Topics include matrix-geometric invariant vectors, buffer models, queues in a random environment and more.

Topics include matrix-geometric invariant vectors, buffer models, queues in a random environment and more.

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.

Stochastic Models: An Algorithmic Approach fulfills the widely perceived need for an introductory text which demonstrates the effective use of simple stochastic models to gain insight into the behaviour of complex stochastic systems. The author's earlier book, Stochastic Modelling and Analysis: A Computational Approach (1986) has become a leading text in the fields of applied probability and stochastic optimization. While this new book retains the features of providing theory, realistic examples and practically useful algorithms it is written with a wider readership in mind and is more student-oriented.

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

Matrix-analytic methods (MAM) were introduced by Professor Marcel Neuts and have been applied to a variety of stochastic models since. In order to provide a clear and deep understanding of MAM while showing their power, this book presents MAM concepts and explains the results using a number of worked-out examples. This book's approach will inform and kindle the interest of researchers attracted to this fertile field. To allow readers to practice and gain experience in the algorithmic and computational procedures of MAM, Introduction to Matrix-Analytic Methods in Queues 2 provides a number of computational exercises. It also incorporates simulation as another tool for studying complex stochastic models, especially when the state space of the underlying stochastic models under analytic study grows exponentially. This book's detailed approach will make it more accessible for readers interested in learning about MAM in stochastic models.