Explain least cost method to obtain initial feasible solution for a transportation problem. Is this method better than NWCR? Why?(Apr 2002)
In least cost method, we start giving allocations from the minimum cost in the matrix. It means that cell for which cost is minimum is given allocation first. Then allocation is given in next minimum cost and so on. It means lower cost cells are given priority over higher cost cells.
Where as in NWCR, there is no priority to lower cost cells. We start giving allocation from 1stNorth West corner, then next North West corner and so on. Hence, generally, the Initial solution obtained by LCM is lower than that by NWCR.
Hence, LCM solution is nearer to the optimal solution as compared to NWCR solution. Hence, LCM is a better method than NWCR.
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