Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2024-06-28"
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- Embodied nostalgia in the age of digitalizationPublication . Kovič, Amadea; Thaler, Miriam; Duffy, Emily Marie PassosNostalgia is a multimedia digital and on-site installation by the artist Rita Ravasco. The piece is part of Diffractions issue (8) on the topic of Nostalgia and funded by CECC. With her very own interpretation of nostalgia and memory, Rita Ravasco adds to the varied explorations and functions of this affective relationship with the past.
- Implementing artificial intelligence to promote sustainability efforts in manufacturing : a study of German SMEsPublication . Schönhofen, Theresa; Lancastre, FilipaThis study explores the trending topic sustainability and the rapidly developing technology artificial intelligence (AI). The research analyzes their influences on the implementation of AI for sustainability efforts in manufacturing in the context of German small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The potential of AI to increase sustainability performance in manufacturing is still underexplored, particularly in the German SME sector and requires therefore further research. A qualitative research approach was applied and data was collected by interviewing twelve industry experts and analyzed using Gioia's methodology. The study highlights both the drivers, such as competitive pressure and the challenges, such as a lack of expertise, faced by German SMEs. Furthermore, opportunities for actions are identified through the conducted research, for example, collaboration with other SMEs, which can facilitate the implementation of AI for sustainability. It reveals that the main driver for the adoption of AI for sustainability efforts is cost reduction in manufacturing through process optimization and resource efficiencies. The existing literature highlights the potential of sustainable manufacturing in combination with AI to optimize resources such as energy consumption or waste disposal. This research adds to the literature by identifying advanced environmental AI optimizations that traditional approaches cannot fully exploit due to their limitations. Therefore, manufacturers could leverage their environmental and economic efforts to the maximum. This study aims to be a useful reference for both industry practitioners aiming to leverage AI for enhanced sustainability and researchers studying the intersection of technology and environmental management.
- Exploring the intricacies of consumer perception : the alignment of cause and strategy in corporate social responsibilityPublication . Reimann, Leonie Carlotta; Moreira, SérgioThe purpose of this study is to test the intricacies of consumer sensitivity to the alignment or misalignment of a company's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy with its environmental impact and how this affects consumer perceptions and behavior in terms of brand attitude, consumer trust and purchase intention. The research was carried out on the example of Coca-Cola. Amidst increasing consumer awareness of corporate ethics and environmental impact, this research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing an online survey. Respondents were grouped into control, aligned, and misaligned categories exposing them to Coca-Cola CSR initiatives. The study revealed an improvement in brand attitude among consumers exposed to misaligned CSR information, suggesting that consumers respond more leniently to the complexity of CSR communications than anticipated. Consumer trust appeared robust against CSR misalignment, implying that deep-rooted brand relationships overshadow CSR messaging. Engagement in CSR was perceived positively, highlighting a general appreciation for CSR efforts over strategic fit. Interestingly, inconsistencies between Coca-Cola's environmental impact and CSR activities did not significantly impact purchase intentions, implying that brand loyalty or product satisfaction may have a stronger influence on purchasing decisions. The study suggests that consumers integrate CSR misalignments within a broader brand perception context. Limitations were sample representativeness and the challenge of separating CSR impact from existing brand perceptions, highlighting the complexity of consumer reactions to CSR. The findings underline the need for a comprehensive CSR strategy, communication approach, and its effect on consumer behavior.
- Innovative solution : unveiling the role of blockchain technology in green supply chain management : expert insightsPublication . Lorenzen, Lina Perette; Ferreira, Duarte CardosoThis thesis examines the potential of blockchain technology (BCT) in green supply chain management (GSCM) and how it can be implemented. It investigates the capabilities of BCT to overcome existing barriers in GSCM and improve its environmental performance (EP), thereby closing the current research gap. A qualitative research method was used to answer the research question (RQ). Thirteen semi-structured expert interviews were conducted and analyzed using Kuckartz's content structuring method to gain deep insights into the potential of BCT in GSCM. The results of the qualitative research shed new light on the drivers and barriers of GSCM identified in the literature. Additionally, the findings highlight the potential of BCT in GSCM as an enabler to overcome GSCM barriers, particularly in enhancing trust, fostering collaboration and improving data transparency between supply chain (SC) participants. This facilitates more efficient implementation and monitoring of environmental initiatives throughout the SC and ultimately leads to a positive EP. Furthermore, the findings of this thesis provide practical insights for companies interested in integrating BCT into their GSCM practices. It offers guidance on how to design the blockchain architecture. Additionally, this thesis gives an overview of the necessary technological and organizational requirements for a successful implementation. Finally, it addresses critical aspects of BCT, such as energy consumption and vulnerability to data manipulation, to provide clarity on these concerns.
