Throughout the two major epochs in human history, in both the mechanical age and now the systems age, mankind has been beset with the arduous problem of optimal utilization of the usually limited resources in accomplishing the variegated tasks or objectives. The problem is thus not new although contemporary manifestations of this problem in forms such as the energy crisis or inflation may proffer it that coloration. Further, the problem appears recurrent and eternal. An attempt to cope with such problems demands that
one develop some plan or schedule. The analysis and study of such plans particularly, with respect to their optimality and other properties under various scenarios of objectives and constraints, constitutes an exciting field known as Scheduling Theory. This theory thus deals with a concretization of continuing human experience.
The purpose of the book is, however, not a prosac rendition of history. Rather, it is an attempt to syphon out of both the mechanical age (when man was building machines to analyze and do work) and the systems age (when the synthesis of the total problem and interrelationships are the focus of attention) certain pervasive problems that occur and are important enough to warrant the focus of our attention. We then present the kernel of these problems in mathematical terms and devise mathematical solutions to them.
As always, we study their intrinsic properties and, whenever we can, generalize to other situations. Similar objectives appear in numerous works in the field. What we have done that is unique is to integrate our experiences of over two decades of research work in the field, from different vistas of experience with problems and techniques into one compendium.