"The Nested Partitions (NP) framework is an innovative mix of traditional optimization methodology and probabilistic assumptions. An important feature of the NP framework is that it combines many well-known optimization techniques, including dynamic programming, mixed integer programming, genetic algorithms and tabu search, while also integrating many problem-specific local search heuristics. The book uses numerous real-world application examples, demonstrating that the resulting hybrid algorithms are much more robust and efficient than a single stand-alone heuristic or optimization technique. This book aims to provide an optimization framework with which researchers will be able to discover and develop new hybrid optimization methods for successful application of real optimization problems." "Researchers and practitioners in management science, industrial engineering, economics, computer science, and environmental science will find this book valuable in their research and study. Because of its emphasis on practical applications, the book can appropriately be used as a textbook in a graduate course."--Jacket.