Title: The 3rd Erlang formula and Continuing Engineering Education

Authors: Maria F. Ramalhoto

Addresses: Technological University of Lisbon (Instituto Superior Tecnico), Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1096 Lisboa Codex, Portugal

Abstract: In this paper it is shown the value of embedding the 1st (B) and 2nd (C) Erlang formulae in the superstructure of the M/M/r/r+d model to obtain a number of relations whose derivates in the number of servers, r, in the number of waiting positions, d, and in the intensity of traffic, as well as in arrival and service rates and offered load, can be evaluated. These derivatives are very useful in the optimal design of teletraffic as well as manufacturing and service industry congestion systems. The paper also deals with a concept of continuing engineering and management education (CEME), which essentially involves |transfer of current research work| and |the teaching and development of targeted courses to industrial needs|. It is stressed that stochastics in CEME, although difficult to implement, among other advantages, allow us to expand the scope of our postgraduate instruction and to enlarge the dissemination of our |knowledge creation|.

Keywords: loss probability; delay probability; throughput; monotonicity; convexity; knowledge creation; knowledge use; multidisciplinary approach; integrated approach; modelling; continuing engineering education; continuing education; Erlang formulae; optimal design; management education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.1994.030290

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 1994 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.58 - 68

Published online: 14 Dec 2009 *

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