Abstract
This project was developed to improve the cost estimation process of new products within the Product Development Department of a furniture manufacturer. This work involved developing a methodology using Machine Learning (ML) models trained on products' existing data to predict the cost of new innovative ones based on similarities and given data. The ML models used were Linear Regression (LR), Light Gradient-Boosting Machine (LGBM), Random Forest (RF), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The proposed methodology considers the estimation of the total cost of producing a product, which encompasses both material and operational costs. Throughout this project, several analyses were developed to identify and evaluate different independent variables that could explain the behaviour of these two cost components. The suitability of the different variables was studied by applying several ML models, and a set of functions that return an estimate of the cost as a function of these predictor variables was obtained. The proposed approach, which incorporates ML models into more complex variables to predict, resulted in a 19.29% reduction in estimation error.

Abstract
Despite the recognised potential of horizontal collaboration in logistics to reduce inefficiencies, and the increasing academic interest in this topic, in practice many initiatives fail. One of the main reasons for this failure is the poor strategy planning and governance organisation. This paper addresses this gap proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework to support the design and implementation of a common strategy for the stakeholders of such partnerships. The research employs qualitative methods, drawing on interviews and the case analysis of existent initiatives. The proposed framework involves the main phases of the strategic formulation, deciding the stakeholder engagement, strategic formulation, operational implementation, and business model elaboration. It serves as a road map for stakeholders to avoid common mistakes and accelerate the deployment of cooperative partnerships.

Abstract
Software ecosystems have emerged as a paradigm to structure software products, communities and business models, in a form inspired by the natural ecosystems. Mobility solutions are also evolving from individual vehicles to soft mobility services based on electric vehicles. This paper aims to address the creation of a software platform to support an ecosystem of mobility solutions-the Intelligent Mobility Ecosystem, based on connected electric vehicles. It follows the paradigm of software ecosystems, in which a technological platform provides the functionalities needed to create solutions within the ecosystem. The work being carried out is part of the A-Mover project, which aims to develop a connected electric motorcycle and electronic services to support driving and use of the vehicle in individual and business contexts. The aim is to develop a set of functionalities around the vehicle to create specific mobility solutions. The concept of a software ecosystem is reviewed below and the proposed architecture for the software platform that will support the ecosystem is described.

Abstract
As competitive and cooperative dynamics gain prominence in games, they present unique opportunities to study player behavior. This paper explores the orientations of different player types, as categorized by Bartles Taxonomy, through the lens of a Game With A Purpose (GWAP) called BartleZ. Bartle's Taxonomy identifies four distinct player types Achievers, Explorers, Socializers, and Killers. This study delves into how these different types approach competitive and cooperative gameplay, through structured dilemmas in BartleZ. Results with 45 participants, reveal that player orientations significantly influence engagement and decision-making. Achievers balanced both strategies; Explorers favored cooperation; Socializers consistently chose cooperation; and Killers preferred competition but adapted in some contexts. Overall, players leaned toward cooperation early on, with a shift toward competition as complexity increased. Our findings pinpoint the importance of tailoring GWAP mechanics with diverse player motivations, enhancing both engagement and problem-solving effectiveness.

Abstract
Counterfactual explanations (CFs) help users understand and act on black-box machine learning decisions by suggesting minimal changes to achieve a desired outcome. However, existing methods often ignore individual feasibility, leading to unrealistic or unactionable recommendations. We propose a personalized CF generation method based on cluster-specific fine-tuning of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). By grouping users with similar behavior and constraints, we adapt immutable features and cost weights per cluster, allowing GANs to generate more actionable and user-aligned counterfactuals. Experiments on the German Credit dataset show that our approach achieves a 6× improvement in prediction gain and a 30% reduction in sparsity compared to a baseline CounterGAN, while maintaining plausibility and acceptable latency for online use. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

Abstract
Effective warehouse management plays a pivotal role in optimizing supply chain performance, particularly in high-demand, time-sensitive environments. This study introduces a simulation-based decision support system designed to improve the management of Picking-By-Line (PBL) operations in cross-docking distribution centres. Developed in FlexSim and calibrated with empirical data from an industrial case study, the model replicates real-world warehouse conditions and is validated against observed operational performance. The tool supports warehouse managers in evaluating and comparing operational strategies, such as dynamic storage allocation policies and picker routing constraints, with the goal of reducing operator travel distances, mitigating congestion, and enhancing overall efficiency. A key contribution of this work is the integration of congestion-sensitive performance indicators that allow for a detailed analysis of the trade-offs between travel efficiency and localized congestion-an aspect often overlooked in traditional optimization methods. This study demonstrates the value of simulation as a scalable and realistic decision-support tool for optimizing PBL operations in complex and variable environments where human movement is a major cost and performance driver. The proposed tool bridges the gap between theoretical modelling and practical implementation, offering actionable insights for warehouse layout, space utilization, and resource allocation.