We present the main concept and results of the p-regularity theory (also known as p-factor analysis of nonlinear mappings) applied to nonlinear optimization problems. The approach is based on the construction of p-factor operator. The main result of this theory gives a detailed description of the structure of the zero set of irregular nonlinear mappings. Applications include a new numerical method for solving nonlinear optimization problems and p-order necessary and sufficient optimality conditions. We substantiate the rate of convergence of p-factor method.