- Felicidade, saúde mental e traços da personalidade no corpo da guarda prisionalPublication . Colejo, Raquel Sofia Cordeiro; Gonçalves, ArmandaO Corpo de Guardas Prisionais responsáveis por zelar pela segurança, pela prevenção na reincidência criminal, presenciam constantemente diversas situações problemáticas, tornando-os desta forma mais expostos a situações adversas colocando a sua saúde mental mais vulnerável. A escassez de estudos relativos a esta população, acentua a crucialidade desta investigação. O presente estudo teve como finalidade aferir os níveis de felicidade com a profissão, aferir a saúde mental e caraterizar os traços de personalidade, assim como o estudo da relação entre estas variáveis na classe profissional de Guardas Prisionais. Foi realizado o estudo de natureza quantitativa, no qual participaram 94 Guardas Prisionais que exercem funções em seis estabelecimentos prisionais do Norte do país, maioritariamente do sexo masculino (84%), com idade entre os 36 anos e os 62 anos (M=50.85; DP= 5.37). Recorreu-se ao Questionário de Felicidade Organizacional, Inventário de Saúde Mental e Big Five Inventory. Os traços de personalidade mais predominantes foram a Conscienciosidade (M=35.19; DP=3.94) e Amabilidade (M= 34.50; DP=3.41). Quanto à saúde mental, os participantes do estudo parecem apresentar níveis significativos de Ansiedade (M 4.20; DP=0.77). Quanto à Felicidade na Função verificou-se mais felicidade no Apoio das Chefias (M= 3.56; DP=1.11) menos felicidade relativamente à Remuneração (M= 2.63; DP=0.89). Relativamente à Felicidade na Organização, verificou-se uma associação positiva entre o Ambiente Interno e o Bem-estar Psicológico (r=0.36), simbolizando que os profissionais que se encontram mais felizes nesta vertente apresentam níveis mais elevados de Bem-Estar Psicológico. Quanto à Felicidade na Função, verificou-se uma associação positiva entre o Intraempreendedorismo e o Bem-Estar Psicológico (r=0.34), ou seja, os profissionais que se encontram mais felizes com o Intraempreendedorismo evidenciaram melhores níveis de Bem-Estar Psicológico. Em suma, é essencial investir em programas que visam a sensibilização e desmistificação da saúde mental no contexto prisional.
- Navigating climate-related risks in investment management of Norwegian equity fundsPublication . Bergsten, Ingrid; Acquier, AurélienThis thesis explores the significance and integration of climate-related risks in the investment management of Norwegian equity funds. As global temperatures continue to reach unprecedented levels, dynamic conditions characterized by high complexity and uncertainty pose significant challenges to long-term investment strategies. Extending the nascent literature on climate-related risk in finance, 12 semi-structured interviews with asset management professionals were conducted, investigating their perceptions of relevant climate-related risk factors in the Norwegian market as well as the approaches adopted to assess and manage these. The findings indicate that certain climate-related risks are significant, with a predominant emphasis on transition risks over physical risks. Climate regulations, market preferences, and reputational concerns emerge as key risk drivers, influenced by stakeholder interests. The temporal horizon within which climate-related risks are anticipated to affect valuations highlights vulnerabilities in climate incentives, prompting conventional fund managers to favor investments in brown sectors like oil and gas over green alternatives. However, identifying firms optimally positioned to navigate evolving conditions within their industries is linked to enhanced investment potential. We observe considerable variability in methods employed to assess and manage climate-related risks, extending beyond traditional investment approaches and ESG assessments. Challenges involve data access, reliability, and comparability, highlighting the need for improved industry standards and reporting methodologies. Tools for assessing valuation impacts in different climate scenarios are increasingly adopted, although active company engagement remains invaluable for informed investment decisions.
