Over the past decade there has been an increasing demand for suitable
material in the area of mathematical modelling as applied to science,
engineering, business and management. Recent developments in computer
technology and related software have provided the necessary tools of
increasing power and sophistication which have significant implications
for the use and role of mathematical modelling in the above disciplines.
In the past, traditional methods have relied heavily on expensive
experimentation and the building of scaled models, but now a more
flexible and cost effective approach is available through greater use of
mathematical modelling and computer simulation. In particular,
developments in computer algebra, symbolic manipulation packages and
user friendly software packages for large scale problems, all have
important implications in both the teaching of mathematical modelling
and, more importantly, its use in the solution of real world problems.
Many textbooks have been published which cover the art and techniques of
modelling as well as specific mathematical modelling techniques in
specialist areas within science and business. In most of these books the
mathematical material tends to be rather tailor made to fit in with a
one or two semester course for teaching students at the undergraduate or
postgraduate level, usually the former. This textbook is quite different
in that it is intended to build on and enhance students' modelling
skills using a combination of case studies and projects.