Mathematical Modeling and Optimization

The book proposes concepts and a general framework for computer-based modeling. It puts forward a modeling language as a kernel representation for mathematical models. It explores fundamental features of models and defines the notion of mathematical model and other related concepts. It gives a comprehensive overview of the modeling life cycle. The most frequently used methodologies of modeling management systems actually available are reviewed and a new framework in computer-based modeling is proposed. The book not only gives a theoretical foundation of modeling, but presents a concrete implementation using the modeling language LPL. It includes many concrete applications. All models and the complete software can be downloaded from the Web free of charge. This book is intended for modeling tool designers, as well as students and teachers in mathematical modeling, and for real-live model `practitioners'.