MA230exam99pdf

Exam questions and solutions in PDF

MA230exam00pdf

Exam questions and solutions in PDF

MA230exam98

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA230exam99

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA336exam00pdf

Exam questions and solutions in PDF

MA336exam98

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA336exam99

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA336exam01

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA336exam01pdf

Exam questions and solutions in PDF

MA336exam00

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA230exam98pdf

Exam questions and solutions in PDF

MA230exam01

Exam questions and solutions in LaTex

MA336exam98pdf

Exam questions and solutions in PDF

Analysis of the calving pattern of herds in small-scale dairy systems in central Mexico

This study sets out to find the best calving pattern for small-scale dairy systems in Michoacan State, central Mexico. Two models were built. First, a linear programming model was constructed to optimize calving pattern and herd structure according to metabolizable energy availability. Second, a Markov chain model was built to investigate three reproductive scenarios (good, average and poor) in order to suggest factors that maintain the calving pattern given by the linear programming model. Though it was not possible to maintain the optimal linear programming pattern, the Markov chain model suggested adopting different reproduction strategies according to period of the year that the cow is expected to calve. Comparing different scenarios, the Markov model indicated the effect of calving interval on calving pattern and herd structure.

Tendering: optimization and rationality

There have been various techniques published for optimizing the net present value of tenders by use of discounted cash flow theory and linear programming. These approaches to tendering appear to have been largely ignored by the industry. This paper utilises six case studies of tendering practice in order to establish the reasons for this apparent disregard. Tendering is demonstrated to be a market orientated function with many subjective judgements being made regarding a firm's environment. Detailed consideration of 'internal' factors such as cash flow are therefore judged to be unjustified. Systems theory is then drawn upon and applied to the separate processes of estimating and tendering. Estimating is seen as taking place in a relatively sheltered environment and as such operates as a relatively closed system. Tendering, however, takes place in a changing and dynamic environment and as such must operate as a relatively open system. The use of sophisticated methods to optimize the value of tenders is then identified as being dependent upon the assumption of rationality, which is justified in the case of a relatively closed system (i.e. estimating), but not for a relatively open system (i.e. tendering).