Abstract
Customers gain their own experiences and knowledge through using products or services. This knowledge is recognized as one of the most important competitive resources for the companies in recent years. However the models were introduced in the literature for customer knowledge management (CKM) focused on the human based interaction with customers to exchange the knowledge. The aim of this paper is to propose the applicability of agents in knowledge exchange between customers and companies. Autonomy, reactivity and pro activity of agents aid CKM to response the customers as quickly as possible and to customize their services for individuals. The abilities of agents cover the requirements of CKM models. An introductory model is proposed to show the abilities of agents in CKM system. A comparison between agents' abilities and CKM is provided as final goal of this paper. Copyright © (2008) by Computers & Industrial Engineering.

Abstract
In recent years optimization of fuzzy controllers has been widely considered by researchers, especially using genetic algorithms. Genetic supervisory fuzzy (GSF) control architecture for multi-part-Type production line is proposed in this paper. GSF control architecture composed of two layer controller. In first layer heuristic distributed fuzzy (HDF) controllers has been used to control each machine separately, while GSF controllers has been used in second layer. GSF controllers tune the decisions made by HDF controllers, based on overall conditions of production system. Genetic algorithm (GA) is used to adapt the membership functions of fuzzy supervisory controllers, to improve the performance of such controllers. The overall objective is to control the production rate in a way that satisfies the demand for final products while keeping minimum work-in-process (WIP) and backlog within the production system. GA is used to minimize costs of WIP and backlog. The results show that in most of the cases GSF outperform the conventional supervisory controllers. Copyright© (2008) by Computers & Industrial Engineering.

Abstract
The elimination of international trade barriers, lower tariffs, and shifting centers of global manufacturing and consumption leads to new dynamics in intermodal shipping. Advanced technologies, and in particular, automated storage/retrieval systems (AS/RSs) for designing high-capacity automated container terminals, have been recently proposed as possible candidates for improving the terminal's efficiency and meeting the challenges of the future in marine transportation. In this article, the authors present an analytical statistical model for computing expected cycle time of split-platform AS/RS (SP-AS/RS), in order to reduce average handling time of this system. The accuracy of the proposed statistical model is validated by Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the analytical model is reliable for the design and analysis of the SP-AS/RS.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract
This paper explores the development of long-term, close relationships that are likely to influence the relationship between Transnational Corporations (TNCs) affiliates and their local suppliers. Based on the interdependencies between six industrial foreign subsidiaries and 26 local suppliers, it is possible to conclude that the complementarity between local suppliers and their TNC clients depends on two dynamics: • on the technological trajectory created by the supplier towards the upper steps of the technological competence • on the technological trajectory created by the transmissive capacity of the TNC client that helps their suppliers on their organisational transformation. © 2008, Inderscience Publishers.