Abstract
There is currently an increasing interest in exploring the opportunities for competitive advantage that can be gained by reinforcing core competencies and innovative capabilities through networks of industrial and business partners. This paper firstly identifies some of the gaps that exist within current information systems that claim to support eBusiness and eWork in networked enterprises and describes some of the general requirements of distributed and decentralised information systems for companies operating in networks. It goes on to cover some principles for the design of a distributed IS providing an advanced infrastructure to support general co-operation, particular methodologies for co-operative and collaborative planning and guidelines for network set-up and support. The present work is one of the areas currently being delivered as part of the Europe-an IST consortium called Co-OPERATE. A distributed and decentralised information system, based on an architecture of agents and extensively using the internet, is being designed and implemented as a means to provide new and more powerful decision support tools for networked enterprises.

Abstract
This paper describes an approach to the technical and organisational design of networked (and virtual) enterprises using a social actors network perspective. The goal is to outline a set of methods, tools and models that support a more effective analysis, design, implementation and (re)configuration of of the organisational structure and information systems supportting networks of enterprises. This paper introduces the social actors network concept, as well as its principles and scope, The application of social actors network in the domain of networked/virtual enterprises is explained. The paper concludes with an example derived from the EU supported Co-Operate IST project.

Abstract
This paper proposes a first version of a conceptual framework based on Social Actors Networks (SAN) to support the process of creation and configuration of Networked and Virtual Enterprises (N/VE). The concept of SAN is explained and applied in the context of N/VE, highlighting the potential benefits in the analysis and specification of agent based information systems. This approach is partially being tested in a distributed Decision Support System, designed around a flexible and robust agent-based information system architecture.

Abstract
This paper describes an application of genetic algorithms to the bus driver scheduling problem. The application of genetic algorithms extends the traditional approach of Set Covering/Set Partitioning formulations, allowing the simultaneous consideration of several complex criteria. The genetic algorithm is integrated in a DSS but can be used as a very interactive tool or a stand-alone application. It incorporates the user's knowledge in a quite natural way and produces solutions that are almost directly implemented by the transport companies in their operational planning processes. Computational results with airline and bus crew scheduling problems from real world companies are presented and discussed.

Abstract
In this paper we present an information system architecture, addressing the needs of an advanced order planning system for industrial networked enterprises environments. Firstly, the general objectives of the system are described focusing on the relevant business processes identified. Then, the related general functionality (business solutions) of a distributed system supporting those processes is described, focusing on the particular case of order change acceptance. An agent based architecture supporting this business solution is outlined, emphasizing the agent framework and the legacy systems integration.

Abstract
A concept and tool to support the technical and organizational development activities in agile, integrated enterprises are described. The drawbacks of conventional simulation model construction are discussed and the requirements for a collaborative tool based on simulation and conceptual modelling are described. The theoretical foundations of this tool are explained, focusing on a technical and organizational ontology. The features of the resulting system concerning conceptual modelling are presented together with the criteria to evaluate alternative scenarios based on the socio-technical premises. Finally, a practical application of the prototype tool is described, showing the usefulness of such a system in industrial innovation processes.