Optimization Models and Concepts in Production Management

Optimization methods in production management are becoming increasingly important for efficient and competitive manufacturing. A collection of tutorial papers on the application of optimization concepts, written by outstanding researchers, is presented in this text. Topics introduced include hierarchical production planning and large scale scheduling, optimal production control, exact and heuristic algorithms for production scheduling and stochastic modelling. The scope of the book is not limited to formal optimization methods: chapters have been devoted to complementary topics such as knowledge based techniques, simulation and the economic evaluation of production management systems.