R - Dissertações de Mestrado / Master Dissertations
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- A (des)conformidade do consentimento do Cookie Banner com o RGPD : análise das práticas utilizadas pelos websites e possíveis soluçõesPublication . Coelho, Ana Beatriz Corredoura; Confraria, JoãoThe General Data Protection Regulation, Regulation 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of April 27, 2016, applicable from May 25, 2018, is mandatory in all its elements and directly applicable to all member states. According to this Regulation, it is the legal responsibility of website operators to ensure that user’s personal data is collected and stored legally. One of the most common ways of sharing, collecting and storing personal data is through cookies, the so-called cookie banner. The General Data Protection Regulation requires that a website only collect personal data from users who have given their prior, free, specific, informed and unequivocal consent, for the specific purposes of its use. Therefore, it is imperative to understand data protection and electronic privacy laws, in order to legally adapt the use of this mechanism.
- A avaliação de desempenho como um fator decisivo no processo de retenção de talentosPublication . Adriano, Aguinaldo Pedro Adão; Ribeiro, Célia dos Prazeres; Sobral, Sandrina RamosIn an organizational scenario marked by a growing shortage of strategic skills, the intensification of professional mobility, and the need to consolidate management practices based on transparency and the appreciation of human capital, talent retention plays a crucial role in the sustainability of organizations. In this context, performance evaluation goes beyond its traditional control function, establishing itself as a strategic instrument capable of significantly influencing employee commitment and retention. Thus, this dissertation aims to understand the relationship between employees' perceptions of performance evaluation and talent retention in organizations, analyzing to what extent this process, when conducted fairly, transparently, and aligned with organizational and individual objectives, contributes to the intention to remain. The research followed a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational approach, applied to a nationally present food retail chain, not identified for confidentiality reasons. Data collection involved 60 employees from different roles and hierarchical levels, using a structured questionnaire that included scales of organizational justice, feedback, satisfaction with the evaluation process, and intention to remain. Statistical analysis included descriptive measures, Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients, internal consistency tests (Cronbach's α), verification of normality and homogeneity assumptions, as well as mediation and moderation analyses, allowing for a rigorous assessment of the relationships between variables. The results revealed that the perception of organizational justice in the evaluation process is the most determining factor in the intention to remain, showing that clear criteria, procedural stability, and transparent communication favor organizational commitment. The research also demonstrated that the quality, clarity, and regularity of feedback significantly influence satisfaction with the evaluation process, strengthening trust between employee and organization. The transparency of the criteria and the alignment between actual performance and recognition emerge as critical dimensions for the credibility of the evaluation system. The moderation analysis confirmed that satisfaction with the evaluation process intensifies the impact of perceived performance on the intention to remain, reinforcing that employees who feel properly recognized demonstrate greater motivation and less predisposition to turnover. It was also found that the evaluation system is more effective when designed in a participatory way, allowing the employee to understand objectives, expectations, and areas for development. In short, the results confirm that performance evaluation, when oriented towards fairness, effective communication, and continuous development, constitutes a strategic instrument for talent retention. In addition to contributing to the national literature by empirically validating the relationship between organizational justice, feedback, satisfaction, and intention to remain, the study presents relevant practical implications, recommending the adoption of consistent, transparent, and integrated evaluation models in professional development policies. This evidence reinforces the need for organizations to implement continuous feedback systems, invest in the training of evaluators, and ensure coherence between individual and organizational objectives, thus consolidating sustainable human capital management practices.
- A eclesiologia batismal do Concílio Vaticano IIPublication . Vieira, Miguel Francisco; Freitas, Tiago André Fernandes deThis dissertation in Theology explores the baptismal dimension as the foundation of ecclesiology and ecclesial praxis. Inspired by the pastoral theme proposed by Bishop José Ornelas for the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima — “Through Baptism we are a living and pilgrim Church” — and by the synodal process promoted by Pope Francis, it seeks to show that Baptism is the root of ecclesial communion, participation, and mission. The analysis of ecclesiological development between the First and Second Vatican Councils, with a particular focus on paragraph 10 of Lumen Gentium, reveals that the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial priesthood, though distinct in essence, both share in the one priesthood of Christ. This relationship expresses the structure of ecclesial communion and restores to Baptism its central place as the source of dignity and co-responsibility within the Church. The study concludes that synodality represents the contemporary expression of baptismal ecclesiology, calling the Church to live as a communion of the People of God on the way, where all the baptized actively participate in the life and mission of the Church.
