Joey Koons Runs a Small Custom Computer Parts Company

question 38

Essay

Joey Koons runs a small custom computer parts company. As a sideline he offers customized and pre-built computer system packages. In preparation for the upcoming school year, he has decided to offer two custom computer packages tailored for what he believes are current student needs. System A provides a strong computing capability at a reasonable cost while System B provides a much more powerful computing capability, but at a higher cost. Joey has a fairly robust parts inventory but is concerned about his stock of those components that are common to each proposed system. A portion of his inventory, the item cost, and inventory level is provided in the table below.

The requirements for each system are provided in the following table:

Each system requires assembly, testing and packaging. The requirements per system built and resources available are summarized in the table below.

Joey is uncertain about product demand. In the past he has put together similar types of computer packages but his sales results vary. As a result is unwilling to commit all his in-house labor force to building the computer packages. He is confident he can sell all he can build and is not overly concerned with lost sales due to stock-outs. Based on his market survey, he has completed his advertising flyer and will offer System A for $ 1250 and will offer system B for $ 2325. Joey now needs to let his workers know how many of each system to build and he wants that mix to maximize his profits.
Formulate an LP for Dave's problem. Solve the model using the graphical method. What is Dave's preferred product mix? What profit does Dave expect to make from this product mix?

---

Definitions:

Open-Ended Questions

Questions in a survey or an interview that allow respondents to answer in their own words, providing depth and insight into their perspectives.

Particular Characteristics

Specific traits or features that distinguish an individual, group, or thing from others.

Closed-Ended

Referring to questions or formats that limit responses to a predefined set of options, allowing for easier quantification of results.

Loaded

Charged with meaning, emotion, or bias, often used to describe words, questions, or situations in a psychological context.