On queueing systems with variable service capacities

Abstract

Abstract In some queueing systems the total service capacity utilized at any given time is a variable under the control of a decision maker. Management doctrines are examined which prescribe the actual service capacity as a function of the queue length and the recent history of the system. Steady state probabilities, expected queue lengths and frequencies of change in capacity are evaluated for a wide class of possible control schemes. Optimization procedures are outlined.