Allocation of Classroom Space Using Linear Programming (A Case Study: Premier Nurses Training College, Kumasi)

Abstract

The use of linear programming to solve the problem of over-allocation and under-allocation of the scarce classroom space was considered with particular reference to the Premier Nurse’s Training College, Kumasi. Data was collected from the College on the classroom facilities and the number of students per programme. A linear programming model was formulated based on the data collected to maximize the usage of the limited classroom space. POM-QM for Windows 4 (Software for Quantitative Methods, Production and Operation Management by Howard J. Weiss) was used based on the simplex algorithm to obtain optimal solution.Analysis of the results showed that six (50%) of the twelve classrooms could be used to create a maximum classroom space of six hundred and forty.  It was also observed that the management could use two hundred and eighty (280) surplus spaces to increase its student’s intake from three hundred and sixty (360) to six hundred and forty (640) students, an increase of about 77.78% with only 50% of the total number of classrooms. Again management could cut down the number of classrooms used from twelve to six and reduce the cost of maintaining the classrooms by 50% and still have as many as six extra classrooms for other equally important purposes, hence maximize its profit margin.

Keywords: Linear programming, Allocation, Optimal solution, Simplex Algorithm, Premier Nurse’s Training College.