Nsfs 347 Work May 2026

Problem 1 — Workflow latency analysis (20 pts) A distributed team performs a five-step editorial workflow (steps A→B→C→D→E). Expected processing times (minutes per item) when handled by humans are: A=12, B=8, C=20, D=10, E=5. The probability an item requires a rework loop back from D to B is 0.15; that rework requires B and C again. Items arrive in bursts — average arrival rate 6 items/hour during peak 2-hour windows. The team has one specialist per step. a) Compute the expected processing time per item including rework. (10 pts) b) Identify the bottleneck and compute its utilization at peak. (6 pts) c) Recommend two redesign choices (e.g., staffing, automation, batching) to reduce average cycle time, and estimate the expected reduction in minutes for each choice (assume linear scaling). (4 pts)