Assignment task: SafeBright is a national chain for repairing and replacing vehicle windshields. The largest percent of their business is windshield repairs. The Essex County location is currently recruiting a new technician to perform these repairs. Two candidates have applied for the technician position. Sheila Shield just graduated from the training program and expects a $25 per hour wage. Her average service time for a windshield repair is 16 minutes. Wendy Wiper is a veteran technician and is requesting $47 per hour. However, given her extensive experience, on average she is able to complete an repair in an average of 13 minutes. To maintain their great reputation, SafeBright estimates that the goodwill cost for customers waiting is $20 per hour (this includes both time spent waiting for service to begin and the time for the repair). Customer's arrive for windshield repairs at an average of 2.5 per hour.
a. What is the average waiting time customers would spend in the system under each applicant?
b. Which applicant should be hired? (Use cost analysis.)