and Extensions, Rainer E. Burkard, Eranda Cela

[2] Operations Research Skript TU Kaiserslautern, Prof. Dr. Oliver Wendt

[3] The Hungarian method for the assignment problem, H. W. Kuhn, Bryn Mawr College

Fundamental of Operations Research, Lec. 16, Prof. G. Srinivasan

Navigationsmenü

• Quelltext anzeigen
• Versionsgeschichte

Meine Werkzeuge

• Gemeinschaftsportal
• Operations Research
• Studentenbeiträge zum Thema Operations Research
• Wirtschaftsinformatik
• Aktuelle Ereignisse
• Letzte Änderungen
• Zufällige Seite
• Links auf diese Seite
• Änderungen an verlinkten Seiten
• Spezialseiten
• Druckversion
• Permanenter Link
• Seiten­informationen

• Diese Seite wurde zuletzt am 1. Juli 2013 um 11:03 Uhr geändert.
• Datenschutz
• Über Operations-Research-Wiki

In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation.

• Google OR-Tools
• Español – América Latina
• Português – Brasil
• Tiếng Việt

Solving an Assignment Problem

This section presents an example that shows how to solve an assignment problem using both the MIP solver and the CP-SAT solver.

In the example there are five workers (numbered 0-4) and four tasks (numbered 0-3). Note that there is one more worker than in the example in the Overview .

The costs of assigning workers to tasks are shown in the following table.

The problem is to assign each worker to at most one task, with no two workers performing the same task, while minimizing the total cost. Since there are more workers than tasks, one worker will not be assigned a task.

MIP solution

The following sections describe how to solve the problem using the MPSolver wrapper .

Import the libraries

The following code imports the required libraries.

Create the data

The following code creates the data for the problem.

The costs array corresponds to the table of costs for assigning workers to tasks, shown above.

Declare the MIP solver

The following code declares the MIP solver.

Create the variables

The following code creates binary integer variables for the problem.

Create the constraints

Create the objective function.

The following code creates the objective function for the problem.

The value of the objective function is the total cost over all variables that are assigned the value 1 by the solver.

Invoke the solver

The following code invokes the solver.

Print the solution

The following code prints the solution to the problem.

Here is the output of the program.

Complete programs

Here are the complete programs for the MIP solution.

CP SAT solution

The following sections describe how to solve the problem using the CP-SAT solver.

Declare the model

The following code declares the CP-SAT model.

The following code sets up the data for the problem.

The following code creates the constraints for the problem.

Here are the complete programs for the CP-SAT solution.

Except as otherwise noted, the content of this page is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License , and code samples are licensed under the Apache 2.0 License . For details, see the Google Developers Site Policies . Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates.

Last updated 2023-01-02 UTC.

Index     Assignment problem     Hungarian algorithm     Solve online    

The Hungarian algorithm

The Hungarian algorithm consists of the four steps below. The first two steps are executed once, while Steps 3 and 4 are repeated until an optimal assignment is found. The input of the algorithm is an n by n square matrix with only nonnegative elements.

Step 1: Subtract row minima

For each row, find the lowest element and subtract it from each element in that row.

Step 2: Subtract column minima

Similarly, for each column, find the lowest element and subtract it from each element in that column.

Step 3: Cover all zeros with a minimum number of lines

Cover all zeros in the resulting matrix using a minimum number of horizontal and vertical lines. If n lines are required, an optimal assignment exists among the zeros. The algorithm stops.

If less than n lines are required, continue with Step 4.

Step 4: Create additional zeros

Find the smallest element (call it k ) that is not covered by a line in Step 3. Subtract k from all uncovered elements, and add k to all elements that are covered twice.

Continue with:

The Hungarian algorithm explained based on an example.

The Hungarian algorithm explained based on a self chosen or on a random cost matrix.

HungarianAlgorithm.com © 2013-2024

Hungarian Method: Assignment Problem

Hungarian Method is an efficient method for solving assignment problems .

This method is based on the following principle:

• If a constant is added to, or subtracted from, every element of a row and/or a column of the given cost matrix of an assignment problem, the resulting assignment problem has the same optimal solution as the original problem.

Hungarian Algorithm

The objective of this section is to examine a computational method - an algorithm - for deriving solutions to the assignment problems. The following steps summarize the approach:

Steps in Hungarian Method

1. Identify the minimum element in each row and subtract it from every element of that row.

2. Identify the minimum element in each column and subtract it from every element of that column.

3. Make the assignments for the reduced matrix obtained from steps 1 and 2 in the following way:

• For every zero that becomes assigned, cross out (X) all other zeros in the same row and the same column.
• If for a row and a column, there are two or more zeros and one cannot be chosen by inspection, then you are at liberty to choose the cell arbitrarily for assignment.

