Evaluating Location Alternatives Common Techniques: Location cost-volume-profit analysis Factor Rating Center of Gravity Method Transportation Model LOCATION COST-VOLUME-PROFIT ANALYSIS The use of cost-volume analysis to make an economic comparison of location alternatives. Three Steps: 1. Determine the fixed and variable cost for each location. 2. Plot the cost for each location. 3. Select location with the lowest total cost for expected production volume. Example: Formula: Total Cost = Fixed Cost + (Variable Cost x Volume) Location A B C Fixed Cost $ 40,000 $45,000 $54,000 Variable Cost $ 24 $35 $ 30 Quantity or Volume of Output 4,000 4,000 4,000 Total Cost 136,000 185,000 174,000 FACTOR RATING METHOD A location method that instills objectivity into the process of identifying hard to evaluate costs Six Steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Develop a list of relevant factors called key success factors. Assign a weight to each factor. Develop a scale for each factor. Score each location for each factor. Multiply score by weights for each factor for each location. Recommend the location with the highest point score