In this volume Dr. Chiang introduces readers to the most important methods of dynamic optimization used in economics. The classical calculus of variations, optimal control theory, and dynamic programming in its discrete form are explained in the usual Chiang fashion--with patience and thoroughness. The economic examples, selected from both classical and recent literature, serve not only to illustrate applications of the mathematical methods, but also to provide a useful glimpse of the development of thinking in several areas of economics. Outstanding features include: (1) written with clarity and a comparable level of expository patience; (2) reinforces discussions of mathematical techniques with numerical illustrations, economic examples, and exercise problems; (3) presents a simple problem with a well- known solution in several different alternative formulations in the numerical illustrations; and (4) explains economic models in a step-by-step manner (from the initial construction through the intricacies of mathematical analysis to its final solution).
Titles of related interest also available from Waveland Press: Ekelund-Hebert, A History of Economic Theory and Method, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577664864); and Gramlich, A Guide to Benefit-Cost Analysis, Second Edition (ISBN 9780881339888).
"This book is immensely valuable, especially for students coming to this material for the first time. Professor Chiang has a singular talent for clear exposition of complex mathematical concepts. This text is simply the best introduction to dynamic optimization I have ever seen." -- John McDermott, University of South Carolina
"Chiang has done it again." -- Henry Thompson, Auburn University
"A brilliant, highly readable book. Bringing together tractable dynamics and a rich array of applications, it covers in depth some major analytical developments in dynamic macroeconomics. Dynamic macroeconomics in the 1990s was about introducing various kinds of market imperfections and heterogeneity in the models available before. This book teaches, in a comprehensive and understandable way, how to use and formulate these models. Chiang makes it insightful and natural for the reader, using the tools he has laid out, to go on to attack substantive and original research in dynamic macroeconomics. Invaluable for teachers and students alike." -- Zuhair Al-Fakhouri, Wayne State University
"This is the most understandable text I have come across on topics of optimization. The author discusses the formal elements of problems in an informal way to facilitate an easy grasp of the crucial points. I have learned and re-learned control theory from this book better than any other text." -- Abdul Qayum, Portland State University
