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Details

  • Name

    Arnaldo Santos
  • Role

    External Research Collaborator
  • Since

    01st June 2017
Publications

2026

Highly Efficient Software Development Using DevOps and Microservices: A Comprehensive Framework

Authors
Barbosa, D; Santos, V; Silveira, MC; Santos, A; Mamede, HS;

Publication
FUTURE INTERNET

Abstract
With the growing popularity of DevOps culture among companies and the corresponding increase in Microservices architecture development-both known to boost productivity and efficiency in software development-an increasing number of organizations are aiming to integrate them. Implementing DevOps culture and best practices can be challenging, but it is increasingly important as software applications become more robust and complex, and performance is considered essential by end users. By following the Design Science Research methodology, this paper proposes an iterative framework that closely follows the recommended DevOps practices, validated with the assistance of expert interviews, for implementing DevOps practices into Microservices architecture software development, while also offering a series of tools that serve as a base guideline for anyone following this framework, in the form of a theoretical use case. Therefore, this paper provides organizations with a guideline for adapting DevOps and offers organizations already using this methodology a framework to potentially enhance their established practices.

2026

Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Organizational Coaching Processes

Authors
Faquir, Y; Santos, A; Mamede, HS;

Publication
AI

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how organizations develop human potential, offering scalable and data-driven support for coaching and capability building. This study proposes and validates a conceptual framework for integrating AI into organizational coaching processes to enhance competence development and strategic alignment. AI-supported coaching in this research is treated as an emerging organizational technology whose potential organizational value depends less on model capability and more on governance design, decision rights, and auditable evaluation outputs. Following a mixed-methods, multi-phase design, the research combined a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with the construction of a layered design architecture in which OSCAR serves as the primary coaching-process scaffold, complemented by KSA for competency specification, Situational Leadership for adaptive guidance, and KPIs for monitoring and governance. The framework structures AI-supported coaching across 10 interrelated phases, from contextual anchoring to review and measurement, while preserving iterative re-entry to earlier phases whenever review evidence, contextual change, or insufficient progress makes adjustment necessary. Prototyping demonstrated feasibility and coherence across models, while the focus group provided qualitative expert feedback on the framework’s clarity, governance needs, and perceived usefulness for competence development. At this stage, however, the KPI structures generated by the framework and the descriptive comparison across AI tools should be interpreted as prototype-level outputs rather than as empirically validated performance measures or evidence of added value over baseline approaches. Because the evaluation relied on two fictional prototyping scenarios and a small expert-oriented focus group (n = 6), the findings should be interpreted as evidence of prototype demonstration and qualitative refinement rather than of real-world effectiveness or organizational impact. The study also does not include a control group or comparison with traditional human coaching, so the added value of the AI-supported framework over alternative coaching arrangements remains a question for future empirical testing. Findings suggest that AI can usefully support organizational coaching by personalizing dialogue, structuring reflection, and generating auditable development artefacts, provided ethical safeguards and human oversight remain integral. The research contributes a preliminarily validated, ethics-informed, and governance-aware framework for AI adoption in organizational coaching and offers practical insights for embedding AI-enabled development in learning organizations.

2026

Interactive In-App Guidance for Healthcare Software Onboarding: A Systematic Review and Mixed-Methods Survey (Preprint)

Authors
Lopes, V; S. Mamede, H; Santos, A;

Publication

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Healthcare organizations increasingly rely on complex digital systems, but software onboarding often depends on manuals and classroom-based training that do not fit well with fast-paced clinical workflows. Interactive in-app guidance may better support learning during real work, although healthcare-specific evidence is still limited.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize evidence on effective onboarding mechanisms for healthcare software and to explore how interactive in-app guidance compares with traditional onboarding in terms of perceived learning support, cognitive burden, and adoption-related outcomes.

METHODS

The study used a sequential design with two components: (1) a systematic literature review following Kitchenham’s procedures; and (2) a mixed-methods survey administered via Qualtrics to healthcare professionals (n = 44), complemented by a small screened subsample of IT professionals with healthcare DAP implementation experience (n = 5). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis to explain and contextualize the observed patterns.

RESULTS

The findings from both the literature review and the survey showed a consistent pattern: workflow-embedded onboarding approaches, including hands-on practice, stepwise contextual guidance, and searchable in-app support, were perceived to reduce learning friction and cognitive effort while improving confidence. Among healthcare respondents, 61% reported greater willingness to use the software after onboarding. Continued use was mainly associated with remembering how to use features, interface usability, workflow efficiency, and perceived impact on patient care. IT respondents highlighted implementation constraints related to integration, analytics, and compliance, but also perceived reductions in support burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Interactive, context-sensitive onboarding appears to be a practical strategy to support healthcare software adoption, especially because it aligns learning with real workflows. The findings support the use of workflow-embedded guidance to improve usability in context and user confidence during onboarding, while also indicating the need for stronger healthcare-specific, outcome-based evaluations of DAP-enabled approaches.

2025

Impact of Web Technologies on Digital Transformation

Authors
Santos, A; S. Mamede, H;

Publication

Abstract

2025

Personalization of a Learning Environment Supported by AI for Vocational Training Based on Skills Required: A Research Proposal

Authors
Aplugi, G; Santos, A; Cravino, J;

Publication
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN LEARNING, TEACHING AND EDUCATION, TECH-EDU 2024, PT I

Abstract
The learning environment is an essential part of teaching and learning. Its personalization has several advantages (e.g., guaranteeing learning quality or effective learning). In vocational education, a personalized learning environment might provide training most suitable to each professional according to individual characteristics, skills, or career path. Artificial intelligence's ability to process big data can be harnessed to personalize a learning environment. This work intends to investigate the personalization of a learning environment using artificial intelligence (AI) in vocational training that can provide relevant training based on the trainees' skills required. A framework will be proposed to personalize a learning environment in this scope. Its development will follow the design science research (DSR) methodology. During the process, the survey methodology (expert interviews and focus groups) will be conducted to validate the artifact requirements and evaluate our future framework.