An Introduction to the Mathematics of Planning and Scheduling

This book introduces readers to the many variables and constraints involved in planning and scheduling complex systems, such as airline flights and university courses. Students will become acquainted with the necessity for scheduling activities under conditions of limited resources in industrial and service environments, and become familiar with methods of problem solving. Written by an expert author with decades of teaching and industry experience, the book provides a comprehensive explanation of the mathematical foundations to solving complex requirements, helping students to understand underlying models, to navigate software applications more easily, and to apply sophisticated solutions to project management. This is emphasized by real-world examples, which follow the components of the manufacturing process from inventory to production to delivery. Undergraduate and graduate students of industrial engineering, systems engineering, and operations management will find this book useful in understanding optimization with respect to planning and scheduling.