- Solidariedades rompidas : (da terra para a terra). Um estudo exegético-teológico de Gn 2, 4b - 3, 24.Publication . Raiton, Yessé António; Correia, João Alberto SousaThis dissertation is an exegetical-theological study of Gen 2:4b-3:24. It proposes an in depth reading of the second account of creation and the fall, placing it in the context of biblical traditions and the Ancient Near East. The research starts from the recognition that the narrative of Gen 2:4b-3:24 does not intend to offer a scientific explanation of origins, but rather a theological and anthropological reflection on the human condition, its fundamental relationships and the presence of evil in the world. The study analyzes the literary composition of the text and its main symbols - the garden, the dust, the serpent, the tree of knowledge and the expulsion - interpreting them in the light of the biblical categories of covenant, freedom and responsibility. Man is presented as a creature molded from the dust of the earth and animated by the divine breath, called to live in communion with God, with others and with creation. However, disobedience breaks this network of solidarity, causing disorder and suffering, without eliminating the merciful presence of God, who continues to care for his creatures. The dissertation also develops a dialogue between the biblical text and the Mesopotamian creation myths, showing how Genesis reworks ancient traditions, giving them a new and monotheistic theological meaning. Instead of a man created to serve the gods, the biblical account presents the human being as God's partner, guardian of the earth and responsible for its fruitfulness. From a theological point of view, the narrative reveals a God who creates out of love and who, even in the face of human infidelity, maintains his fidelity and promises redemption. From an anthropological point of view, the text presents man as a relational, free and limited being, whose greatness and fragility are intertwined in history. The final reflection proposes an updated reading of the story, placing it on the horizon of integral ecology: the rupture with God and with one's neighbour inevitably leads to the rupture with the earth. Recovering the sense of creation as a gift and of the earth as a common home is therefore a condition for restoring broken solidarities and rediscovering harmony between God, humanity and the cosmos.
- Do high touch ao high-tech : perceções dos profissionais de relações públicas sobre a influência da inteligência artificial generativa na produtividade em agências de comunicaçãoPublication . Guerreiro, Beatriz Zimbarra Gomes; Caldeira, Naíde Feijó Muller CajadoThis dissertation analyzes how Public Relations professionals in communication agencies in Portugal perceive the adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) and to what extent they associate it with productivity (efficiency/effectiveness, time management, and output quality). Based on the idea that high-tech (GAI tools) only creates sustainable value when combined with high-touch (human judgment, creativity, ethics, and client relationships), the study examines where AI accelerates work and where human intervention is irreplaceable. With two objectives – (i) to explore the experiences and perceptions of GAI usage in daily tasks and (ii) to understand its perceived impact on productivity – an exploratory mixed-methods design was adopted, combining seven semi structured interviews with senior professionals, documentary analysis of six reports, and an online questionnaire survey (30 responses). The results indicate that GAI is primarily associated with gains in speed during the stages of idea generation, assisted research, synthesis, and initial text drafting, allowing for “doing more in less time.” However, it requires human supervision to ensure quality, contextual appropriateness for the client, and to check for biases. No consistent changes were observed in the strategic metrics used in agencies, indicating an embryonic scenario in the definition of KPIs for AI. The need for training (AI literacy, verification/quality criteria) and concerns regarding ethical governance (usage transparency, data, and authorship) emerged, alongside mixed feelings of trust/anxiety. It is concluded that the high-tech/high-touch balance materializes in hybrid workflows: AI supports repetitive tasks and project kick-offs, while human judgment drives strategy, creativity, relationships, and ethical responsibility. It is recommended to adopt internal usage policies, editorial validation standards, continuous training plans, and KPIs that simultaneously capture efficiency and relational quality.
- Do vegan labels shape consumer perceptions? : evidence from an experimental studyPublication . Minks, Julia; Braga, João NizaThis master thesis explores the impact of vegan labeling on consumer perceptions. With vegan products moving from niche to mainstream, vegan labels have become an essential means of communicating product attributes and guiding consumer choice. Drawing on heuristic– systematic processing, attribution theory, and the Persuasion Knowledge Model, this study investigates whether vegan labels influence perceptions of calories, price, naturalness, and trust, whether such effects depend on the perceived intention behind a product9s vegan status, and how these judgments translate into behavioral intentions. A 2×2 between-subjects online experiment (N = 140) tested label presence (with vs. without vegan label) and product intentionality (intentional vs. unintentional) across three food categories. No significant main effects emerged in the full sample, and intentionality did not moderate outcomes. However, analyses of participants who correctly recognized the label condition (N = 126) revealed effects: vegan-labeled products were perceived as less caloric, while initial shifts in trust and environmental friendliness weakened once individual differences were considered. Across outcomes, dietary orientation and vegan familiarity emerged as strong predictors. Exploratory analyses further showed that behavioral intentions were driven mainly by taste expectations, with naturalness and, under label recognition, health perceptions playing smaller roles. These findings suggest that vegan labels act as weak heuristic cues, shaping judgments only under conscious recognition, with individual characteristics exerting influence. Theoretically, this refines understanding of labeling boundaries and underscores the role of consumer characteristics. For managers, it implies that vegan labels should be integrated into broader communication strategies rather than relied upon alone.
