Abstract
This paper describes the methods and experiences of developing of an information system in an industrial innovation context. The case analysed respects to a system supporting quality management tasks of working teams in industrial companies, developed within a research & development EU funded project. The initial concept of the system is described first, followed by the way how requirements where elicited and structured and the system specified. Next, design and prototyping are analysed, detailing die end-users evaluation approach. Conclusions are drawn on the opportunities and difficulties od R&D involving industrial enterprises.

Abstract
Near field model predictions can be used to reduce the uncertainty about outfall sewage plume location during a monitoring mission. In this paper we present an innovative methodology that uses these models to predict the plume location, establishing a sensing strategy applicable to a monitoring mission using an AUV. The paper describes two applications that implement this methodology, accomplishing the automatic mission definition using real-time oceanographic data.

Abstract
In recent years, the ISO 9000 standard has experienced an extraordinary success. The number of certifications is still increasing worldwide and it is expected that this trend will last. In fact, ISO 9000 certification has become an important factor for doing business in the global market. However, there are many contradictory opinions regarding the real benefits of ISO registration. This paper contributes to this debate by empirically investigating the impact on the Portuguese stock market of achieving ISO 9000 certification. The analysis is based on the event study methodology. The findings suggest that the market positively anticipates the event. A favourable effect is also detected in achieving an early registration within the relevant sector or industry. A financial performance analysis covering a 5-year period centred on the year of the ISO 9000 certification was also carried out. The results suggest that the ISO 9000 certification have a powerful cost effect, decreasing the operating performance and the profitability in the year following the certification. Apparently, companies need one more year to recover those costs.

Abstract
The paper present a review of the brokerage function as it is defined within different Agile and/or Virtual Enterprise (A/V E) models throughout the literature, including the broker's function within the Broker function taxonomy, BM_Virtual Enterprise Architecture Reference Model, as well as their comparison. Many authors see a broker, and the corresponded brokerage function, as one of the principal agents, or a mechanism, for agility as well as for reconfigurability of the A/V E organization structure (by some authors the reconfigurability is the basic function of agility). However, the function of the broker, and its position in the AN E organizational structure, has been defined in different models ranging from entrepreneurship function, resource selection function, through scheduling function etc. The analysis shows that there is a great heterogeneity of the broker functions, or definitions.

Abstract
This paper introduces a new upper bound to the problem of fitting identical circles into a rectangle. This problem is usually referred to as the ‘cylinder packing problem’ or ‘cylinder palletization’. In practice, it arises when it is desired to maximize the number of cylindrical items packed in an upright position onto a rectangle/pallet. The upper bound developed consists in determining the reduced pallet area by deducting a lower bound for the unused pallet area from the total area of the pallet. The upper bound for the number of identical circles to pack into the pallet is computed by the ratio reduced pallet area/circle area. The results obtained for five distinct sets of problems are analyzed and compared with previous bounds found in the published literature. International Federation of Operational Research Societies 2001.

Abstract
This paper presents the requirements for an information system supporting the cooperation in networks of enterprises. First, these networks are characterised, focusing on the variable coupling of the participating enterprises and on the consequent needs of co-operation. Departing from those needs, the concept of an information system based on an architecture of agents is presented. A generic infrastructure to implement the system is outlined, including the main interaction scenarios. The next steps of this research work end the paper.