TY  - JOUR
AB  - Spreadsheet software is now widely used as a decision‐making tool,
owing to the simplicity and ease with which generalists can analyse and
obtain fast and precise information. Through spreadsheet programs, a
non‐specialist can conduct an exhaustive “what if” search in
order to make decisions regarding “what if” questions. Now,
with the availability of a random number function in most spreadsheet
programs, simulation models can be carried out within the spreadsheet.
How the waiting‐line problem can be simulated using a spreadsheet
package is demonstrated. The simulation process serves as a
decision‐support system to assist decision makers to determine the
appropriate service level based on number of servers. Arrival of
customers to obtain service is stochastic in nature and therefore can be
assigned a probability distribution using historical data. Through the
random‐number function, which is available in most spreadsheet programs,
random numbers can be generated and used along with the assigned
probability distribution to assist in making the service‐level decision.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
SN  - 0144-3577
DO  - 10.1108/01443579110142765
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/01443579110142765
AU  - Al‐Faraj Taqi N.
AU  - Alidi Abdulaziz S.
AU  - Al‐Zayer Jamal A.
AU  - Jones C. Kenneth
PY  - 1991
Y1  - 1991/01/01
TI  - Simulating the Waiting‐line Problem: A Spreadsheet
Application
T2  - International Journal of Operations & Production Management
PB  - MCB UP Ltd
SP  - 49
EP  - 53
Y2  - 2024/04/19
ER  -