- The future of business valuation : how technological advancements are influencing the valuations industryPublication . Wolodko, Piotr; Rajsingh, PeterThis study explores the transformative impact of technological advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, on business valuations. With a focus on evolving dynamics within the valuations industry, this research examines how AI technologies, such as Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), are reshaping traditional valuation methodologies. It also considers stakeholders' concerns, including regulatory challenges and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. Through an abductive, deductive, and inductive research approach, this study incorporates qualitative primary data from expert interviews and supportive secondary data from industry reports and academic literature. The findings indicate that AI enhances the efficiency and accuracy of financial modelling, peer selection, and qualitative assessments. However, it also introduces complexities related to model transparency and bias, necessitating scrutiny by valuation professionals. The research highlights the critical role of continuous improvement and training in adapting to these technological shifts. Moreover, it underscores the importance of data disclosure and transparency in enhancing the reliability of valuations. Study concludes that the future of business valuations lies in a hybrid approach, where AI-driven tools augment, rather than replace, human expertise. This approach promises to enhance valuation practices by providing deeper insights and improving decision-making processes. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities presented by AI and automation, the valuations industry can achieve a greater performance and maintain credibility in a rapidly evolving market. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to navigate the future of business valuations amidst technological advancements and shifting industry standards.
- Navigating digital transformation : nexus of organizational culture & key success factorsPublication . Dias, Diogo; Ferreira, Duarte CardosoDigital transformation is a major focus for organizations in the evolving business landscape. Digital transformation is high on the agenda of most organizations in the current dynamic business environment. Against this background, this research aims to explore the link between Organizational Cultural Values and the Key Success Factors of digital transformation efforts. The Competing Values Framework (CVF) provided the theoretical underpinning for this study, and which categorizes culture as Clan, Adhocracy, Market and Hierarchy. A mixed-method approach including a Delphi study and a cross-sectional survey were conducted and reveal that Clan and Adhocracy have a positive impact on the success of digital transformation efforts. The findings further show that the Key Success Factors influencing digital transformation efforts include business and IT alignment, agile management, and employee training. On the other hand, Hierarchical culture, characterized by rigidity and formalization, negatively affects these factors. Market culture which is driven by competition and goal orientation had a moderate positive impact. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence that supports the importance of Clan and Adhocracy cultures to successful digital transformation. From a managerial perspective, this research recommends that organizations seeking to transform digitally to develop these two cultures by encouraging collaboration, trust, teamwork, and innovation. Aligning digital strategies with cultural values, developing digital leaders, encouraging multi disciplinary teamwork, and investing in continuous employee development are vital for building digital capabilities and ensuring transformation success.
- Robotic-assisted surgery in healthcare institutions : assessing benefits, obstacles, and implementation success factorsPublication . Andriollo, Giada; Lancastre, FilipaThis thesis investigates the barriers hindering the further implementation of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in healthcare institutions, focusing on benefits and challenges. Analysing this topic is important because it provides critical information on how technological innovations can improve healthcare industry, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and effective operations. The Gioia methodology, which provides a systematic and reliable approach to understanding the complex dynamics involved in adopting RAS, has been used for rigorous data analysis. Several key findings were derived through 16 in-depth, qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals. This study provides novel contributions by highlighting significant barriers related to staff training and education in implementing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). These bottlenecks lead to inefficiencies within surgical teams and hospital operations, influencing the perception of RAS as complex and difficult to use without adequate training. Additionally, the study identifies financial constraints, logistical challenges, and the need for tailored operating environments as major obstacles. Despite the initial high costs, the long-term economic benefits of RAS can be significant, yet these are often underutilized due to inadequate staff training and resource allocation. Furthermore, the study confirms previous research on the benefits of RAS, such as improved patient outcomes, surgical precision, and operational efficiency. In summary, the future of robotic surgery depends on addressing training and educational gaps, continuously evolving skills, and effectively integrating new technologies into medical practices. Institutions that are ready to adapt and evolve will likely harness the full potential of RAS, improving patient care and operational efficiency.
- Os frades dominicanos na resistência à ditadura brasileira (1964-1985) : entre a fé e a militância políticaPublication . Cabrita, André Cruz Gamboa; Fontes, Paulo Fernando de OliveiraA presente dissertação insere-se no âmbito da História Religiosa, da Teologia Histórica e da Teologia Política e aborda uma temática relativamente pouco estudada em Portugal: a Teologia da Libertação. Apresenta três evidentes vetores de abordagem: a História, a Teologia e a Política. Pretende refletir teologicamente sobre o papel crucial da Ordem dos Pregadores (Dominicanos) na resistência à ditadura civil-militar brasileira (1964-1985). Para tal reflexão, foram tidos em conta, essencialmente, três aspetos, que se interligam profundamente: 1) o processo de latino-americanização do II Concílio Ecuménico do Vaticano, 2) o contexto geral ao qual está associado o surgimento da Teologia da Libertação (internamente diversificada) e 3) a articulação entre a dita Igreja Popular e a Revolução Social.
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