Title: An absorbing Markov chain in labour system planning

Authors: Akaninyene Udo Udom

Addresses: Department of Statistics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 4000001, Nigeria

Abstract: The analysis of a Markov model is usually based on a transition probability matrix (TPM) which provides a compact and unique description of the behaviour of the system under consideration. In this paper, we present a procedure for the analysis of an absorbing Markovian labour system for the purpose of career planning. By partitioning the transition probability matrix so as to demonstrate the existence of equivalent set of transient ranks or states and closed set of absorbing ranks, very useful statistical properties of the system such as the probability of absorption in the absorbing ranks and the expected duration of stay in any given rank are obtained. This procedure is applied to an extended five-ranked labour system.

Keywords: absorbing Markov chain; expected duration of stay; labour systems; non-absorbing ranks; modelling; career planning; transition probability matrix; manpower systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJOR.2013.056106

International Journal of Operational Research, 2013 Vol.18 No.2, pp.188 - 200

Received: 04 Feb 2012
Accepted: 16 Jul 2012
Published online: 29 Jul 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article