Operations Analytics — DEA, LP & Network Flow Optimisation (Excel Solver)

Three quantitative optimisation models — Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Linear Programming (LP), and Network Flow Optimisation — built and solved in Excel Solver for operations management decision-making.

Operations Analytics

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🎯 Problem

Operations teams must allocate scarce resources efficiently. This project tackles three classic OR problems using spreadsheet-based Solver models:

Model	Business Question
DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis)	Which decision-making units (DMUs) are technically efficient, and what are the benchmarks for the inefficient ones?
Linear Programming	How should limited resources be allocated to maximise an objective (profit / output) subject to capacity, demand and supply constraints?
Network Flow Optimisation	What is the minimum-cost (or maximum-flow) routing through a supply-distribution network?

🧪 Methodology

1. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)

• Input-oriented CRS/VRS models
• Efficiency frontier identification
• Benchmarking inefficient DMUs against peers
• Sensitivity to model orientation

2. Linear Programming (LP)

• Decision-variable formulation with objective function
• Constraint specification (capacity, demand, non-negativity)
• Solver configuration: Simplex LP method
• Shadow-price analysis and sensitivity reporting
• ±RHS / ±Objective coefficient ranges

3. Network Flow Optimisation

• Node-arc network representation
• Supply, demand and transhipment node modelling
• Minimum-cost flow / shortest-path formulation
• Solver-based solution with flow balance constraints

📈 Key Deliverables

• Solved Excel workbooks with Solver parameters pre-configured
• Sensitivity reports (Answer Report, Sensitivity Report, Limits Report)
• Interpretation of shadow prices and reduced costs
• Strategic recommendations based on optimisation results

🧰 Tech Stack

Microsoft Excel · Solver (Simplex LP / GRG Nonlinear) · Sensitivity & Answer reports

📁 Repo Structure

.
├── Report/
├── Solved Excel File/
├── LICENSE
└── README.md

▶️ How to Use

1. Open the workbook(s) in Solved Excel File/ using Microsoft Excel
2. Navigate to Data → Solver — parameters are already configured
3. Click Solve to reproduce the optimal solutions
4. Review the Sensitivity and Answer reports for interpretation

📄 Report

Full analysis with model formulations, results and strategic recommendations → see Report/ directory.

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_{MIT-licensed · Author: Parth Badiger}