Question

The objective of an assignment problem is to assign

• A. Number of jobs to equal number of persons at maximum cost
• B. Number of jobs to equal number of persons at minimum cost
• C. Only to maximize the cost
• D. Only to minimize the cost

Hint:

Think of the classic assignment problem: "Assign n workers to n jobs to minimize the total cost." This core idea helps distinguish it from other optimization problems.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

An assignment problem is a special type of linear programming problem. Its primary objective is to assign a set of resources (e.g., persons, machines) to a set of tasks (e.g., jobs) on a one-to-one basis. The goal is to find the assignment that optimizes a given objective function, which is most commonly to minimize the total cost or time. While maximization problems (e.g., maximizing profit) also exist, the standard and most fundamental objective is minimization. Option (b) is the most complete and accurate description of the standard assignment problem.