Comparisons of Optimisation Techniques

Abstract

In this chapter, theoretical studies which variously prove global convergence, or compare rates of convergence, are listed and contrasted for a range of optimisation methods. These results then lead to a consideration of empirical studies, on test functions, combinatorial optimisation problems, and systems models. Within the latter two classes, applications of different optimisation methods to agricultural systems are compared and discussed. It is concluded that when considering the optimisation of systems models across the range of problem types, evolutionary algorithms are likely to be at least as good as, and probably superior to, the other available optimisation methods.