Abstract
This paper presents a novel nonparametric methodology to evaluate convergence in an industry, considering a multi-input multi-output setting for the assessment of total factor productivity. In particular, we develop two new indexes to evaluate sigma-convergence and beta-convergence that can be computed using nonparametric techniques such as Data Envelopment Analysis. The methodology developed is particularly useful to enhance productivity assessments based on the Malmquist index. The methodology is applied to a real world context, consisting of a sample of Portuguese construction companies that operated in the sector between 2008 and 2010. The empirical results show that Portuguese companies tended to converge, both in the sense of a and beta, in all construction activity segments in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

Abstract
Due to the current demands from the market, technological improvements and action of competitors, manufacturing companies are pushed to compete in shorter product development cycles. This poses a great challenge, as the conventional product development cycle is shortened. Hence, companies are forced to introduce some improvement action plans and adopt certain manufacturing operational strategies to remain competitive and achieve a good market share. Due to the importance of this topic, in this paper we revise the current manufacturing improvement plans in the literature, to establish the basis of our future research work. The findings of this work point towards the need to develop a system that integrates the evaluation of the manufacturing improvement plans in the future overall performance of the manufacturing plant and aid in the process of decision-making.

Abstract
Background: Planning the health-care workforce required to meet the health needs of the population, while providing service levels that maximize the outcome and minimize the financial costs, is a complex task. The problem can be described as assessing the right number of people with the right skills in the right place at the right time, to provide the right services to the right people. The literature available on the subject is vast but sparse, with no consensus established on a definite methodology and technique, making it difficult for the analyst or policy maker to adopt the recent developments or for the academic researcher to improve such a critical field. Methods: We revisited more than 60 years of documented research to better understand the chronological and historical evolution of the area and the methodologies that have stood the test of time. The literature review was conducted in electronic publication databases and focuses on conceptual methodologies rather than techniques. Results: Four different and widely used approaches were found within the scope of supply and three within demand. We elaborated a map systematizing advantages, limitations and assumptions. Moreover, we provide a list of the data requirements necessary to implement each of the methodologies. We have also identified past and current trends in the field and elaborated a proposal on how to integrate the different methodologies. Conclusion: Methodologies abound, but there is still no definite approach to address HHR planning. Recent literature suggests that an integrated approach is the way to solve such a complex problem, as it combines elements both from supply and demand, and more effort should be put in improving that proposal.

Abstract
Decision making in companies requires an assessment of the efficiency and productivity of individual inputs to provide insights into the scope for improvement of inputs' use. This paper estimates an input-specific Luenberger productivity growth indicator that can be decomposed to identify the contributions of input-specific technological change, technical efficiency change and scale efficiency change. These components for a specific input sum up to the aggregated indicators which are then compared with the traditional Luenberger indicator. The application focuses on panel data of Spanish and Portuguese construction firms over the period 2002-2011, accounting for three inputs: materials, labor and capital. The results show that aggregated productivity change and its components computed from the input-specific productivity indicator are different from those obtained using a traditional approach. The results also indicate that productivity change is negative for labor and capital for construction firms in both Spain and Portugal, while productivity change of materials is positive for Portugal and negative for Spain. Productivity decline is worse for capital in the Spanish construction firms, and for labor in Portugal.

Abstract
Product-service system (PSS) or particularly industrial product-service system (IPS2) is started to gain more attention as innovative strategy to face the competitive global market. Service aspect from IPS2 offering is believed could provide more values for customer than the standalone physical product. This new concept is not fully developed yet. There are some particular areas around IPS2 concept which are needed to be more explored and one of them is the cost dimension aspect. Cost is obviously important for company as basic information to support decision making process. Traditional costing system is no longer able to facilitate the company's transformation. The following work will present the analysis of current costing systems and a new assessment framework proposed to address the needs of IPS2 environment, particularly for IPS2 function-oriented business model. The proposed framework is developed based on the literature findings. Considering the specific characteristics of IPS2 business model, lean accounting is the best choice from current costing systems to be adjusted into the proposed framework. Lean accounting with its value stream costing (VSC) is able to provide comprehensive cost information to support company's long transformation journey towards a fully and successful IPS2 company. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
Many definitions for operations strategy appear in literature. Yet, after analysing some of these important definitions, there were some common denominators: planning and decision-making. It is through correct operations strategy planning and decisions that organizations achieve competitive edge, and for this reason, the subject is of major importance. In this paper we present a review on operations strategy (OS) in manufacturing, services and product-service organizations. Through the literature analysis we found several differences and fewer similarities between OS in manufacturing and services and also the positioning of product-service systems (PSS) OS, comparing to OS in manufacturing and in services. Our foremost contribution is providing a literature review and an analysis on the content of the OS frameworks.