Elementary Linear Programming with Applications, Second Edition (Computer Science & Scientific Computing Series) [Hardcover]

Bernard Kolman (Author), Robert E. Beck (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 1995 | ISBN-10: 012417910X | ISBN-13: 978-0124179103 | Edition: 2

Linear programming finds the least expensive way to meet given needs with available resources. Its results are used in every area of engineering and commerce: agriculture, oil refining, banking, and air transport. Authors Kolman and Beck present the basic notions of linear programming and illustrate how they are used to solve important common problems. The software on the included disk leads students step-by-step through the calculations. The Second Edition is completely revised and provides additional review material on linear algebra as well as complete coverage of elementary linear programming. Other topics covered include: the Duality Theorem; transportation problems; the assignment problem; and the maximal flow problem. New figures and exercises are provided and the authors have updated all computer applications. The companion website on www.elsevierdirect.com contains the student-oriented linear programming code SMPX, written by Professor Evar Nering of Arizona State University. The authors also recommend inexpensive linear programming software for personal computers.

Please note the previous printing included a disk attached to the back of the book.

The material is now only available on the companion website -

http://www.elsevierdirect.com/product.jsp?isbn=9780124179103

* More review material on linear algebra * Elementary linear programming covered more efficiently * Presentation improved, especially for the duality theorem, transportation problems, the assignment problem, and the maximal flow problem * New figures and exercises * Computer applications updated * Companion website on www.elsevierdirect.com with the student-oriented linear programming code SMPX, written by Professor Evar Nering of Arizona State University * New guide to inexpensive linear programming software for personal computers

Please note the previous printing included a disk attached to the back of the book.

The material is now only available on the companion website -

http://www.elsevierdirect.com/product.jsp?isbn=9780124179103

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book presents the basic ideas of linear programming and related areas by not using a rigorous approach. The main objective, to provide a textbook that is readable by students in business, engineering, and computer science, seems to have been achieved....A rich set of more than 280 exercises, real-life projects and further reading suggestions successfully stimulates learning."
--MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS
"...The book is very clearly written with many illustrative examples and exercises. The proofs of theoretical results are kept to a minimum so that the book is easy to read even for non mathematics students. It is an excellent textbook on linear programming at an introductory level."
--ZENT. FUR MATHEMATIK UNDIHRE GRENZGEBIETE

From the Back Cover

Linear programming finds the least expensive way to meet given needs with available resources. Its results are used in every area of engineering and commerce; including agriculture, oil refining, banking, and air transport. Authors Kolman and Beck present the basic notions of linear programming and illustrate how they are used to solve important common problems. The software on the included disk leads students through the calculations. Students in quantitative fields, or students in business who want a quantitative approach, will find that the Second Edition has been completely revised to give an orderly introduction to the basic ideas in linear programming. Appropriate review material on linear algebra is included. Other topics covered include the Duality Theorem, the transportation problem, the assignment problem, and the maximal flow problem. New figures and exercises are provided and the authors have updated all computer applications. An appendix, new to this edition, provides a brief introduction to the Kamarkar algorithm. The disk that comes with the book contains the student-oriented linear programming code SMPX, written by Professor Evar D. Nering of Arizona State University.

Please note the previous printing included a disk attached to the back of the book.

The material is now only available on the companion website -

http://www.elsevierdirect.com/product.jsp?isbn=9780124179103

Product Details

• Hardcover: 449 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2 edition (July 6, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 012417910X
• ISBN-13: 978-0124179103
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Instructors, please don't use this as a course book, March 8, 2011

By 

Jordan Bell (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elementary Linear Programming with Applications, Second Edition (Computer Science & Scientific Computing Series) (Hardcover)

I am currently the marker for a first course on linear programming which uses this book. I find that the definitions of key terms are buried in the text, like the definition of a basic solution on p. 95. The description of the simplex algorithm in section 2.1 is mixed together with a particular linear programming problem. I would prefer to have a general description and then many detailed examples, rather than a mix of both and then only two examples. I have a similar complaint with section 2.3 on the two phase method.

This book is expensive. There are books published by Dover that cover the simplex algorithm, duality, and integer programming that cost a tenth as much as this book, and an instructor should look at those before assigning a book that costs this much. Also, it is ludicrous now to have newly purchased books come with floppy disks.

5.0 out of 5 stars A good book, December 19, 2010

By 

Bryan Urizar - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elementary Linear Programming with Applications, Second Edition (Computer Science & Scientific Computing Series) (Hardcover)

This is a good book. Everything is well explained and each section has many examples. The only thing I would complain about is that the examples should probably have been placed before the theorem statement/proof as it would help the reader understand the proof. The material is all very straightforward and shouldn't cause any headaches. Overall an excellent book which I'd recommend to anyone who would like to learn linear programming.

For anyone trying to learn linear programming out a class room setting it is also good as the back has answers to odd numbered questions.