Modeling a Phone Center: Analysis of a Multi-Channel Multi-Resource Processor Shared Loss System
WFIC 96-02
Posted: 9 Jul 1998
Date Written: January 1996
Abstract
This paper presents a model for the study of operations at an inbound call center. The call center is modeled as a multi-class processor shared loss system, where the interacting effects of human, telecommunication and information technology resources are explicitly incorporated. Product form solutions for this type of system are provided along with a method using convolutions to compute performance measures like blocking and reneging. Some structural properties of system throughput are analyzed in an effort to pave the way for future optimization studies dealing with the design and management of phone centers.
JEL Classification: G21, O33
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Patrick T. Harker
University of Pennsylvania - Operations & Information Management Department ( email )
Philadelphia, PA 19104
United States
215-898-4715 (Phone)
215-573-2065 (Fax)