Probability, Markov Chains, Queues, and Simulation: The Mathematical Basis of Performance Modeling [Hardcover]

William J. Stewart (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is an excellent book on the topics of probability, Markov chains, and queuing theory. Extremely well-written, the contents range from elementary topics to quite advanced material and include plenty of well-chosen examples.
(Adarsh Sethi, University of Delaware )

Product Description

Probability, Markov Chains, Queues, and Simulation provides a modern and authoritative treatment of the mathematical processes that underlie performance modeling. The detailed explanations of mathematical derivations and numerous illustrative examples make this textbook readily accessible to graduate and advanced undergraduate students taking courses in which stochastic processes play a fundamental role. The textbook is relevant to a wide variety of fields, including computer science, engineering, operations research, statistics, and mathematics.

The textbook looks at the fundamentals of probability theory, from the basic concepts of set-based probability, through probability distributions, to bounds, limit theorems, and the laws of large numbers. Discrete and continuous-time Markov chains are analyzed from a theoretical and computational point of view. Topics include the Chapman-Kolmogorov equations; irreducibility; the potential, fundamental, and reachability matrices; random walk problems; reversibility; renewal processes; and the numerical computation of stationary and transient distributions. The M/M/1 queue and its extensions to more general birth-death processes are analyzed in detail, as are queues with phase-type arrival and service processes. The M/G/1 and G/M/1 queues are solved using embedded Markov chains; the busy period, residual service time, and priority scheduling are treated. Open and closed queueing networks are analyzed. The final part of the book addresses the mathematical basis of simulation.

Each chapter of the textbook concludes with an extensive set of exercises. An instructor's solution manual, in which all exercises are completely worked out, is also available (to professors only).

• Numerous examples illuminate the mathematical theories
• Carefully detailed explanations of mathematical derivations guarantee a valuable pedagogical approach
• Each chapter concludes with an extensive set of exercises

Professors: A supplementary Solutions Manual is available for this book. It is restricted to teachers using the text in courses. For information on how to obtain a copy, refer to: http://press.princeton.edu/class_use/solutions.html

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 776 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (July 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691140626
• ISBN-13: 978-0691140629
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #336,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, October 23, 2009

By	D. Shah (Raleigh NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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This review is from: Probability, Markov Chains, Queues, and Simulation: The Mathematical Basis of Performance Modeling (Hardcover)

Excellent book. Best in the subject. Very comprehensive and covers all topics very well and easy to comprehend.