"This is an outstanding introduction to Operational Research, providing a hands-on, practical discussion of a number of key topics, with examples, exercises and an excellent use of open-source software that allows the learner to explore the topics and ideas for themselves. Also, each chapter ends with a discussion of the wider context, including details of more advanced work and different applications, together with appropriate references to published work in the literature. In the past I have taught similar course to Maths, Computer Science and Business students, using software where available. However, this book allows the student to go much further, taking control of their own learning and adapting the code to explore the different topics more fully. As such, I would strongly encourage anyone teaching or learning Operational Research to buy and use this excellent resource." Sally McClean FRSS, Ulster University, United Kingdom
"What an exciting contribution to Open Science and mathematics from Knight and Palmer. Essential reading for all Operational Researchers who wish to use Free and Open-Source Software and share their models with others." Thomas Monks, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
"This book is targeted towards a wide range of readers including students with interest in applied mathematics, operational research and related disciplines, programmers, or just hobbyist who like to solve maths problems. This book covers problems on various topics including Markov Chains, Discrete Event simulation, Differential Equations, Game Theory, Systems Dynamics, Agent-based simulation, Linear Programming, and Heuristics. There is something for everybodys taste! The programming codes are available in both Python and open-source software package R and the codes are easy to follow and understand." Sanja Petrovic, Nottingham University Business School, United Kingdom