Search Methodologies

Abstract

We first had the idea for this book over 3 years ago. It grew out of a one-day workshop entitled Introductory Tutorials in Search, Optimization and Decision Support Methodologies (INTROS), which was held in Nottingham in August 2003. The aim of the workshop was to deliver basic introductions to a broad spectrum of search methodologies from across disciplinary boundaries. It was supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the London Mathematical Society (LMS) and was attended by over one hundred delegates from all over the world.We were very fortunate to have 11 of the world’s leading scientists in search methodologies presenting a range of stimulating and highly informative tutorials. All of the INTROS presenters have contributed to this volume, and we have enhanced the content by inviting additional, specifically targeted, complementary chapters. We are pleased to be able to present such a comprehensive, multidisciplinary collection of tutorials in this crucially important research area.