First passage times and lumpability of semi-Markov processes

Abstract

A necessary and sufficient condition of Serfozo (1971) for lumpability of semi-Markov processes is reinterpreted in terms of first-exit times. Furthermore, a new necessary and sufficient condition is developed by establishing relationships between first-passage times and lumpability of semi-Markov processes. The approach taken in this paper is entirely based on the Laplace-transform domain.