Comprehensive Guide to Network Optimization and CSR Principles

Minimum Cost Flow Problem

The problem of finding the cheapest way to send flow from supply nodes to demand nodes while respecting capacities.

Steps to Solve Min Cost Flow

Identify node types → Set flow variables → Add balance constraints → Add capacity constraints → Minimize total cost.

Supply Node

A node with positive net flow; sends units.

Demand Node

A node with negative net flow; requires units.

Transshipment Node

A node with zero net flow; only passes flow through.

Negative Net Flow

Indicates a demand node.

Five Types of Network Problems

Shortest Path, Maximum Flow, Minimum Cost Flow, Assignment, Transportation.

When to Use Min Cost Flow

Use when you have supplies, demands, and shipping costs.

When to Use Max Flow

Use when the goal is to maximize flow from one source to a sink.

Transportation Problem

Problem that sends goods from one source to many destinations at minimum cost.

Counting Supply Nodes

Count all nodes with positive net flow.

Counting Arcs

Count each listed connection from one node to another.

Assumptions of Min Cost Flow

Known costs, known capacities, linear costs, balanced network, flows follow arc direction.

Decreasing Marginal Returns

A situation where each additional unit of input adds less output; slope gets smaller over time.

Decreasing Marginal Returns Rule

If each segment gets flatter, the graph shows decreasing marginal returns.

Piecewise Linearity

A graph made up of multiple straight-line segments with different slopes.

Piecewise Linearity Rule

If the graph is multiple straight pieces, it is piecewise linear.

Discontinuity

A graph with breaks, jumps, or segments that do not touch.

Discontinuity Rule

If pieces do NOT touch, the graph is discontinuous.

Continuity Rule

If pieces DO touch, there is no discontinuity.

Recognizing Diminishing Returns

Look for a curve that flattens OR straight segments where the slope decreases.

Proportional Relationship

A straight line through the origin (y = mx).

Non-Proportional Relationship

A line not through the origin OR any curved relationship.

Nonlinear Model

A model where output changes at a nonconstant rate; marginal effects change.

Examples of Nonlinear Models

Overtime pay, marketing diminishing returns, quadratic or exponential functions, learning curves.

False Statement About Marketing Graph

"Sales increase proportionally with spending" is false due to diminishing returns.

Triple Bottom Line

People, Planet, Profit.

People + Profit = ?

Equitable.

Sustainability

Meeting current needs without harming future generations.

Defensive CSR

Doing the minimum required to avoid trouble.

Reactive CSR

Responding only when challenged.

Accommodative CSR

Going above minimum compliance when asked.

Proactive CSR

Actively leading CSR initiatives.

Economic Dimension of TBL

Profitability, ROI, cost savings.

Environmental Dimension of TBL

Emissions, waste, resource use.

Social Dimension of TBL

Employee welfare, community impact, equity.

Written Report Components

Title, Executive Summary, Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion, Appendix.

Where Extra Tables Go

Appendix.

Where Research Limitations Go

End of methods section.

Oral Reports

Use visuals, avoid text-heavy slides, support key points.

Bar Chart

Used to compare categories.

Column Chart

Used to compare categories.

Line Graph

Used to show trends over time.

Pie Chart

Used to show parts of a whole.

Scatterplot

Used to show relationships between two variables.

False Visualization Statement

"Use as many colors as possible."

Research Participant Rights

Confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, quality research, protection from harm.

Good Report Title

Clear, concise, includes topic and purpose.

Support Materials for Reports

Use charts, tables, visuals, appendices, slides to reinforce key points.