This book contains the proceeding of the 26th International Conference on Production Research (ICPR). ICPR is a biennial conference that has been hosted for more than a half century. It is regarded worldwide as one of the leading conferences of production research, industrial engineering, and related subjects. The acute impact of the pandemic on human lives is spurring further research and advances: because modern life relies on production and supply networks. The future of production calls for transformative research exploiting the possibilities of artificial intelligence in particular to respond to the challenge of sustainability. This book is of interest to researchers, students, and professionals in industry.

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of the historical and contemporary challenges in systems collaboration and integration. This exceptional book delves into engineering design, planning, control, and management, offering invaluable insights into the evolving nature of systems and networks. In an era defined by the ongoing cyber and digital transformation, coupled with artificial intelligence and machine learning, this book offers insights into the future of systems collaboration and integration. Over the past three decades, the PRISM Center and its affiliated PRISM Global Research Network (PGRN) have spearheaded pioneering theories, technologies, and applications in the realm of systems collaboration and integration. Their research, driven by the motto “Knowledge through information; Wisdom through collaboration,” has yielded remarkable advancements. Those achievements and papers presented and updated by the PGRN scholars in the 26th ICPR are included in this book.

Collaboration between those working in product development and production is essential for successful product realization. The Swedish Production Academy (SPA) was founded in 2006 with the aim of driving and developing production research and higher education in Sweden, and increasing national cooperation in research and education within the area of production. This book presents the proceedings of SPS2024, the 11th Swedish Production Symposium, held from 23 to 26 April 2024 in Trollhättan, Sweden. The conference provided a platform for SPA members, as well as for professionals from industry and academia interested in production research and education from around the world, to share insights and ideas. The title and overarching theme of SPS2024 was Sustainable Production through Advanced Manufacturing, Intelligent Automation and Work Integrated Learning, and the conference emphasized stakeholder value, the societal role of industry, worker wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, in alignment with the European Commission's vision for the future of manufacturing. The 59 papers included here were accepted for publication and presentation at the symposium after a thorough review process. They are divided into 6 sections reflecting the thematic areas of the conference, which were: sustainable manufacturing, smart production and automation, digitalization for efficient product realization, circular production, industrial transformation for sustainability, and the integration of education and research. Highlighting the latest developments and advances in automation and sustainable production, the book will be of interest to all those working in the field.

This book consists of the papers accepted after a careful review process at an international scientific meeting where the latest developments on intelligent and fuzzy systems are presented and discussed. The latest developments in both the theoretical and practical fields of the new fuzzy set extensions have been prepared by expert researchers. Contributed by participants from more than 40 different countries, this book is also a useful resource in terms of showing the levels that fuzzy and intelligent systems have reached in various countries of the world. The intended readers are intelligent and fuzzy systems researchers, lecturers, M.Sc., and Ph.D. students studying fuzzy sets and artificial intelligence. The book covers fuzzy logic theory and applications, heuristics, and metaheuristics from optimization to machine learning, from quality management to risk management, making the book an excellent source for researchers.

Amidst the relentless pace of the contemporary business landscape, information technology (IT) projects grapple with an escalating challenge — the need to deliver solutions swiftly, adapt to evolving customer demands, and create value within the ever-shifting dynamics of the market. In this demanding environment, the traditional project management paradigms often fall short, necessitating a shift towards methodologies that embody flexibility, customer collaboration, and iterative development. Herein lies the crux of the issue faced by modern IT projects. Practical Approaches to Agile Project Management is a guide in the tumult of IT project complexities. This book provides a comprehensive solution to the complexities of contemporary project management by delving into topics such as alternative pricing models and the alignment of organizational cultures in IT partnerships, making it an indispensable resource for professionals, academics, and students navigating the domains of business, information technology, or project management. Primarily aimed at IT professionals involved in project management and service delivery, this book caters to a broad spectrum of individuals, including IT Project Managers, Consultants, Entrepreneurs, and Executives at IT Service Firms. Additionally, it extends its value to Business Leaders undertaking IT-enabled transformations and Academic Researchers delving into the intersection of agile methodologies and IT service delivery. From prioritization strategies for IT Project Managers to frameworks for consultants, entrepreneurs, and executives, this book addresses the diverse needs of its readership, offering practical, evidence-based insights to optimize IT service delivery across various organizational contexts.

The digital revolution has brought about a significant shift in the business landscape, making it crucial for organizations to adapt and leverage transformative technologies. However, many businesses struggle to effectively harness the potential of these technologies, hindering their success in the era of digital transformation. Moreover, the pressing need for sustainability adds another layer of complexity to this challenge, requiring businesses to develop innovative models that address both digital transformation and sustainability. Building Smart and Sustainable Businesses With Transformative Technologies by Hamed Nozari offers a comprehensive solution to this pressing problem. With expertise in business management, Nozari provides invaluable insights for academic scholars, students, and professionals on integrating digital transformation and sustainability in business models. By exploring key dimensions, components, and indicators that shape digital businesses in the age of transformative technologies, readers are equipped with practical strategies and approaches. Covering topics such as digital supply chain management, smart production, and the utilization of emerging technologies, the book offers a holistic understanding of thriving in the digital era while addressing sustainability challenges. Nozari's comprehensive analysis and expertise inspire innovative thinking, enabling individuals to develop resilient and future-proof business models. With this transformative guide, scholars, students, and professionals have the necessary resources to drive meaningful change and create smart, sustainable businesses.

This book provides holistic guidance and proposes practical frameworks to navigate complex learning environments in the rapidly evolving climate, and an environment to facilitate effective learning and knowledge transfer, while advocating a shift in the learning culture, and culture of learning, in varying contexts. It serves well for varying and cross-disciplinary clusters of individuals, particularly for academics, senior management of higher education institutions, and senior leaders of corporate organizations. This book equips readers with a deeper understanding of the evolving and dynamic issues that need to be addressed in the higher education context; to handle multifaceted situations in the process of engaging University students to be nurtured as future global leaders and knowledge workers.