Most manufacturing systems are large, complex, and operate in an environment of uncertainty. It is common practice to manage such systems in a hierarchical fashion. This book articulates a new theory that shows that hierarchical decision making can in fact lead to a near optimization of system goals. The material in the book cuts across disciplines. It will appeal to graduate students and researchers in applied mathematics, operations management, operations research, and system and control theory.

From the reviews of the first edition:

"This book is a study on the optimal control of manufacturing systems subject to breakdowns and repairs. … Six appendices provide mathematical technical support. 153 references are given. There is an author index as well as a subject index. This book is a useful reference on the stochastic optimal control of manufacturing systems and is recommended." (A. Akutowicz, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1078, 2006)

"The book under review is concerned with systems that consist of machines subjects to breakdown and repair … . The book is written for applied mathematics, operations researchers, as well as practitioners working in manufacturing. In summary, this is an excellent book devoted to a fast growing area, which has significant impact on the economy. It is conceivable that … this book will further stimulate subsequent research in production planning as well as in systems theory and stochastic control." (George Yin, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2005 k)