Monte Carlo methods in fuzzy optimization. (Q2473305)

Monte Carlo techniques have established themselves as one of the commonly exploited optimization vehicles of system modeling. With the emergence of fuzzy systems, the role of Monte Carlo optimization and simulation in this domain is highly promising yet has not been fully explored. This timely research monograph is a very much needed compendium of recent developments in the methodologies and applications of Monte Carlo fuzzy optimization and fuzzy modeling. The material is structured into three main parts where each of them comes as a series of concise and quite brief chapters which are well focused on specific topics. Part I offers a wealth of preliminary material (which makes the reading self-contained to significant extent) such as introductory concepts of fuzzy sets being of particular relevance in the setting of this research area (say, fuzzy numbers, fuzzy arithmetic, alpha-cuts, interval arithmetic, ordering of fuzzy numbers, and random fuzzy numbers). Part II is concerned with applications. There are a number of chapters elaborating on fuzzy linear programming and fuzzy multiobjective linear programming. The topic of solving fuzzy equations (in which both parameters as well as variables are represented in the form of fuzzy numbers) is discussed in the setting of Monte Carlo solutions. Several chapters are devoted to the important class of fuzzy linear and nonlinear regression models. Finally fuzzy two-person zero-sum games and fuzzy queuing are studied along with their Monte Carlo solutions. Part III brings forward a wealth of essential problems encountered in Operations Research (namely, inventory control, fuzzy dynamic programming, fuzzy project scheduling, fuzzy max flow, to name a number of representative examples). In all of them it is shown how the techniques of Monte Carlo simulations could offer a wealth of effective solutions. Overall the writing is lucid and well supported by convincing and highly motivating comments. The illustrative numeric material, albeit predominantly reporting on some toy examples, is fully adequate to illustrate the underlying concepts. All in all, this is a highly welcome publication which will undoubtedly appeal to the fuzzy set research community.