A volume of 17 papers from a workshop on approximation algorithms for combinatorial optimization. They address the design and analysis of approximation algorithms, inapproximability results, on-line problems, randomization techniques, average-case analysis, scheduling problems, and applications.

Approximations of independent sets in graphs.- Using linear programming in the design and analysis of approximation algorithms: Two illustrative problems.- The Steiner tree problem and its generalizations.- Approximation schemes for covering and scheduling in related machines.- One for the price of two: A unified approach for approximating covering problems.- Approximation of geometric dispersion problems.- Approximating k-outconnected subgraph problems.- Lower bounds for on-line scheduling with precedence constraints on identical machines.- Instant recognition of half integrality and 2-approximations.- The t-vertex cover problem: Extending the half integrality framework with budget constraints.- A new fully polynomial approximation scheme for the knapsack problem.- On the hardness of approximating spanners.- Approximating circular arc colouring and bandwidth allocation in all-optical ring networks.- Approximating maximum independent set in k-clique-free graphs.- Approximating an interval scheduling problem.- Finding dense subgraphs with semidefinite programming.- Best possible approximation algorithm for MAX SAT with cardinality constraint.