Includes elements of data mining, predictive modeling, forecasting, optimization, and adaptability. This book explains the science and application of numerous prediction and optimization techniques. It is suitable for business and IT managers who make decisions in complex industrial and service environments.

This book is suitable for business and IT managers who make decisions in complex industrial and service environments, nonspecialists who want to understand the science behind better predictions and decisions, and students and researchers who need a quick introduction to this field.

Introduction.- Characteristics of Business Problems.- An Extended Example: Cars and Auctions.- Adaptive Business Intelligence.- Predictive Data Mining.- Modern Search Techniques.- Fuzzy Logic.- Neural Networks.- Emergent Technologies, Emergent Behavior.- Combining Various Technologies into One System.- Car Distribution System.- Other Examples.- Conclusions.