Michael R. Wagner

The objective of ONLINE OPTIMIZATION is to provide a systematic survey of the methodology. From the methodological survey, the book then covers a variety of applications of online optimization methods in the domain of Operations Research and Management Science. These applications include a range of problem types, which include the multiple scheduling complex transportation systems, optimizing financial decision problems in "real time", and complex production problems of all sorts (e.g., whether costs should be reduced or profits should be maximized or scarce resources should be used wisely, etc.). With online optimization the issue of incomplete data is an essential aspect of the scientific challenge. Hence, how well online algorithms can perform and how one can guarantee solution quality—even without knowing all data in advance—are the primary challenges of the online optimization methodology.

Practical Business Statistics, Eighth Edition, offers readers a practical, accessible approach to managerial statistics that carefully maintains, but does not overemphasize mathematical correctness. The book fosters deep understanding of both how to learn from data and how to deal with uncertainty, while promoting the use of practical computer applications. This trusted resource teaches present and future managers how to use and understand statistics without an overdose of technical detail, enabling them to better understand the concepts at hand and to interpret results. The text uses excellent examples with real world data relating to business sector functional areas such as finance, accounting, and marketing. Written in an engaging style, this timely revision is class-tested and designed to help students gain a solid understanding of fundamental statistical principles without bogging them down with excess mathematical details.

It is indeed an honour for me to write the foreword to the second edition of Forest Entomology in West Tropical Africa: Forest Insects of Ghana. Originally co- thored by Professor Michael R. Wagner, Dr. S.K.N. Atuahene, and Dr. Joseph R. Cobbinah, the authorship now includes Dr. Paul P. Bosu, who replaces Dr. Atuahene of blessed memory (may his soul rest in perfect peace). In the preface to the first e- tion the authors stated their motivation for writing in these words: “We have written this book with the practicing forester and forest entomologist in mind.” I am c- vinced beyond any doubt that the book has been, and continues to be, of immense benefit to the targeted audience. Over the course of the last 16 years, since the publication of the maiden edition in 1991, there have been tremendous changes in the science and practice of forest entomology in West Africa. Research has improved significantly and the volume of literature on the subject has also increased severalfold. The biology, ecology, and management of major insects for which very little was known nearly two decades ago have now been studied. At the same time, collaboration among forest entom- ogists and other scientists of West Africa improved significantly and greatly enhanced the science and practice of forest entomology in the subregion. The healthy development would greatly facilitate management of pest outbreaks, which invariably are not limited by national boundaries.