Abstract
Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to characterize the knowledge flow between companies and universities based on national and sectoral systems of innovation perspective. It is argued here that high-tech sectors can describe a knowledge flow mainly based on scientific research, while sectors with lower technological impact may establish relations based on technical needs.Design/methodology/approach– A case study research was conducted in the horticulture and aerospace sectors in Brazil. Thirteen interviews were performed with chief executive officer’s and academic researchers from both fields.Findings– Results demonstrated differences in technology development and knowledge infrastructure when comparing both sectors, reflecting the impacts of national and sectoral systems of innovation. The horticulture sector presented technological limitations due to restricted eating habits, logistics, knowledge development at universities and difficulties on the establishment of partnerships between local companies and Embrapa, the main public research centre. Such restrictions limit academic activities while companies look for research partnerships abroad. Space industry also has limited technological development due to international embargoes and lack of research alignment between companies and universities. Companies end up developing research activities internally, usually funded by governmental tenders.Research limitations/implications– The horticulture sector has limitations, as it is not the main agriculture area in science and technology applications. Future studies may analyse areas like soy beans, sugar cane and coffee, which may present differences specially regarding sectoral systems of innovation.Originality/value– The finding of this paper may influence the review of sectoral innovation policies, improving the development of local research activities which may be a source of valuable knowledge to companies. It also demonstrates the importance of the knowledge flow to improve sector’s technology level.

Abstract
Objective - The purpose of this paper is to build a framework for an international outsourcing process in the apparel industry that can serve to support managerial decisions and actions regarding outsourcing choices and implementation. Design/methodology/approach - We developed of a straightforward and flexible framework describing the main stages of the international outsourcing process and its main activities with application in the context of the apparel industry. A case study approach was adopted with primary data collected through in-depth interviews and secondary data aggregated from company reports and documents. Theoretical foundation - Some research gaps in the outsourcing literature and most specifically on the matter of international outsourcing were identified by Hatonen and Eriksson (2009) and Kakabadse and Kakabadse (2000), among others. Specifically, these authors claim that there is not enough research on developing and offering decision models, tools or guidelines to support managerial decisions with the appropriate empirical evidence. This study aims to address this gap. Findings - We found that the international outsourcing process can be described using the proposed framework. Apparel companies can use this framework to support and supervise international outsourcing processes. Practical implications - This study provides a simple model that can help companies in the apparel industry to enhance their outsourcing activities and operations, and also contributes to a broader academic understanding of the matter.

Abstract
In this paper, we present Social Network-based Education (SNE) and Learning Factory (LF) as emergent forms of education and training, including their application for the field of Quality Management. This novel learning method has some features of education 3.0 paradigm since participants have freedom to choose what, how and when to learn, as well with whom they coloborate. The actors, students and teachers, form a network, in which the network structure, communication, learning process and behavior exibit features of a social network. The training program content consists of a set of assignments (tasks) that are launched and realized in a crowdsourcing manner. The SNE and LF methodology was applied at the University of Minho in the Integrated Master on Industrial Engineering and Management course for different curricular units, including Quality Management. Within the concepts refered above, the set of assignments implemented for education and training for the field of Quality Management is also presented.

Abstract
This paper presents a framework for simulator development for fixed horizon, rolling horizon and real time management models for their modelling and evaluation in ubiquitous production networks under conditions of dynamic environments for economic and environmental sustainability.

Abstract
The present invention is directed to manufacturing, wherein each component of the outsourced process and system can be remotely controlled in decentralized manufacturing process, integrating resources and stakeholders in a global chain, that utilizes ubiquitous computing systems virtual and networked enterprises concepts, for anywhere-anytime control. Experiment involved 68 subjects, Serbian students that have used the interface for remote collaborative control to control CNC machine located in Portugal. Usability evaluation measures of the distributed remote user controlled manufacturing system, such as percentage of task completed, its accuracy and time to complete task, are measured on two types of "client" user interface ("Wall" and "Window"), in two modes of presentation (desktop and video beam), working individually or in small collaborative group consisted of two persons, results were statistically tested. Percentage of task completed is equal for both types of interfaces, while accuracy of task is significantly better for "Wall" interface. Time of task execution is longer for individuals when desktop is used comparing to video beam. There exist significant differences when work is conducted in groups via video beam and time is longer when desktop is used. Also, work time is longer with "Wall" interface. When working in group, work time is shorter than the time when working individually, whereby the working time on desktop is longer than on the video beam. Also, the time is longer when working individually using video beam, using "Wall" interface on desktop, and "Window" interface on video beam. These results show that group work consumes less time in most working options, giving the best results when working in collaborative small group on "Wall" interface via video beam. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Abstract
In this paper, smart objects embedded production and quality management functions are proposed, to promote accurately support decision-making processes, from the shop floor level up to higher decision-making levels. The proposed functions contribute for different kind of problems solving in production and quality management, such as production planning and control, scheduling, factory supervision, real-time data acquisition and processing, and real-time decision making. The web access at different middleware devices and tools, at different decision levels, along with the use of integrated algorithms and tools, embedded in smart objects, promotes conditions for better decision-making for optimized use of knowledge and resources in production systems. The relevance of the proposed smart objects embedded production and quality management functions has been validated positively in a manufacturing company.