Abstract
Assortment selection problems with cutting policies play an important role in several industries but, possibly due to their combinatorial characteristics, they did not receive as much attention as cutting stock problems did, though the two problems are closely related. In this paper we graph several examples of cost functions of one and two-dimensional problems which reveal that many local optima with cost close to optimum exist. Several implementations of known meta-heuristics are tested with a real problem. Two different neighbourhood structures are considered and the different performance of the implemented heuristics is briefly discussed.

Abstract
This paper presents a reference position on the relation between manufacturing systems and work organisation strategies, It raises some issues and advances a methodological framework in the development of information/manufacturing systems and work organisation design methods. as to reach a balanced influence of the technology, organisation and people aspects in Complex Manufacturing Environments (CME). In this sense it is not presenting research results but, with the underlying goal of implementing a laboratory environment for the study of technical and or organisational developmental aspects of CMEs, there are overviewed the R&D requirements for an interdisciplinary approach involving Computer and Social Sciences. The main scientific areas analysed are Enterprise Integration and Work Organisation, focusing on the methodological aspects of each one.

Abstract
In this paper, we analyse a complex production planning problem in a Make-To-Order company, involving quoting due dates, along with production scheduling, some plant layout decisions and line balancing issues. A general framework has been developed that identifies the main levels for decision making, and tackles these problems in a hierarchical fashion, the resulting interactions being carefully taken into consideration. This framework, based on considering discretised planning horizons, is implemented on a Decision Support System developed around an interface specially designed to involve the various participants in the planning process. In practice, the system is composed by a package of software products used as add-ons to the main management information system of the company. A comprehensive and detailed description of the approach, techniques used and developed algorithms is presented. The experience in using a first prototype of the system shows this may become a highly valuable computer tool in production planning, layout design and assignment of orders.

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