Learning Objectives

At the end of the module, the student will: Be able to identify why waiting lines occur and the primary features of waiting line systems. Know the difference between single-channel and multiple-channel waiting line configurations Understand the characteristics of random arrival events and random and scheduled service activities. Be able to identify and interpret operating characteristics of the primary waiting line systems.

Readings

Anderson, D., Sweeney, D., and Williams, T. (1998). Quantitative Methods for Business (7th ed.). Cincinnati, OH: South-Western College Publishing. Chap 15 Waiting Line Models Anderson, D., Sweeney, D., and Williams, T. (2000). The Management Scientist for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT (Version 5.0). Cincinnati, OH: South-Western College Publishing. Chap 10 Waiting Lines

Notes

The following topics are included in summary notes for Module Three. Module 4.1 Notes: Structure of Waiting Lines System Module 4.2 Notes: Single Channel/Single Server Module 4.3 Notes: Other Waiting Lines Models

Assignment

The case assignment for Module 4 is Parts 1 - 3, "Airline Reservations," pp. 646-647 in the text. The Management Scientist is used to provide information needed to answer questions in Parts 1 and 2. The "detailed analysis" requested simply means to highlight, in your narrative word document or e-mail pertinent operating characteristics from the computer output that supports your recommendations. The software, depending on the model, provides many operating characteristics - you only have to refer to those that support your recommendation. Note that the case write-up includes the cost of service but not the cost of waiting. So that we can have a standard, please use a cost of waiting of $25 per hour. I suggest making "hours" the time unit of choice for all analysis. You may answer the questions in Parts 1 - 3 directly in an e-mail text to the instructor. Insert the appropriate Management Scientist Waiting Line OUT file in the e-mail. Alternatively, you may prepare your answers to Parts 1 - 3 in a Word document attached to an e-mail to the instructor. The appropriate Management Scientist Waiting Line OUT file may be inserted in the Word Document or separately attached to the e-mail to the instructor. As a final alternative, you may fax your answers in a Word document and computer printout to the instructor at (941) 590-7330. Case 4 is due March 10, 2001.

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