Ebook: Stochastic control in discrete and continuous time

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to stochastic control problems in discrete and continuous time. The material is presented logically, beginning with the discrete-time case before proceeding to the stochastic continuous-time models. Central themes are dynamic programming in discrete time and HJB-equations in continuous time. Topics covered include stochastic maximum principles for discrete time and continuous time, even for problems with terminal conditions. Numerous illustrative examples and exercises, with solutions at the end of the book, are included to enhance the understanding of the reader. By interlinking many fields in stochastic control, the material gives the student the opportunity to see the connections between different fields and the underlying ideas that unify them.

This text will benefit students in applied mathematics, economics, engineering, and related fields. Prerequisites include a course in calculus and elementary probability theory. No knowledge of measure theory is assumed.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to stochastic control problems in discrete and continuous time. The material is presented logically, beginning with the discrete-time case using few mathematical tools before proceeding to the stochastic continuous-time models requiring more advanced mathematics. Topics covered include stochastic maximum principles for discrete time, continuous time, and for problems with terminal conditions. A nonstandard treatment of piecewise deterministic problems, related to some control problems, is also presented. Numerous illustrative examples and exercises are included to enhance the understanding of the reader. By interlinking many fields in stochastic control, the material gives the student the opportunity to see the connections between different fields and the underlying ideas that unify them.

This text will be of benefit to students in economics, engineering, applied mathematics and related fields. Prerequisites include a course in calculus and elementary probability theory.