Network Models in Optimization and Their Applications in Practice

Rating:
Summary: A practical, how-to tutorial on network flow modeling
Review: This is the only book I have encountered that is devoted exclusively to the design of network optimization models. Written in a tutorial style, starting with the fundamentals, and illustrated with an enormous number of examples, it shows in great detail how to build network flow models for real decision problems. Although solution algorithms are not covered, per se, the user learns to build models for optimizing a wide range of decision situations, from production and logistics systems to personnel and portfolio planning. There is plenty of software around to implement the formulations described. I have used this book in conjunction with my network optimization course, and the modeling exercises (at the end of each chapter) are the student's favorite part of this otherwise-algorithm-oriented course. While the general reader is not given the solution to the exercises (a solution manual is available to adopting instructors), this does not take away from the enjoyment and insight gleaned by the reader of this highly accessible guide.