"The Encylopedia of Operations Research and Management Science provides decision makers and problem solvers in business, industry, government and academia with a comprehensive overview of the wide range of ideas, methodologies and synergistic forces that combine to form the pre-eminent decision-aiding fields of operations research and management science (OR/MS). A distinguished, international panel of academics and practitioners have contributed articles on subjects for which they are renowned. The articles are written for a readership drawn from many professions, educational backgrounds and skills, and are designed to serve as initial sources of information for all readers, special emphasis being placed on the needs of students. Each article provides a background or history of the topic, describes relevant applications, reviews present and future trends, and lists seminal and current references. Audience: Anyone concerned with the science, techniques and ideas of how decisions are made."--Jacket.