The Ferguson Paper Company produces rolls of paper for use in adding machines, desk calculators, and cash registers. The rolls, which are 200 feet long, are produced in widths of 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 inches. The production process provides 200-foot rolls in 10-inch widths only. The firm must therefore cut the rolls to the desired final product sizes. The current requirements (e. g. pre-orders) for the three products (1.5 inches, 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches) are 1000, 2000, 4000 units, respectively. Required:
a. If the company wants to minimize the number of 10-inch rolls that must be manufactured, how many 10-inch rolls will be needed and how to cut those rolls? What is the total waste (inches)?
b. If the company wants to minimize the waste generated, re-answer the previous question.
c. Discuss about the two objectives used in the above two questions. When would be each objective more desirable?