ABSTRACT
One of the most important decisions faced by environmental health and safety managers is the allocation of limited resources of manpower, materials, machinery, and money. The major assumption used in linear programming is that the variables are additive and divisible, which are direct proportions. The objective function is a quantified statement of what are the best results or best advantage that is being aimed for as the objective of the resource allocation decision. Note that the constraints are expressed in inequalities, and not equations. Thus for a non mathematical person the graphical approach to linear programming is recommended. The simplex method solves for variables by using matrix mathematics. In conclusion, linear programming is a useful and powerful tool for optimizing resources if the assumptions are stated and understood: it can help to provide better budgeting decisions when resources are scarce.
