Simulation of a queueing problem with balking

Abstract

Queueing systems become complicated if balking occurs, that is, if impatient customers refuse to join the queue. Analytical results for expected queue length and waiting time have been obtained for the standard queueing problem (M/M/1) with balking. This report describes an investigation into the general validity of these formulas.

Since an analytical approach to the general queueing problem is not feasible, we used simulation. An efficient simulation model was constructed and ana lysed using regenerative properties, a technique for handling correlated observations. The results extend standard queueing theory and indicate areas for further theoretical investigation.