Question about Linear programming model on a spreadsheet using Solver
The Fairwinds Development Corporation is considering taking part in one or more of three different development projects -- A, B, and C -- that are about to be launched. Each project requires a significant investment over the next few years and then would be sold upon completion. The projected cash flows (in millions of dollars) associated with each project are shown in the table below:
Year Project A Project B Project C
1 -4 -8 -10
2 -6 -8 -7
3 -6 -4 -7
4 24 -4 -5
5 0 30 -3
6 0 0 44
Fairwinds has $10 million available now and expects to receive $6 million from other projects by the end of each year (1 through 6) that would be available for the ongoing investments the following year in projects A, B, and C. By acting now, the company may participate in each project either fully, fractionally (with other development partners), or not at all. If Fairwinds participates at less than 100 percent, then all the cash flows associated with that project are reduced proportionally. Company policy requires ending each year with a cash balance of at least $1 million.
a) Create an Excel worksheet that solves this problem with Solver.