The aim of this paper is to analyze the batch service queueing model M/M(a, b ; ${mu}_k/1$) under general bulk service rule with mean service rate ${mu}_k$ for a batch of k units, where $a{leq}k{leq}b$. This queueing model consists of the two-dimensional state space so that it is characterized by two-dimensional state Markov process. The steady-state solution and performane measure of this process are derived by using Matrix Geometric method. Meanwhile, a new approach is suggested to calculate the two-dimensional traffic density R which is used to obtain the steady-state solution. In addition, to determine the optimal service initiation threshold a, a decision model of this queueing system is developed evaluating cost of service per batch and cost of waiting per customer. In a job order production system, the decision-making procedure presented in this paper can be applicable to determining when production should be started.