Consider two different machines A and B that could be used at a station. Machine A has a mean effective process time $t_e$ of $1\mathrm{.}0$ hours and an $SCV{c}_e^2$ of $0\mathrm{.}25.$ Machine B has a mean effective process time of $0\mathrm{.}85$ hour and an SCV of $4.($Hint: You may find a simple spreadsheet helpful in making the calculations required to answer the following questions.$)$

$($a$)$ For an arrival rate of $0\mathrm{.}92$ job per hour with $c_a^2=1,$ which machine will have a shorter average cycle time?

$($b$)$ Now put two machines of type A at the station and double the arrival rate $($i$.$e$.,$ double the capacity and the throughput$).$ What happens to cycle time? Do the same for machine B$.$ Which type of machine produces shorter average cycle time?

$($c$)$ With only one machine at each station, let the arrival rate be $0\mathrm{.}95$ job per hour with $c_a^2=1.$ Recompute the average time spent at the stations for both machine A and machine B$.$ Compare with $($a$).$

$($d$)$ Consider the station with one machine of type A$.$