Introduction To Matrix Analytic Methods In Stochastic Modeling

Matrix analytic methods are popular as modeling tools because they give one the ability to construct and analyze a wide class of queuing models in a unified and algorithmically tractable way. The authors present the basic mathematical ideas and algorithms of the matrix analytic theory in a readable, up-to-date, and comprehensive manner. In the current literature, a mixed bag of techniques is used-some probabilistic, some from linear algebra, and some from transform methods. Here, many new proofs that emphasize the unity of the matrix analytic approach are included.

Based on the proceedings of the first International Conference on Matrix-Analytic Methods (MAM) in Stochastic Models, held in Flint, Michigan, this book presents a general working knowledge of MAM through tutorial articles and application papers. It furnishes information on MAM studies carried out in the former Soviet Union.

Presents the basic mathematical ideas and algorithms of the matrix analytic theory in a readable, up-to-date, and comprehensive manner.

Matrix-analytic and related methods have become recognized as an important and fundamental approach for the mathematical analysis of general classes of complex stochastic models. Research in the area of matrix-analytic and related methods seeks to discover underlying probabilistic structures intrinsic in such stochastic models, develop numerical algorithms for computing functionals (e.g., performance measures) of the underlying stochastic processes, and apply these probabilistic structures and/or computational algorithms within a wide variety of fields. This volume presents recent research results on: the theory, algorithms and methodologies concerning matrix-analytic and related methods in stochastic models; and the application of matrix-analytic and related methods in various fields, which includes but is not limited to computer science and engineering, communication networks and telephony, electrical and industrial engineering, operations research, management science, financial and risk analysis, and bio-statistics. These research studies provide deep insights and understanding of the stochastic models of interest from a mathematics and/or applications perspective, as well as identify directions for future research.

Fundamentals of Matrix-Analytic Methods targets advanced-level students in mathematics, engineering and computer science. It focuses on the fundamental parts of Matrix-Analytic Methods, Phase-Type Distributions, Markovian arrival processes and Structured Markov chains and matrix geometric solutions. New materials and techniques are presented for the first time in research and engineering design. This book emphasizes stochastic modeling by offering probabilistic interpretation and constructive proofs for Matrix-Analytic Methods. Such an approach is especially useful for engineering analysis and design. Exercises and examples are provided throughout the book.

The present textbook contains the recordsof a two–semester course on que- ing theory, including an introduction to matrix–analytic methods. This course comprises four hours oflectures and two hours of exercises per week andhas been taughtattheUniversity of Trier, Germany, for about ten years in - quence. The course is directed to last year undergraduate and?rst year gr- uate students of applied probability and computer science, who have already completed an introduction to probability theory. Its purpose is to present - terial that is close enough to concrete queueing models and their applications, while providing a sound mathematical foundation for the analysis of these. Thus the goal of the present book is two–fold. On the one hand, students who are mainly interested in applications easily feel bored by elaborate mathematical questions in the theory of stochastic processes. The presentation of the mathematical foundations in our courses is chosen to cover only the necessary results, which are needed for a solid foundation of the methods of queueing analysis. Further, students oriented - wards applications expect to have a justi?cation for their mathematical efforts in terms of immediate use in queueing analysis. This is the main reason why we have decided to introduce new mathematical concepts only when they will be used in the immediate sequel. On the other hand, students of applied probability do not want any heur- tic derivations just for the sake of yielding fast results for the model at hand.

An Introduction to Stochastic Modeling provides information pertinent to the standard concepts and methods of stochastic modeling. This book presents the rich diversity of applications of stochastic processes in the sciences. Organized into nine chapters, this book begins with an overview of diverse types of stochastic models, which predicts a set of possible outcomes weighed by their likelihoods or probabilities. This text then provides exercises in the applications of simple stochastic analysis to appropriate problems. Other chapters consider the study of general functions of independent, identically distributed, nonnegative random variables representing the successive intervals between renewals. This book discusses as well the numerous examples of Markov branching processes that arise naturally in various scientific disciplines. The final chapter deals with queueing models, which aid the design process by predicting system performance. This book is a valuable resource for students of engineering and management science. Engineers will also find this book useful.

Stochastic Modelling of Social Processes provides information pertinent to the development in the field of stochastic modeling and its applications in the social sciences. This book demonstrates that stochastic models can fulfill the goals of explanation and prediction. Organized into nine chapters, this book begins with an overview of stochastic models that fulfill normative, predictive, and structural–analytic roles with the aid of the theory of probability. This text then examines the study of labor market structures using analysis of job and career mobility, which is one of the approaches taken by sociologists in research on the labor market. Other chapters consider the characteristic trends and patterns from data on divorces. This book discusses as well the two approaches of stochastic modeling of social processes, namely competing risk models and semi-Markov processes. The final chapter deals with the practical application of regression models of survival data. This book is a valuable resource for social scientists and statisticians.