Reference no: EM131754610

Question: The following data have been collected from a hospital pharmacy. This service system operates as a single server, single channel system.

The service rate can be increased or decreased in increments of 50 prescriptions per hour. The expense associated with each 50-prescription increment is $100. In other words, to be able to process 50 additional prescriptions will cost an additional $100 per hour. If the current rate of processing or service is lowered by 50 prescriptions per hour, the savings are $100 per hour. Using queuing theory, describe this service system. What is:

a. The probability that the clinic is idle-no patients waiting or being served?

b. The average number of patients in the system?

c. The average time (hours) a patient spends in the system (waiting 1 service time)?

d. The average number of patients in the queue waiting for service?

e. The average time (hours) a patient spends in the queue waiting?

f. The probability that a patient, upon arrival, must wait?

Given the associated costs, should the service rate be changed? What are the financial implications associated with your recommendations?