Hungarian algorithm

Abstract: In this paper we presen algorithms for the solution of the general assignment and transportation problems. In Section 1, a statement of the algorithm for the assignment problem appears, along with a proof for the correctness of the algorithm. The remarks which constitute the proof are incorporated parenthetically into the statement of the algorithm. Following this appears a discussion of certain theoretical aspects of the problem. In Section 2, the algorithm is generalized to one for the transportation problem. The algorithm of that section is stated as concisely as possible, with theoretical remarks omitted.

Abstract: This paper has always been one of my favorite “children,” combining as it does elements of the duality of linear programming and combinatorial tools from graph theory. It may be of some interest to tell the story of its origin.

Abstract: The Hungarian method gives an efficient algorithm for finding the minimal cost assignment. However, in some cases it may be useful to determine the second minimal assignment (i.e., the best assignment after excluding the minimal cost assignment) and in general the kth minimal assignment for k = 1, 2, …. These things can easily be determined if all the assignments can be arranged as a sequence in increasing order of cost. This paper describes an efficient algorithm for such a ranking of all the assignments. The maximum computational effort required to generate an additional assignment in the sequence is that of solving at most (n − 1) different assignment problems, one each of sizes 2, 3, …, n.