Question 32 examined planning with limiting factors, firstly in a single limiting factor situation, then using linear programming in a multiple limiting factor situation.

The first part of the question was a typical single limiting factor question, requiring candidates to formulate an optimal production plan and calculate maximum profit.

Responses to this question were surprisingly poor given the fairly straightforward nature of the question.

The most common errors were firstly ignoring the fact that the company had entered into a contract, and therefore these requirements should be produced first. Secondly there was a requirement to calculate the shortage of material – this was often omitted.

Thirdly, many candidates used the dollar value of the limiting material to calculate their production plan, rather than the quantities.

These errors didn’t seem to come from a lack of understanding, more a lack of care. It’s possible that candidates were running short of time by this point, meaning that the requirements and scenarios weren’t read properly.

This highlights the importance of good time management during the exam – ensuring that some of the more straightforward marks can be obtained.