Since the dawn of human history people have been facing problems arising from the operations of systems in which they themselves are a part. However, the idea that systematic scrutiny in the spirit of science can help solve them, became widespread only in this century. The Handbook of Systems Analysis brings together in systematic form the core of the systems analysis knowledge and experience it has developed so far. The Handbook of Systems Analysis consists of three volumes: the first offers an overview aimed at a widely varied audience of practitioners and those interested in the problems treated by systems analysis; volume two is aimed at a more technical audience and deals with how a systems analysis study proceeds and resolves the technical and professional issues. Now this third volume exemplifies the general principles and wide variety of practice by means of eight carefully selected cases described by the principal analysts involved. Like the first volume, it is accessible to a wide variety of people ? professional and non-professional ? who are interested in how such work is carried out and what its useful effects can be. Features include:

• a comprehensive approach without undue technical detail, giving a clear view of what was done and how it achieved its aims
• an overview discussion drawing together the aspects of the practice exemplified by the cases
• a truly international approach ? contributors and case studies come from many countries
• complete references to the background and supporting material

Those working in operational research, management science, and policy analysis will find that this book, and the other two volumes in the set, add value and good practice to their work. The three volumes of the Handbook of Systems Analysis are: Handbook of Systems Analysis: Volume One ? Overview of Uses, Procedures, Applications, and Practice (ISBN 0-471-90743-X) Handbook of Systems Analysis: Volume Two ? Craft Issues and Procedural Choices (ISBN 0-471-92020-7) Handbook of Systems Analysis: Volume Three ? Cases (ISBN 0-471-95357-1) Handbook of Systems Analysis ? Three Volume Set (ISBN 0-471-96301-1)