4. An optimal assignment is found, if the number of assigned cells equals the number of rows (and columns). In case you have chosen a zero cell arbitrarily, there may be alternate optimal solutions. If no optimal solution is found, go to step 5.

5. Draw the minimum number of vertical and horizontal lines necessary to cover all the zeros in the reduced matrix obtained from step 3 by adopting the following procedure:

• Mark all the rows that do not have assignments.
• Mark all the columns (not already marked) which have zeros in the marked rows.
• Mark all the rows (not already marked) that have assignments in marked columns.
• Repeat steps 5 (i) to (iii) until no more rows or columns can be marked.
• Draw straight lines through all unmarked rows and marked columns.

You can also draw the minimum number of lines by inspection.

6. Select the smallest element from all the uncovered elements. Subtract this smallest element from all the uncovered elements and add it to the elements, which lie at the intersection of two lines. Thus, we obtain another reduced matrix for fresh assignment.

7. Go to step 3 and repeat the procedure until you arrive at an optimal assignment.

For the time being we assume that number of jobs is equal to number of machines or persons. Later in the chapter, we will remove this restrictive assumption and consider a special case where no. of facilities and tasks are not equal.

Share This Article

Operations Research Simplified Back Next

Goal programming Linear programming Simplex Method Transportation Problem

Procedure, Example Solved Problem | Operations Research - Solution of assignment problems (Hungarian Method) | 12th Business Maths and Statistics : Chapter 10 : Operations Research

Chapter: 12th business maths and statistics : chapter 10 : operations research.

Solution of assignment problems (Hungarian Method)

First check whether the number of rows is equal to the numbers of columns, if it is so, the assignment problem is said to be balanced.

Step :1 Choose the least element in each row and subtract it from all the elements of that row.

Step :2 Choose the least element in each column and subtract it from all the elements of that column. Step 2 has to be performed from the table obtained in step 1.

Step:3 Check whether there is atleast one zero in each row and each column and make an assignment as follows.

Step :4 If each row and each column contains exactly one assignment, then the solution is optimal.

Example 10.7

Solve the following assignment problem. Cell values represent cost of assigning job A, B, C and D to the machines I, II, III and IV.

Here the number of rows and columns are equal.

∴ The given assignment problem is balanced. Now let us find the solution.

Step 1: Select a smallest element in each row and subtract this from all the elements in its row.

Look for atleast one zero in each row and each column.Otherwise go to step 2.

Step 2: Select the smallest element in each column and subtract this from all the elements in its column.

Since each row and column contains atleast one zero, assignments can be made.

Step 3 (Assignment):

Thus all the four assignments have been made. The optimal assignment schedule and total cost is

The optimal assignment (minimum) cost

Example 10.8

Consider the problem of assigning five jobs to five persons. The assignment costs are given as follows. Determine the optimum assignment schedule.

∴ The given assignment problem is balanced.

Now let us find the solution.

The cost matrix of the given assignment problem is

Column 3 contains no zero. Go to Step 2.

Thus all the five assignments have been made. The Optimal assignment schedule and total cost is

The optimal assignment (minimum) cost = ` 9

Example 10.9

Solve the following assignment problem.

Since the number of columns is less than the number of rows, given assignment problem is unbalanced one. To balance it , introduce a dummy column with all the entries zero. The revised assignment problem is

Here only 3 tasks can be assigned to 3 men.

Step 1: is not necessary, since each row contains zero entry. Go to Step 2.

Step 3 (Assignment) :

Since each row and each columncontains exactly one assignment,all the three men have been assigned a task. But task S is not assigned to any Man. The optimal assignment schedule and total cost is

The optimal assignment (minimum) cost = ₹ 35

Related Topics

Privacy Policy , Terms and Conditions , DMCA Policy and Compliant

Copyright © 2018-2023 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.

Principedia

Successful Strategies for Solving Problems on Assignments

Solving complex problems is a challenging task and warrants ongoing effort throughout your career. A number of approaches that expert problem-solvers find useful are summarized below, and you may find these strategies helpful in your own work. Any quantitative problem, whether in economics, science, or engineering, requires a two-step approach: analyze, then compute. Jumping directly to “number-crunching” without thinking through the logic of the problem is counter-productive. Conversely, analyzing a problem and then computing carelessly 
will not result in the right answer either. So, think first, calculate, and always check your results. And remember, attitude matters. Approach solving a problem as something that you know you can do, rather than something you think that you can’t do. Very few of us can see the answer to a problem without working through various approaches first.

