Question 6.4: Assign the six departments in Figure 6.12 to a 2 × 3 set of ......
Assign the six departments in Figure 6.12 to a 2 × 3 set of locations using the heuristic rule: Assign critical departments first, because they are the most important.
Critical pairs of departments are those with A or X ratings. Prepare a list of those by referring to the grid:
Next, form a cluster of A links, beginning with the department that appears most frequently in the A list (in this case, 6). For instance:
Take the remaining A links in order, and add them to this main cluster where possible, rearranging the cluster as necessary. Form separate clusters for departments that do not link with the main cluster. In this case, all link with the main cluster.
Next, graphically portray the X links:
Observe that, as it stands, the cluster of A links also satisfies the X separations. It is a fairly simple exercise to fit the cluster into a 2 3 arrangement:
\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}\hline \\ 1&2&6\\\hline \\3&5&4\\\hline\end{array}Note that the lower-level ratings have also been satisfied with this arrangement, even though no attempt was made to explicitly consider the E and I ratings. Naturally, not every problem will yield the same results, so it may be necessary to do some additional adjusting to see if improvements can be made, keeping in mind that the A and X assignments deserve the greatest consideration.
Note that departments are considered close not only when they touch side to side but also when they touch corner to corner.
The value of this rating approach is that it permits the use of multiple objectives and subjective inputs. Its limitations relate to the use of subjective inputs in general: They are imprecise and unreliable.
| A Links |
X Links |
| 1–2 | 1–4 |
| 1–3 | 3–6 |
| 2–6 | 3–4 |
| 3–5 | |
| 4–6 | |
| 5–6 |