A comprehensive method for solving finite-state semi-Markov processes
by Richard L. Warr; David H. Collins
International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling (IJSPM), Vol. 10, No. 1, 2015

Abstract: Semi-Markov processes (SMPs) provide a rich framework for many real-world problems. However, owing to difficulty in implementing practical solutions they are rarely used with their full capability. The theory of SMPs is quite mature but was mainly developed at a time when computational resources were not widely available. With the exception of some of the simplest cases, solutions to SMPs are inherently numerical, and SMPs have been underutilised by practitioners because of difficulty in implementing the theory in applications. This paper demonstrates the theory and computational methods needed to implement SMP models in practical settings. Methods are illustrated with an application modelling the movement of coronary patients in a hospital. Our aim is to allow practitioners to use richer SMP models without being burdened with the rigorous mathematical theory.

Online publication date: Sat, 04-Apr-2015

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling (IJSPM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com