- Como o branding das marcas de camiões afeta a decisão do compradorPublication . Pinheiro, Rodrigo Furtado; Figueiredo, Vítor Manuel Pinto de; Passos, Clotilde Maria PaulinoNowadays, brand image is a crucial and impactful factor in the competitiveness of companies. It constitutes a fundamental strategic asset for companies, as it influences consumer perception, reinforces their identity in the market and contributes to the creation of value and loyalty of the target audience. The general objective of the study is to evaluate whether the brand image of trucks has an impact on the decision-making process of purchasing trucks by the transporter, as well as to understand the main factors that affect this decision. The research is based on a quantitative approach, the population under study are Portuguese companies that transport goods by land. The instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire survey. The results show that brand image and advertising investment, although they have some influence, are not the main factors in the decision to purchase trucks. Brand loyalty, when present, is associated with a greater willingness to pay premium prices, but this loyalty appears to be built on functional and operational factors rather than symbolic attributes. The study is exploratory and relevant in terms of the freight transport sector in Portugal, contributing useful information for businesspeople in the sector with learning about the habits and decision-making factors for purchasing new transport equipment in these companies.
- O contributo da ISO 22000 para a segurança na cadeia de abastecimento alimentarPublication . Correia, Tiago Miguel Costa; Passos, Clotilde Maria Paulino; Pereira, Paulo Jorge de AlmeidaFood safety represents a strategic and increasingly relevant domain at the global level, reflecting a cross-cutting concern that involves governments, industries, and consumers alike. The complexity of supply chains and the globalization of markets have reinforced the need for effective management systems that ensure food safety and consumer confidence. The main objective of this dissertation is to analyze the contribution of ISO 22000 to enhancing safety within the food supply chain, assessing its impacts on certified organizations in Portugal. It
seeks to understand how the adoption of this standard promotes operational efficiency, legal compliance, business competitiveness, and consumer trust, while identifying the motivations, benefits, and challenges associated with the certification process. The research encompasses both theoretical and empirical components. The theoretical section presents an in-depth literature review addressing the evolution of food safety, the role of international standards, and the integration of ISO 22000 with other management systems. The empirical component, based on a quantitative approach, draws upon data from the Portuguese Accreditation Institute (IPAC) and questionnaires administered to certified entities, enabling the identification of key drivers, constraints, and perceived benefits arising from the implementation of the standard. The findings reveal that ISO 22000 certification contributes to improved process efficiency, enhanced traceability, risk reduction, and the strengthening of an organizational culture focused on quality and prevention. It is concluded that the ISO 22000:2018 standard constitutes a strategic management, competitiveness, and sustainability tool that reinforces trust, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes public health protection within the Portuguese agri-food sector. - Managing the “fiber market rollercoaster” : strategic adaptation during the 4G to 5G transitionPublication . Repp, Niklas Benedikt; Cardeal, NunoRapid changes in demand during the 4G to 5G transition reshaped the global optical-fiber value chain, triggering oversupply, price collapses, and sharp regional asymmetries. This dissertation investigates how “HCV” (an anonymized global producer of high-purity synthetic quartz glass preforms) navigated the 2014 - 2023 “fiber market rollercoaster” and rebuilt competitiveness after the downturn. The extensive research review includes the frameworks of crisis and crisis management, the PESTEL analysis as well as established theories of core rigidies and dynamic capabilities in order to build a solid base for examining the case. Methodologically, the case study was developed from semi-structured executive interviews enhanced with internal and external secondary sources. Viewed through Barreto’s dynamic capabilities lens, the case shows a firm strengthening its problem-solving potential across four fronts: sensing shifts in markets and risk, making timely choices, keeping decisions market-oriented, and deliberately changing its resource base. By institutionalizing these pillars HCV reprioritized cash and customers, upgraded processes, and reconfigured assets. The organization converted disruption into renewed competitiveness, with faster execution, lower unit costs, and a more resilient revenue mix. The dissertation concludes with teaching notes that integrate the research note and the case, enabling instructors to guide discussion on crisis, strategic adaptation and dynamic capabilities.
- Focus shift : from expertise to automation? : the impact of generative AI on management consulting workflowsPublication . Schmidt, Maximiliane; Andersen, EspenThis thesis examines GenAI’s impact on management consulting workflows, highlighting significant shifts in focus, time, and required skills while maintaining the importance of human expertise. These dynamics were analyzed through 12 qualitative interviews with industry consultants from Germany and Austria at various positions, across different consulting expertise, experience, and companies. This analysis shows that, when used correctly, GenAI can significantly enhance efficiency, especially during early problem-solving, particularly in automating routine tasks like research, knowledge synthesis, and drafting content. Partial automation of routine tasks allows consultants to redirect some of their time toward more strategic, creative, and complex challenges. This thesis highlights that consultants must expand their skillset to navigate the tool's use. Interviewees noted that core consulting skills, such as expert knowledge, critical thinking, domain expertise, and interpersonal skills, are irreplaceable. Besides investing in GenAI tools, consultancies must invest in training programs to prepare their workforce for using GenAI. The findings show that GenAI cannot replace human expertise and experience, but can enable consultants to gain faster insights, improving decision-making if the tool is embedded appropriately in consulting workflows. By responsibly implementing GenAI, a consultancy can remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment while giving consultants the opportunity to reduce their manual workloads to focus on delivering exceptional results in knowledge work. Ultimately, this thesis shows how GenAI influences consulting workflows, emphasizing its role in supporting consultants and delivering value without sacrificing quality.