Analysis Stage

• Read the problem carefully at least twice, aloud if possible, then restate the problem in your own words.
• Write down all the information that you know in the problem and separate, if necessary, the “givens” from the “constraints.”
• Think about what can be done with the information that is given. What are some relationships within the information given? What does this particular problem have in common conceptually with course material or other questions that you have solved?
• Draw pictures or graphs to help you sort through what’s really going on in the problem. These will help you recall related course material that will help you solve the problem. However, be sure to check that the assumptions underlying the picture or graph you have drawn are the same as the assumptions made in the problem. If they are not, you will need to take this into consideration when setting up your approach.

Computing Stage

• If the actual numbers involved in the problem are too large, small, or abstract and seem to be getting in the way of your thinking, substitute simple numbers and plan your approach. Then, once you get an understanding of the concepts in the problem, you can go back to the numbers given.
• Once you have a plan, do the necessary calculations. If you think of a simpler or more elegant approach, you can try it afterwards and use it as a check of your logic. Be careful about changing your approach in the middle of a problem. You can inadvertently include some incorrect or inapplicable assumptions from the prior plan.
• Throughout the computing stage, pause periodically to be sure that you understand the intuition behind each concept in the problem. Doing this will not only strengthen your understanding of the material, but it will also help you in solving other problems that also focus on those concepts.
• Resist the temptation to consult the answer key before you have finished the problem. Problems often look logical when someone else does them; that recognition does not require the same knowledge as solving the problem yourself. Likewise, when soliciting help from the AI or course head, ask for direction or a helpful tip only—avoid having them work the problem for you. This approach will help ensure that you really understand the problem—an essential prerequisite for successfully solving problems on exams and quizzes where no outside help is available.
• Check your results. Does the answer make sense given the information you have and the concepts involved? Does the answer make sense in the real world? Are the units reasonable? Are the units the ones specified in the problem? If you substitute your answer for the unknown in the problem, does it fit the criteria given? Does your answer fit within the range of an estimate that you made prior to calculating the result? One especially effective way to check your results is to work with a study partner or group. Discussing various options for a problem can help you uncover both computational errors and errors in your thinking about the problem. Before doing this, of course, make sure that working with someone else is acceptable to your course instructor.
• Ask yourself why this question is important. Lectures, precepts, problem sets, and exams are all intended to increase your knowledge of the subject. Thinking about the connection between a problem and the rest of the course material will strengthen your overall understanding.

If you get stuck, take a break. Research has shown that the brain works very productively on problems while we sleep—so plan your problem-solving sessions in such a way that you do a “first pass.” Then, get a night’s rest, return to the problem set the next day, and think about approaching the problem in an entirely different way.

References and Further Reading:

Adapted in part from Walter Pauk. How to Study in College , 7th edition, Houghton Mifflin Co., 2001

• ← Questions to Ask Yourself When Problem Solving
• Breaking Down Large Projects Into Manageable Pieces →

Unbalanced Assignment Problem: Definition, Formulation, and Solution Methods

Table of Contents

Are you familiar with the assignment problem in Operations Research (OR)? This problem deals with assigning tasks to workers in a way that minimizes the total cost or time needed to complete the tasks. But what if the number of tasks and workers is not equal? In this case, we face the Unbalanced Assignment Problem (UAP). This blog will help you understand what the UAP is, how to formulate it, and how to solve it.

What is the Unbalanced Assignment Problem?

The Unbalanced Assignment Problem is an extension of the Assignment Problem in OR, where the number of tasks and workers is not equal. In the UAP, some tasks may remain unassigned, while some workers may not be assigned any task. The objective is still to minimize the total cost or time required to complete the assigned tasks, but the UAP has additional constraints that make it more complex than the traditional assignment problem.

Formulation of the Unbalanced Assignment Problem

To formulate the UAP, we start with a matrix that represents the cost or time required to assign each task to each worker. If the matrix is square, we can use the Hungarian algorithm to solve the problem. But when the matrix is not square, we need to add dummy tasks or workers to balance the matrix. These dummy tasks or workers have zero costs and are used to make the matrix square.

Once we have a square matrix, we can apply the Hungarian algorithm to find the optimal assignment. However, we need to be careful in interpreting the results, as the assignment may include dummy tasks or workers that are not actually assigned to anything.

