Chapter 11.5, Problem 16E

To determine

The least possible cost of the overall process. Specify the critical path involved. If a manufacturing company imports basic widgets and up-grades them into super deluxe widgets. The process involves six operations A, B, C, E, and F. Although to two operations can be carried out simultaneously. There is some flexibility concerning the order in which they are done. The requirements are that C cannot be started until B is finished. D cannot be started until A, B, and C are finished, and F cannot be commenced until A, B and C and D are all complete. A costs $300, B costs $200 if carried out before A and $300 otherwise, and C costs $500 if done before A and $200 otherwise. D and F both cost $600 irrespective of when they are done. E costs $400 if done before F, but only $100 if done after F.