Abstract
We present new results on the performance of Minimum Error Entropy (MEE) decision trees, which use a novel node split criterion. The results were obtained in a comparive study with popular alternative algorithms, on 42 real world datasets. Carefull validation and statistical methods were used. The evidence gathered from this body of results show that the error performance of MEE trees compares well with alternative algorithms. An important aspect to emphasize is that MEE trees generalize better on average without sacrifing error performance.

Abstract
The Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), a process-based innovation originally published in the mid 1980s, involves the separation and conversion of internal setup operations into external ones. Although very important in increasing productivity SMED experiences are not very widespread in Ibero-America. Accordingly, this article has as its main objective to contribute to the literature addressing this less studied topic: SMED. A case study was put forward emphasizing a process-based view. The main finding is that by implementing SMED techniques the firm managed to eliminate w astefulness and non - added value activities worth around 360000 €, which is about 2% of the firm's sales volume. © Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Facultad de Economía y Negocios.

Abstract
The main purpose of this article is twofold to analyze: (a) the long-term relation among the commodities prices and between spot electricity market price and commodity prices, and (b) the short-term dynamics among commodity prices and between electricity prices and commodity prices. Data between 2002 and 2005 from the Spanish electricity market was used. Econometric methods were used in the analysis of the commodity spot price, namely the vector autoregression model, the vector error correction model and the granger causality test. The co-integration approach was used to analyze the long-term relationship between the common stochastic trends of four fossil fuel prices. One of the findings in the long-term relation is that the prices of fuel and the prices of Brent are intertwined, though the prices of Brent ten to "move" to reestablish the price equilibrium. Another finding is that the price of electricity is explained by the evolution of the natural gas series.

Abstract
The process of learning is emphasised in all organisations as a way to improve performance, to more effectively manage projects, processes, and activities, and thus, it is of extreme importance to the business in general, because it enables sustainable competitive advantage. However, organisations do not seem to learn from their mistakes, rarely exploring the reasons for their projects' success or failure, and very rarely applying those lessons learned to the business management. In fact, there is little or no point in learning unless management adapts its behavior accordingly. Our proposal is aimed at creating an organisational framework for managing the knowledge produced, as well as incorporating the lessons learned in the daily organisational routines. The purpose is to better respond to the problems that may occur and therefore, strategically realign the organisation towards efficiency and results improvement. © 2012, IGI Global.

Abstract
In the present paper, management strategies are analysed in order to evaluate the degree of entrepreneurship in firms' management by the use of innovation, risk and proactivity strategies. Since we are dealing with management strategies, it is possible to relate them to the concept of Intrapreneurship. This study was done in a region of northern (Portugal Vale do Sousa) and focus on Industrial and Construction sectors. The region is composed of six concelhos1 in some of which it is possible to identify some industrial districts. In order to get a valid sample, a group of 251 firms were analysed. Each strategy was analysed individually and the results pointed to a lack of culture of entrepreneurship in firms' management. Only Proactivity presented a positive result in firms' management. When grouping the results, it was possible to conclude that the degree of intrapreneurship is very low and firms are surviving (even succeeding) by following conventional (old fashioned) management strategies.

Abstract
A virtual enterprise (VE) is a temporary organisation that pools member enterprises core competencies and exploits fast changing market opportunities. VEs offer new opportunities to companies operating with a growing number of participants (consumers, vendors, partners and others) in a global business environment. The success of such an organisation is strongly dependent on its composition, and the selection of partners therefore becomes a crucial issue. Partner selection can be viewed as a multi-criteria decision making problem that involves assessing trade-offs between conflicting tangible and intangible criteria, and stating preferences based on incomplete or non-available information. In general, this is a very complex problem due to the large number of alternatives and criteria of different types (quantitative, qualitative and stochastic). In this paper we propose an integrated approach to rank alternative VE configurations using an extension of TOPSIS (a technique for ordering preferences by similarity to an ideal solution) for fuzzy data, improved through the use of a tabu search meta-heuristic. A sensitivity analysis is also presented. Preliminary computational results clearly demonstrate the potential of the approach for practical application.