While I worked in industry, I felt that queueing theory is both inflexible and mathematically complex. To overcome these problems, I hit upon discrete event systems, which can be solved by using numerical methods as opposed to Monte-Carlo simulation. My contention is now that in place of traditional queueing theory, one should use the theoretical and numerical methods of discrete event systems, of which queueing systems are an important part. By using numerical methods, this approach allows for great flexibility and avoids mathematical complexity. This is described in a book written by myself and Javad Tavakoli of UBC Okanagan, entitled "Numerical Methods for Solving Discrete Event Systems, with Queueing Applications" (Springer 2022). The question is thus on whether or not to teach discrete event systems, a generalization of queueing theory, than to teach only queueing theory. Any opinion in this regard would be welcome..
Winfried Grassmann
University of Saskatchewan
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Winfried Grassmann
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Presently in Aarau, switzerland
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