Practical Optimization

This book is designed to help problem solvers make the best use of optimization software—i.e., to use existing methods most effectively whenever possible, and to adapt and modify techniques for particular problems if necessary. The contents of this book therefore include some topics that are essential for all those who wish to solve optimization problems. In addition, certain topics are treated that should be of special interest in most practical optimization problems. For example, advice is given to users who wish to take an active role in formulating their problems so as to enhance the chances of solving them successfully, and to users who need to understand why a certain method fails to solve their problem.