Based on the information provided, we can break down the process as follows:

Step 1: Registration

80 patients enter this step every day

Step 2: Assessment

Patients wait in a buffer before entering this step, with an average waiting time of 15 minutes

After assessment, usually 60% of patients are directed to step 3

Step 3: Next steps

Patients who are directed to this step take 15 minutes to complete it

Explanation:

To calculate the average time it takes for a patient to go through the entire process, we need to consider the time spent in each step as well as the probability of going from one step to another. We can use a process flow diagram to help us visualize the process:

Step 1: Registration | v Buffer (15 minutes on average)

Step 2: Assessment | v / 60% \ 40%

Step 3: Next steps Exit (15 minutes)

Using this diagram, we can calculate the average time it takes for a patient to go through the entire process as follows:

Step 1: Registration

Time spent: 0 minutes

Probability of moving to next step: 100%

Buffer (15 minutes on average)

Time spent: 15 minutes

Probability of moving to next step: 100%

Step 2: Assessment

Time spent: 0 minutes

Probability of moving to next step: 60% for Step 3, 40% for Exit

Step 3: Next steps or Exit

Time spent: 15 minutes for Step 3, 0 minutes for Exit

Probability of process ending: 40%

Using this information, we can calculate the average time it takes for a patient to go through the entire process:

Average time = (Time spent in Step 1) + (Time spent in Buffer) + (Probability of going to Step 3 from Step 2 * Time spent in Step 3) + (Probability of exiting from Step 2 * Time spent in Exit)

Average time = (0) + (15) + (0.6 * 15) + (0.4 * 0)

Average time = 15 + 9

Average time = 24 minutes

What is the flow unit in this process? (4 points)

Is there a critical path in this process? Whether your answer is yes or no, please explain why you believe it is the right answer (4 points)

If at any given time, 10 patients are waiting to be registered or are in the registation process (step 1) in average, how long does step 1 take? (5 points)

In average, how many patients are waiting in the buffer? (5 points)

If observations show that step 1 can take 15 minutes per patient, and if there will be 2 staff working 8 hours a day at the registration step, what will be the effective daily or hourly capacity of that resource pool? (5 points)

If the actual throughput of the resource pool in step 1 (registration) in reality would be 32 patients per day, what is the capacity utilization of that resource pool? (5 points)