How Many Computer Repair Troubleshooters Should Be On Duty?
What is the appropriate number of computer repair troubleshooters that should be on duty from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm if the total demand during that period is 100 calls?
The number of computer repair troubleshooters needed on duty from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm to handle a total demand of 100 calls can be calculated using the service rate and target utilization. The calculation is as follows: * Total demand during the 4-hour period = 100 calls * Service rate per hour = 4 calls * Target utilization = 85% To determine the number of troubleshooters required, we divide the total demand by the service rate and then multiply by the target utilization. Number of troubleshooters = (Total Demand / Service Rate) * Target Utilization Number of troubleshooters = (100 calls / 4 calls/hour) * 0.85 Number of troubleshooters = 5.25 troubleshooters Since we cannot have a fraction of a troubleshooter, we need to round up to the nearest whole number. Therefore, 6 troubleshooters should be on duty during that period. This ensures that the troubleshooters can efficiently handle the demand and meet the target utilization. The other options can be ruled out for the following reasons: - 3 to 4 troubleshooters: This would not be sufficient to handle the demand, resulting in overloading and inability to meet the target utilization. - 7 to 8 troubleshooters: This is an excessive number of troubleshooters, leading to underutilization and idle time. - 9 to 11 troubleshooters: Even more than 7 to 8 troubleshooters, this range is also excessive. - 12 to 13 troubleshooters: Way too many troubleshooters, resulting in extreme underutilization and high idle time. It is crucial to have the right number of troubleshooters on duty to ensure effective service delivery and optimal utilization of resources.