In this paper, we consider deterministic (both fluid and discrete) polling systems with N queues with infinite buffers and we show how to compute the best polling sequence (minimizing the average total workload). With two queues, the best polling sequence is always periodic when the system is...

This paper studies service systems with gatekeepers who diagnose a customer problem and then either refer the customer to an expert or attempt treatment. The probability of successful treatment by a gatekeeper decreases as the problem's complexity increases. We determine the optimal staffing...

Using microdata from the 1993 and 1998 Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS) of Nicaragua, this paper analyzes the propensity of informal sector workers to queue for formal sector employment as well as employer behavior related to the selection of individuals from the informal sector queue....

Optimization of production processes are required to provide companies with a competitive advantage. In the production industry this optimization is already under control and optimization of complex end-optimal models has been proposed. Using these model processes in agricultural production is...

We explore customer choice behavior when they face a choice between service providers of unknown service value. Customers arrive according to a Poisson process to the market. Service times are exponentially distributed with the same rate at each service provider. Both the service providers are...

Goods for which demand greatly exceeds supply are frequently allocated to citizens using queuing mechanisms. However, violence can occur either when queues are very long or when large numbers of citizens are not provided goods being allocated with queuing mechanisms. Hence, we use the theory of...