Abstract

Abstract
In this paper we consider the problem of minimizing the waste of textile material in a Portuguese home textile manufacturing company. The company has a vertical structure covering the different production stages of the home textile, from weaving until the finished products. Production planning comprises different decisions: the definition of the widths and lengths of the fabric rolls to be produced, the number of fabric rolls to be used from stock or purchased and the definition of the cutting patterns to be applied to each width of the fabric roll, so that the waste is minimized. We propose a MIP model, solved by a column generation method, to tackle the problem.

Abstract
Education, like many institutions in contemporary society, faces significant challenges to the completion of its mission. This is especially true of higher education, which is often expected to be and seen as a facilitator of social and cultural advancement. Gamification is a relatively new concept intending to use elements from video games in non-game applications. Education is therefore an area with high potential for application of this concept since it seeks to promote people's motivation and engagement. The research in progress aims at creating a model for applying gamification in a course of Human Resources Management for Engineers, where testing and validating the results of that application can be possible. This paper presents the state of the art of gamification in higher education, as well as some guidelines and main features of a gamification framework to be applied in the course of a Masters in Engineering.

Abstract
Quality control, failure analysis and improvement are central elements in manufacturing. Total Quality Management (TQM) provides several quality oriented tools and techniques which, in the event of things, are not always applicable. The increased use of Information Technology (IT) in manufacturing means increased data availability and improved potential for knowledge extraction. Exploiting this knowledge requires data storage and processing facilities with demanding, time consuming sessions for interpretation. Without suitable tools and techniques, knowledge remains hidden in databases. This paper presents a method to help identify root causes of nonconformities (NCs) using a pattern identification approach. Hereby, a general framework, Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), is adapted. This adaptation involves incorporating an economic concentration measure, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), as the data mining algorithm. After presenting the theoretical background, a new methodology is proposed. The suggested approach can be regarded as a quality tool to help make root cause identification of failures simpler and more agile. A case study from the automotive industry is examined using this tool. Results are obtained and presented in the form of matrix based patterns. They suggest that concentration indices help indicate possible root causes of NCs, warranting further investigation in this area.

Abstract

Abstract
In this paper we discuss collaborative learning strategies based on the use of digital stories in corporate training and lifelong learning. The text starts with a concise review on theoretical and technical foundations about the use of digital technologies in collaborative strategies in lifelong learning. We will also discuss if the corporate training may be improved by the use of individual audio-visual experience in learning process. Careful planning, scripting and production of audio-visual digital stories can help in the construction of collaborative learning spaces in which adults are in the context of vocational training throughout life. Our analysis concludes emphasizing on the need to experience the routing performance of digital stories in the context of corporate training, following the reference levels mentioned here, so we can have in a future more theoretical and empirical elements for the validation and conceptualization in the use of digital stories in the context of corporate training. Ultimately we believe that lifelong learning can be improved with the use of strategies that promote the production of personal audio-visual for those involved in teaching and learning process in organizational context. Keywords: Story Telling, Corporate Education, Cooperative Learning, Lifelong Learning, Teaching Methods, Audio Visual Aids.