An Introduction to Optimization, 4th Edition

PREFACE

Optimization is central to any problem involving decision making, whether in engineering or in economics. The task of decision making entails choosing among various alternatives. This choice is governed by our desire to make the “best” decision. The measure of goodness of the alternatives is described by an objective function or performance index. Optimization theory and methods deal with selecting the best alternative in the sense of the given objective function.

The area of optimization has received enormous attention in recent years, primarily because of the rapid progress in computer technology, including the development and availability of user-friendly software, high-speed and parallel processors, and artificial neural networks. A clear example of this phenomenon is the wide accessibility of optimization software tools such as the Optimization Toolbox of MATLAB¹ and the many other commercial software packages.

There are currently several excellent graduate textbooks on optimization theory and methods (e.g., [3], [39], [43], [51], [87], [88], [104], [129]), as well as undergraduate textbooks on the subject with an emphasis on engineering design (e.g., [1] and [109]). However, there is a need for an introductory textbook on optimization theory and methods at a senior undergraduate or beginning graduate level. The present text was written with this goal in mind. The material is an outgrowth of our lecture notes for a one-semester course in optimization methods for seniors ...