Solutions for the Unbalanced Assignment Problem

Besides the Hungarian algorithm, there are other methods to solve the UAP, such as the transportation algorithm and the auction algorithm. The transportation algorithm is based on transforming the UAP into a transportation problem, which can be solved with the transportation simplex method. The auction algorithm is an iterative method that simulates a bidding process between the tasks and workers to find the optimal assignment.

In summary, the Unbalanced Assignment Problem is a variant of the traditional Assignment Problem in OR that deals with assigning tasks to workers when the number of tasks and workers is not equal. To solve the UAP, we need to balance the matrix by adding dummy tasks or workers and then apply algorithms such as the Hungarian algorithm, the transportation algorithm, or the auction algorithm. Understanding the UAP can help businesses and organizations optimize their resource allocation and improve their operational efficiency.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 1.5 / 5. Vote count: 2

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! 😔

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Operations Research

1 Operations Research-An Overview

• History of O.R.
• Approach, Techniques and Tools
• Phases and Processes of O.R. Study
• Typical Applications of O.R
• Limitations of Operations Research
• Models in Operations Research
• O.R. in real world

2 Linear Programming: Formulation and Graphical Method

• General formulation of Linear Programming Problem
• Optimisation Models
• Basics of Graphic Method
• Important steps to draw graph
• Multiple, Unbounded Solution and Infeasible Problems
• Solving Linear Programming Graphically Using Computer
• Application of Linear Programming in Business and Industry

3 Linear Programming-Simplex Method

• Principle of Simplex Method
• Computational aspect of Simplex Method
• Simplex Method with several Decision Variables
• Two Phase and M-method
• Multiple Solution, Unbounded Solution and Infeasible Problem
• Sensitivity Analysis
• Dual Linear Programming Problem

4 Transportation Problem

• Basic Feasible Solution of a Transportation Problem
• Modified Distribution Method
• Stepping Stone Method
• Unbalanced Transportation Problem
• Degenerate Transportation Problem
• Transhipment Problem
• Maximisation in a Transportation Problem

5 Assignment Problem

• Solution of the Assignment Problem
• Unbalanced Assignment Problem
• Problem with some Infeasible Assignments
• Maximisation in an Assignment Problem
• Crew Assignment Problem

6 Application of Excel Solver to Solve LPP

• Building Excel model for solving LP: An Illustrative Example

7 Goal Programming

• Concepts of goal programming
• Goal programming model formulation
• Graphical method of goal programming
• The simplex method of goal programming
• Using Excel Solver to Solve Goal Programming Models
• Application areas of goal programming

8 Integer Programming

• Some Integer Programming Formulation Techniques
• Binary Representation of General Integer Variables
• Unimodularity
• Cutting Plane Method
• Branch and Bound Method
• Solver Solution

9 Dynamic Programming

• Dynamic Programming Methodology: An Example
• Definitions and Notations
• Dynamic Programming Applications

10 Non-Linear Programming

• Solution of a Non-linear Programming Problem
• Convex and Concave Functions
• Kuhn-Tucker Conditions for Constrained Optimisation
• Quadratic Programming
• Separable Programming
• NLP Models with Solver

11 Introduction to game theory and its Applications

• Important terms in Game Theory
• Saddle points
• Mixed strategies: Games without saddle points
• 2 x n games
• Exploiting an opponent’s mistakes

12 Monte Carlo Simulation

• Reasons for using simulation
• Monte Carlo simulation
• Limitations of simulation
• Steps in the simulation process
• Some practical applications of simulation
• Two typical examples of hand-computed simulation
• Computer simulation

13 Queueing Models

• Characteristics of a queueing model
• Notations and Symbols
• Statistical methods in queueing
• The M/M/I System
• The M/M/C System
• The M/Ek/I System
• Decision problems in queueing

7 Most Effective Ways For How To Solve Assignment Problems

Here in this blog, CodeAvail experts will explain to you 7 most effective ways for how to solve assignment problems step by step in detail.

How To Solve Assignment Problems

Table of Contents

The most common question asked by many students is how to solve assignment problems. There are many students who are having a hard time with their assignments thats why they are looking for proper guidelines to solve those problems. The assignment is one of the most critical parts of the students’ academic journey, and one always states that I have a lot of assignments to do. Besides this, there is not a single student in the world who has never done any assignment in their academic life. But the students always want to find the best and most effective ways for how to solve assignment problems . In this blog, we have given all the necessary information to help you solve your assignment problems.

