Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2023-07-03"
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- BP : responsible leadership at the core of an oil companyPublication . Estronca, Carolina Roseiro Maria Rodrigues; Cruz, Nuno Moreira daThis dissertation is a Case Study about British Petroleum (BP), a company that started as a great oil and gas producer and has transitioned to becoming a responsible energy company. The case study delves into various dimensions of responsible leadership at BP, including environmental sustainability, talent retention and development and appreciation towards its own employees, stakeholder engagement, and innovative initiatives. It uncovers the mechanisms employed by BP to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making throughout its operations. In this dissertation, the challenges encountered by BP in its journey toward responsible leadership are analyzed in detail. These include balancing profitability with environmental concerns, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and managing public perception. The thesis discusses how the company has approached these challenges and identifies areas for further improvement. The Literature Review focuses on the main topics related to the Case Study: responsible leadership, organizational culture, change management, and the shift in the energy sector. The Teaching Note offers an in-depth analysis of the case study’s main issues through assignment questions that help instructors prepare for the case discussion.
- Human image vs. human illustration : what increases social media advertising effectiveness?Publication . Rocha, Leonor do Nascimento; Pinto, Helena Sofia Silva Borges Salgado Fonseca Cerveira; Elmashhara, Maher GeorgesIn the social media advertising context, this study aims to investigate the effect of the presence of a Human Image (vs. a Human Illustration) on customer emotional responses (interest and enjoyment) and perceived credibility (attractiveness and trustworthiness), and how these triggered responses influence attitudes towards the ad and brand, and purchase intention. Across two experimental studies and one ad-based survey, this research demonstrates that the presence of a Human Image in a social media ad triggers more interest and credibility compared to the presence of a Human Illustration, while the latter produces higher levels of enjoyment. However, the results also reveal that only interest and trustworthiness will enhance purchase intention; the first directly, and the latter directly and indirectly via the attitude towards the brand. Based on the findings, we discuss the theoretical contributions and provide managerial implications on how to design more effective social media ads.
- The case of BMW in times of regulatory uncertaintyPublication . Pott, Jan-Henrik; Reis, Ricardo FerreiraThis case study examines BMW’s strategic responses to the proposed ban on internal combustion engines in the European Union by 2035 and the transition to electric mobility. It delves into BMW's response to the changing automotive market by studying the company's competitive environment, internal resources and capabilities, and strategic decisions while dissecting the external threats and opportunities stemming from the regulatory change. It highlights the importance of competitive advantages, dynamic capabilities, and strategic decisionmaking in rapidly changing market environments. Following the case, additional theoretical concepts are introduced. These ideas aid in a deeper comprehension of how to approach the case from a teaching standpoint and they highlight the different types of analysis that can be conducted. The study also features a section dedicated to resolution notes, which are the author's personal analyses, and these provide extra assistance to instructors.
- Digital transformation in Portuguese shadow education : the tutor perspectivePublication . Soares, Sofia Pereira Fontes Couto; Pinto, Helena Sofia Silva Borges Salgado Fonseca Cerveira; Ribeiro, Rita Moura Bastos de AlmeidaOften metaphorically called “shadow education”, the global private tutoring market was estimated to be valued at 146,1 billion dollars in 2022, making it a significant contributor to the economy. Despite this, there is a clear lack of literature on this topic. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns had a profound impact on society. Tutors were forced to adapt and provide online tutoring which accelerated digital transformation in this sector. However, it is still unclear what is happening post-pandemic, particularly in Portugal, where the government ignores this sector, and the literature is scarce. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the digital transformation of shadow education operations in Portugal, as well as its future implications. To better understand the problem at hand, a literature review was conducted, followed by a qualitative approach with 51 in-depth interviews with tutors providing tutoring services to secondary education students (nomenclature defined by UNESCO that includes “Ensino básico” and “Ensino secundário”). The findings demonstrate that COVID-19 accelerated the digital transformation in the shadow education sector in Portugal due to the forced adoption of online tutoring which required the use of new programs and software. Most of the tutors interviewed regard the digital transformation induced by COVID-19 as an ongoing process, with its impact limited by the negative performance of the schooling system during the lockdown period.
- The Ukraine war : a catalyst or a barrier to big oil’s green energy transition progress? A qualitative analysis based on insights from leading industry expertsPublication . Schäfer, David; Cruz, Nuno Moreira da24th of February 2022. Russia invades Ukraine and marks the beginning of a cruel war. As a result, the energy system got disrupted, and an energy crisis was triggered with multiple consequences for companies, governments, and society. Simultaneously, the consequences of the climate crisis are getting ever closer, and it is uncertain how the progress in the energy transition will behave in the current energy crisis and what consequences the war will have on it. This study aims to provide insights into how the Ukraine war influenced the green energy transition. While there is existing research on the subject from a policymaker's perspective, there is a lack of evidence from the company's point of view (which plays a significant role in the transition) that this paper aims to deliver. The overarching question that this paper answers is whether the Ukraine war led to an acceleration or deceleration of the green energy transition. To answer this question, interviews with leading industry experts from big energy companies and consultancies have been conducted along with an external view from scientist and IPCC lead author Bart van den Hurk. The key findings from these interviews provide a deep understanding of the perspective of energy companies on the influence of the war in both the short- and long term. These insights will allow companies and policymakers to enrich their strategic decision-making and strengthen their understanding of this dynamic and complex challenge.
