Mathematical models can be classified in a number of ways, e.g., static and dynamic; deterministic and stochastic; linear and nonlinear; individual and aggregate; descriptive, predictive, and normative; according to the mathematical technique applied or according to the problem area in which they are used. In marketing, the level of sophistication of the mathe matical models varies considerably, so that a nurnber of models will be meaningful to a marketing specialist without an extensive mathematical background. To make it easier for the nontechnical user we have chosen to classify the models included in this collection according to the major marketing problem areas in which they are applied. Since the emphasis lies on mathematical models, we shall not as a rule present statistical models, flow chart models, computer models, or the empirical testing aspects of these theories. We have also excluded competitive bidding, inventory and transportation models since these areas do not form the core of ·the marketing field.

Contributing Authors Include Robert S. Weinberg, Paul Stillson, E. Leonard Arnoff, And Many Others.

Mathematical Models of Distribution Channels identifies eight "Channel Myths" that characterize almost all analytical research on distribution channels. The authors prove that models that incorporate one or more Channel Myths generate distorted conclusions; they also develop a methodology that will enable researchers to avoid falling under the influence of any Channel Myth.

In the introduction to his book Dr. Harder has very clearly described its purpose and organization. I only want to add for the English-speaking reader a few words on the place the present text is likely to have in the cur rent literature. At first Dr. Harder's undertaking might come as a surprise. Only a few years ago, Zeisel's Say it with Figures gave the market research practi tioner some ideas of how simple figures and tables could be successfully employed; Langhoff's publication for the American Marketing Associa tion presented some pertinent mathematical models in the most elemen tary form; why should a German author believe he can already introduce us to serious mathematical procedures for use in product management and advertising? After reading the book, incredulity turns into pleasure because of the skill with which the author has pursued his task. As a matter of fact, the book can serve two audiences who at first glance might appear to have quite opposing interests. For the mathematically trained market re searcher, the book has the marked advantage of combining a variety of ap proaches not ordinarily mixed in one volume. If the market researcher be gan as an economist he is already familiar with difference equations and time series analysis; if he moved in from psychology, he is already ac quainted with factor analysis. But as he reads this book, he finds the two worlds well integrated.