How To Solve Assignment Problems-Stepwise Guide

To solve assignment problems, you need to understand the question carefully first. Because if you don’t understand the question, you will not know the information you need to complete your assignments. Follow these steps to know How To Solve assignment Problems :

1) Proper Planning Is Required 

This is the first step when you start solving your assignment, you’ll most likely jump directly into the main thing. The primary thing you will do is pull out of your beg, at that point work your way through the remainder of your assignment. There’s a superior way. Know how much time you need to do an assignment. At that point list down all the various chores that you need to do. Check to what extent it will take you to finish every task to check whether you have to permit yourself additional time. Be practical. When your note down everything then the next step is to find the best place for work.

2) Collect All the required Data Before You Start  

This is the biggest problem of many students, they don’t really follow this step. Make sure you have all the required information to solve assignment problems. Don’t start your assignment without the proper information. Because after starting your assignment when you come back it may be hard to get once again and write with the same flow. It will just destroy your assignment writing flow. If you have planned efficiently, you should know what exactly you want to complete your assignment and set up everything in your study table you’ll require.

3) Set A Timetable For Certain Assignment

Set a proper timetable to achieve each part of your assignment based on how long you think each part of your assignment will take and how much time you have. Give yourself enough time to complete each part and do other nightly routines. Set a proper time and be honest with it. The less time you waste on checking your laptop or mobile, the more quickly you can complete your assignment. If you believe you can complete everything in a half-hour, set a timer and work honestly to complete it.

4) Stay Away From Distractions

You need a quiet place when you are working on your assignment problems. Problems like Maths assignment problems, Computer science problems needs a quiet place to complete. Keep your telephone away from you, stay away from your PC, and make your surroundings as peaceful as possible. Because to solve assignment problems it requires a lot of focus. Giving work your full focus will really make it simpler, in light of the fact that your brain won’t balance various tasks simultaneously. 

Usually, students will attempt to perform multiple tasks, sitting in front of the TV or tuning in to the radio or proceeding to visit on Facebook or Instagram while additionally attempting to do assignments. It will be a lot more enjoyable to do those things after you are done completing your assignment.

5) Taking Breaks is Necessary

If your professor assigns you a lot of assignments to complete, then You want to work straight through hours and hours of assignment if you have a lot to do. But it would probably end up slowing you down and prolonging the whole session.

Get the work done in short periods. Go hard on an assignment, then take a short break to stretch and walk. To keep going, it will re-energize your mind and your body. This strategy will help you solve your assignment problems quickly and help you maintain your assignment’s quality. Try to do your assignment for 1 hour and then take a 10 minutes break.

6) Isolate Yourself

It is one of the best ways to do assignment problems. Because when we isolate ourselves from the outside world, we can do a better concentration on our assignment. The reason is, many outside elements distract our mind from our assignment. When we are going to do our assignment, we should isolate ourselves from our family, social media, and other social activities. 

7) Take Help From Online Service Providers

There are many Excel problems that are hard to solve at that time you can take help from online service providers. The reason for taking help from these online service providers because they have years of experience in their respective field. Plus if you need any help you can contact them because they are always available to deal with your problems. They are well aware of the guidelines provided by universities and colleges and know how to solve assignment problems .

Follow all the steps we mentioned above will help in solving your assignment problems. In this article, we have given all the required information that will help you find the answer on how to solve assignment problems . The assignment problems like Maths and Computer science required a lot of focus and proper time management. Time is everything if you manage your time effectively then you will not find any problem solving your assignment problems before the allotted time. Just put away the thing which you think can distract your mind. And give yourself a break after you complete every task because if you give your rain rest then it will be helpful for you to focus on your next task.

If you are facing a problem with completing your assignment or any other assignment, you can take help from us. Our Assignment providers have helped students across the world in completing their assignments on time, get good grades, and at the same time. There’s no doubt that many teachers are handing out assignments that are hard to complete on time. Some assignments can be about an unknown subject. But the truth is, often, the students need assignment help. It is your best decision when you have a lot of tasks to complete but still want to have free time.

As a result, Our computer science assignment help and programming assignment help experts are available for you to 24*7.

Related Posts

How to Hire someone to do my Statistics Homework for Me?

Students ask to do my statistics homework for me. Although there are many online tutors or statistics homework service providing websites available to help you…

How to Get Good Grades in Exams Tips by Experts

Here in this blog, Codeavail professional experts will help you to understand how to get good grades in Exams. Notice that not all the material…