- Editorial: images in movementPublication . Cordas, Ekaterina; Magno, SaraHow do we read images, and is “reading” the right word to describe the relation that we, as scholars, establish with our objects of analysis? What are the methods that can be applied to the study of moving images? This number of Diffractions has a story that began with these questions. This editorial presents contextualisation of the current issue of Diffractions and presents a theoretical entry into the articles and essays gathered in the publication.
- Untapped opportunities : an analysis of corporate-social enterprise partnerships in GermanyPublication . Knoth, Maxime Zoé Martine; Bicho, MartaThe benefits that commercial firms reap from collaborations with social enterprises are examined in this master thesis. The study examines the direct advantages of such cooperation from a business perspective, a relatively unexplored topic in prior research. It is accomplished by employing a qualitative research approach. 11 respondents, who represented various businesses involved in collaborations with social enterprises, were questioned in semi structured interviews. In addition, secondary data sources were used to supplement the interview findings. The response to the research question, "What benefits exist for multinational corporations that engage in partnerships with social enterprises," may be summed up in five categories. These include employee retention, brand perception, expansion of expertise, opportunities for mutual growth and problem-solving, and the enlargement of market coverage by developing new markets and acquiring new clients. By addressing this research gap, the study adds to the existing wealth of literature by providing information on the practical advantages of working with social enterprises from a commercial perspective. Additionally, it broadens the theoretical framework by offering a more in-depth comprehension of how businesses view and collaborate with social enterprises. A conceptual process model is set through to help companies to collaborate, make long-term planning more effortless, and pinpoint development opportunities. The study serves as a valuable resource for companies considering or currently engaged in partnerships with social enterprises. The findings shed light on the advantages, challenges, and potential avenues for maximizing the benefits derived from such collaborations.
- Melhoria da utilização da capacidade instalada : o caso do serviço de ambulatório do Centro Hospitalar Conde de FerreiraPublication . Mendes, Ana Clara da Rocha; Pinto, Helena Sofia Silva Borges Salgado Fonseca CerveiraEsta investigação centra-se na melhoria da utilização da capacidade instalada do ambulatório do Centro Hospitalar Conde de Ferreira. Neste sentido, pretende-se aumentar o número de consultas efetuadas, na especialidade de psiquiatria, e tratamentos realizados no Centro de Tratamento da Depressão. Como metodologia de investigação, optou-se pela elaboração de um caso de estudo de natureza descritiva. Tal permitiu caracterizar com algum detalhe esta unidade de saúde, bem como os serviços que iriam ser estudados. Considerando toda a análise efetuada, conclui-se que existia oportunidade para melhorar a utilização da capacidade instalada do ambulatório deste Centro Hospitalar. Assim, descreveram-se e analisaram-se os processos realizados, nos diversos serviços, com o intuito de identificar desperdícios e ineficiências. Relativamente às sugestões desenvolvidas, pensa-se que as que devem ser implementadas de imediato correspondem às propostas que mais impactam a atividade operacional dos psiquiatras. Deste modo, destaca-se o aumento da eficiência do sistema informático e a contratação do médico de medicina geral e familiar a tempo integral. Espera-se que esta investigação tenha um contributo positivo na melhoria contínua das operações hospitalares desta unidade de saúde e que permita otimizar a utilização da sua capacidade.
- HaaS : drivers that customers value in a smartphone subscription model basePublication . Bacalhau, João David Foto Barbosa; Rita, MiguelSubscription models are more and more well-liked by consumers as smartphone usage rises. For a smartphone subscription model program to maintain long-term client loyalty and profitability, it is crucial to comprehend the motivations that customers appreciate. The present paper aims to understand customers’ motivations in a smartphone subscription model. This paper investigates the factors that motivate consumers to subscribe to smartphone subscription models. Data was collected through surveys and in-depth interviews. The main goal of this research was to develop a thorough understanding of consumer values and preferences with regard to smartphones and potential future smartphone subscription models. The survey and interviews revealed information about the features and factors that customers value in smartphones and revealed their preferences for subscription-based business models. Through interviews and surveys, it uncovers key factors influencing consumer choices in the smartphone market and provides valuable insights into potential features of smartphone subscription models. According to the research, factors such as smartphone build quality, camera quality, and ecosystem compatibility have a big impact on buying decisions. In addition to appreciating the convenience and financial advantages of recurring upgrades without significant upfront costs, consumers value upgrade options and early access to new products. Competitive pricing and brand loyalty play crucial roles in selecting a smartphone subscription service.
- Multifunctional properties of PBAT with hemp (Cannabis sativa) micronised fibres for food packaging: cast films and coated paperPublication . Lamsaf, Hafsae; Singh, Srishti; Pereira, Joel; Poças, FátimaHemp (Cannabis sativa) stalk fibres from industry residues were incorporated into polybutylene adipate terephthalate, a synthetic biodegradable polyester, to produce films and paper coatings. The lignocellulosic components and the chemical composition of the fibres were analysed, and the results highlight the bioactivity due to cannabinoids, alkanoids, and lignin, among others, making the fibres attractive for active food packaging. The incorporation, without chemical modification, of 2% (w/w) hemp in the PBAT matrix increased the water vapour permeability of PBAT around 22%. The impact on mechanical properties was determined, and the results show that the PBAT/hemp film is less stretchable but stronger than the pure PBAT film. The incorporation of hemp enhanced significantly the compostability of PBAT. The PBAT/hemp films and paper coatings composted two times faster than those using pure PBAT.