The simulation in the first module was rather simple: one of the elevators arrives and that the entirely of a replica. Most real-world phenomena are a bit more complex than that. This module takes us into the world of queuing theory as we simulate a multi-server multi-client setting: a hair salon. One or more hairdressers have their individual workstations at which they can provide a service to one customer at a time. Customers may choose to wait for their turn in a lounge, but having to wait can lead to churn — a customer might just walk out without ever getting served.
A situation of this kind gives rise to many questions of interest: how long do the customers typically need to wait, what proportion of customers are lost to churn, are any of the hairdressers and their workstations idle? Gathering statistics over numerous replicas may again shed light on what to do: how many seats to provide in the lobby, how many hairdressers to employ simultaneously, and how to model service times and customer preferences?
This module will help you do the following:
Based on the video, how would you quantify the smoothness of service of a process that invoves people waiting in line to be served at one of multiple service points? Briefly discuss what you would measure and in what units, based on your intuition and prior knowledge. There is no need to look anything up for this response, besides watching the video.
After this module, you should be familiar with the following concepts:
Remember that you can always look concepts up in the glossary. Should anything be missing or insufficient, please report it.