A textbook that generally follows the organization of the author's earlier text by the same name (Prentice-Hall, 1979). Part 1 presents several important concepts that do not require detailed mathematical analysis for their basic understanding; Part 2 addresses techniques that rely more heavily upon their mathematical underpinning; and Part 3 specifically addresses applications. Examples illustrate how the theory can be applied to the type of problems that commonly occur in industry and research. Exercises and suggestions for projects complete each chapter. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.