Over years of development, optimization theory and methods have grown in their ability to handle various practical problems. In light of advances in computing systems, optimization approaches have become one of the most promising techniques for engineering applications. To close the gap between optimization theory and the practice of engineering, this special issue intends to provide the details of recent advances of optimization sciences and promote the applications of optimization methods in engineering. This special issue also provides a forum for researchers and practitioners to review and disseminate quality research work on optimization approaches and their applications in the context of engineering and to identify critical issues for further developments.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles on all aspects of optimization including deterministic approaches, continuous, mixed-integer and discrete optimization, stochastic optimization, heuristics, and hybrid methods. Of particular interest are papers devoted to the development of advanced optimization methods for direct or indirect use in engineering. Contributions containing computational issues, search strategies, and modeling and solution techniques to practical problems are also encouraged. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Deterministic optimization
• Stochastic optimization
• Heuristic algorithms
• Hybrid methods
• Industrial engineering and manufacturing systems
• Computer science
• Artificial intelligence
• Multicriteria decision making
• Management information system

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/mpe/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: