From its origins in the minimization of integral functionals, the notion of 'variations' has evolved greatly in connection with applications in optimization, equilibrium, and control. It refers not only to constrained movement away from a point, but also to modes of perturbation and approximation that are best describable by 'set convergence', variational convergence of functions' and the like. This book develops a unified framework and, in finite dimensions, provides a detailed exposition of variational geometry and subdifferential calculus in their current forms beyond classical and convex analysis. Also covered are set-convergence, set-valued mappings, epi-convergence, duality, maximal monotone mappings, second-order subderivatives, measurable selections and normal integrands.

This richly illustrated book introduces the subject of optimization to a broad audience with a balanced treatment of theory, models and algorithms. Through numerous examples from statistical learning, operations research, engineering, finance and economics, the text explains how to formulate and justify models while accounting for real-world considerations such as data uncertainty. It goes beyond the classical topics of linear, nonlinear and convex programming and deals with nonconvex and nonsmooth problems as well as games, generalized equations and stochastic optimization. The book teaches theoretical aspects in the context of concrete problems, which makes it an accessible onramp to variational analysis, integral functions and approximation theory. More than 100 exercises and 200 fully developed examples illustrate the application of the concepts. Readers should have some foundation in differential calculus and linear algebra. Exposure to real analysis would be helpful but is not prerequisite. 

From its origins in the minimization of integral functionals, the notion of variations has evolved greatly in connection with applications in optimization, equilibrium, and control. This book develops a unified framework and provides a detailed exposition of variational geometry and subdifferential calculus in their current forms beyond classical and convex analysis. Also covered are set-convergence, set-valued mappings, epi-convergence, duality, and normal integrands.

Rapid changes in today's environment emphasize the need for models and meth ods capable of dealing with the uncertainty inherent in virtually all systems re lated to economics, meteorology, demography, ecology, etc. Systems involving interactions between man, nature and technology are subject to disturbances which may be unlike anything which has been experienced in the past. In the technological revolution increases uncertainty-as each new stage particular, perturbs existing knowledge of structures, limitations and constraints. At the same time, many systems are often too complex to allow for precise measure ment of the parameters or the state of the system. Uncertainty, nonstationarity, disequilibrium are pervasivE' characteristics of most modern systems. In order to manage such situations (or to survive in such an environment) we must develop systems which can facilitate oar response to uncertainty and changing conditions. In our individual behavior we often follow guidelines that are conditioned by the need to be prepared for all (likely) eventualities: insur ance, wearing seat.belts, savings versus investments, annual medical check.ups, even keeping an umbrella at the office, etc. One can identify two major types of mechanisms: the short term adaptive adjustments (defensive driving, mar keting, inventory control, etc.) that are made after making some observations of the system's parameters, and the long term anticipative actions (engineer ing design, policy setting, allocation of resources, investment strategies, etc.)."

This richly illustrated book introduces the subject of optimization to a broad audience with a balanced treatment of theory, models and algorithms. Through numerous examples from statistical learning, operations research, engineering, finance and economics, the text explains how to formulate and justify models while accounting for real-world considerations such as data uncertainty. It goes beyond the classical topics of linear, nonlinear and convex programming and deals with nonconvex and nonsmooth problems as well as games, generalized equations and stochastic optimization. The book teaches theoretical aspects in the context of concrete problems, which makes it an accessible onramp to variational analysis, integral functions and approximation theory. More than 100 exercises and 200 fully developed examples illustrate the application of the concepts. Readers should have some foundation in differential calculus and linear algebra. Exposure to real analysis would be helpful but is not prerequisite.