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Packing Problems -1 - How many employees?

This optimisation problem is an ideal opportunity to use the real-world context of logistics as an application of first fit algorthims.

In this activity students have to allocate a number of different jobs to different employees within certain constraints. As part of the task students are introduced to first fit, and first fit decreasing algorithms and then reflect upon which method was better for completing the task.

The activity can then be extended by using a full bin algorithm to complete the task.

The activity includes:

  • teacher notes
  • presentation
  • student activity sheet
  • suggested solutions

Further education resources that link the world of logistics to suitable lessons and subjects in school can be found on the Generation Logistics Education Hub.

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