Abstract
A generalized semi-Markov scheme models the structure of a discrete event system, such as a network of queues. By studying combinatorial and geometric representations of schemes we find conditions for second-order properties—convexity/concavity, sub/supermodularity—of their event epochs and event counting processes. A scheme generates a language of easible strings of events. We show that monotonicity of the event epochs is equivalent to this language forming an antimatroid with repetition. This connection gives rise to a rich strengthening the antimatroid condition we give several equivalent characterizations of the convexity of event epochs within a scheme. All of these correspond, in slightly different ways, to making a certain score space a lattice, to closing an ordinary antimatroid under intersections. We also establish second-order properties across schemes tied together through a synchronization mechanism. A geometric view based on the score space facilitates verification of these properties in certain queueing systems.