Abstract
Nowadays, decision making is one of the most important and influential aspects of everyday life, and the application of metaheuristics and heuristics facilitates the process. Thus, this paper presents a performance analysis of the combination of constructive heuristics used to generate initial solutions for metaheuristics applied to scheduling problems. Namely, Nawaz, Enscore, and Ham Heuristic (NEH), Palmer Heuristic and Campbell, Dudek, and Smith Heuristic (CDS) with Cuckoo Search, Firefly Algorithm and Simulated Annealing. The aim is to compare the performance of these combinations to analyse the efficiency, effectiveness and robustness of each. All combinations were analysed in an in-depth computational study and then subjected to a statistical study to support an accurate analysis of the results. The results of the analysis show that the Firefly Algorithm associated with NEH, despite having a high runtime, performs better than the other combinations. However, the best effectiveness-efficiency ratio corresponds to SA-Palmer and SA-CDS.

Abstract
The intrinsic challenges of contemporary marketing encourage discovering new approaches to engage and retain customers effectively. As the main channels of interactions between customers and brands pivot between the physical and the digital world, analyzing the outcome behavioral patterns must be achieved dynamically with the stimulus performed in both poles. This systematic review investigates the collaborative impact of adopting multidisciplinary fields of Affective Computing to evaluate current marketing strategies, upholding the process of using multimodal information from consumers to perform and integrate Sentiment Analysis tasks. The adjusted representation of modalities such as textual, visual, audio, or even psychological indicators enables prospecting a more precise assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed technique, glimpsing future applications of Multimodal Artificial Intelligence in Marketing. Embracing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis as the research method to be applied, this article warrants a rigorous and sequential identification and interpretation of the synergies between the latest studies about affective computing and marketing. Furthermore, the robustness of the procedure is deepened in knowledge-gathering concerning the current state of Affective Computing in the Marketing area, their technical practices, ethical and legal considerations, and the potential upcoming applications, anticipating insights for the ongoing work of marketers and researchers.

Abstract
Over the past two decades, Digital Transformation (DT) has been focused on improving businesses, industries, and the general public through significant breakthroughs. This paper examines the significant developments brought forth by DT and how they impact organizations. This analysis explores the impact of Virtual Reality (VR) and the Metaverse on global businesses, taking inspiration from successful case studies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Meta. This study emphasizes the potential of virtual reality and the Metaverse in facilitating remote meetings, training employees, engaging with consumers, and gathering data. Case studies and strategic recommendations are offered for overcoming barriers to the adoption of these digital technologies. The study finishes by addressing the future trajectory of DT and emphasizing the significance of devoting time, commitment, and resources to effectively utilize the range of potential offered by VR and the Metaverse. It highlights the importance for organizations to comprehend and handle this ever-changing environment to remain at the forefront of the digital frontier.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the importance of Business Intelligence (BI) tools in the business context and the urgent need for more effective implementation of time series forecasting models in these resources. It shows the utility and applicability of Sage Enterprise Intelligence (SEI), an integrated BI tool in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Sage, by illustrating how it enhances data analysis and decision-making processes. Additionally, a study will show the application of time series forecasting models: Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and additive Holt-Winters to the sales value of a fuel sector company. The research was conducted through a case study in which sales data were collected from 2016 to 2023. The results indicate that neither of the two models exceeded the sales figures reflecting the company's market position. In this case study, both models performed well, with the residuals verifying the assumptions. However, the additive Holt-Winters model had lower errors, which is why it was selected for the final step: forecasting 12 months.

Abstract
VR (Virtual Reality) is a technology that has been gaining more and more traction over the years, with a market that keeps on increasing in size and great opportunities. This research aims to obtain a better grasp on how VR will impact the future of omnichannel marketing, with a focus on retail. Some businesses have already begun taking advantage of these technologies. They coordinate the integration of both physical and digital channels used to interact with customers in order to improve the customer experience. VR is one such channel, and it offers consumers a whole new way to do their shopping. As technology evolves, it is important that businesses and people stay informed in order to adapt to an ever-changing market. VR is an innovative technology that a lot of potential companies could take advantage of and even gain a competitive advantage over other businesses. Through VR people and businesses are able to access the metaverse. The metaverse is a digital world parallel to our own where customers can interact with brands and their virtual products. By interacting with a virtual version of a product, consumers will have a better grasp of the product they are interested in and make better decisions when purchasing the real one. This not only raises consumer satisfaction but could also be very useful. To fully grasp what VR is capable of, a literature review was performed to understand what VR is in fact and how the metaverse can be used. Finally, a Prisma systematic review will be presented with the research question “How VR will impact the future of omnichannel marketing?”. This was done in order to obtain unbiased data from which conclusions can be drawn. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
Remaining current with emerging trends and technologies is crucial for businesses to stay at the forefront, satisfy consumer demands, and maintain competitiveness. As marketing strategies such as phygital and omnichannel tactics continue to evolve, technologies like augmented reality are becoming increasingly relevant and disruptive. Augmented reality is an innovative technology that is currently revolutionizing omnichannel marketing strategies. It offers numerous opportunities in both the metaverse and phygital marketing, greatly improving the overall customer experience, increasing sale success rate, and improving brand image. A systematic review using PRISMA methodology incorporating a total of six studies explores augmented reality (AR) technology’s influence on omnichannel marketing strategies in the retail industry. The findings analyze AR, omnichannel marketing, and the metaverse in-depth, their interplay, and how they influence the customer journey, experience, and behavior. This study explores how to effectively integrate AR into omnichannel marketing for retail, emphasizing on harnessing synergies between channels and devising targeted strategies. Research gaps in the literature are identified and future steps to seamlessly integrate channels through AR technology in retail. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.