Aggregate planning implementation

In the next section, we explain how to implement the linear programming methodology for aggregate planning using Microsoft Excel. 

From an aggregate plan, a planner must disaggregate the available information and build a rough master production schedule (MPS) that identifies the batches produced in each period at the level of each product family. We return to the Red Tomato example to illustrate a simple approach to disaggregate an aggregate plan. Although this approach is not necessarily optimal, it is simple to implement and allows for a feasibility check. More sophisticated methods (e.g., see Bitran and Hax, 1981) are available if a planner wants to search for better solutions. These methods, however, are difficult to implement and may not be able to reflect all the complex realities. For this reason, we propose this simple approach. 

Lee, W. B. Khumwala, B. M., Simulation testing of aggregate production planning models in an implementation methodology. Management Science (1974). 

The principal functions of the NDRC are to formulate and implement strategies for national economic and social development, long term plans, annual plans, industrial policies and price policies, to monitor and adjust the performance of the national economy, to maintain the balance of economic aggregates and to optimize major economic structures. Also it examines and approves major construction projects, as part of the broad responsibilities outlined above. 

---