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About

About

Fernando Luís Almeida holds a PhD in Engineering and Computer Science from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). In addition, he holds a master's degree in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship and a degree in Computer Engineering and Computing from FEUP. In the last 10 years he has worked in the field of education at a higher polytechnic institution, performing research and teaching activities in the domain of computer systems engineering. Throughout his professional career he worked in institutions of reference such as Critical Software, Qimonda, FEUP, ISR Porto and iNESC TEC. He has also worked on several international projects in partnership with European reference organizations in the telecommunications, industry and scientific research sectors. Current research areas include innovation policies, enterprise / university knowledge transfer, university spinoffs, software engineering, and decision support systems.

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Details

Details

  • Name

    Fernando Luís Almeida
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    01st March 2003
002
Publications

2024

Developing Entrepreneurial Competencies among Tourism Students using FLIGBY

Authors
Ferro, A; Buzady, Z; Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF HOSPITALITY & TOURISM EDUCATION

Abstract
This article seeks to present an initiative to integrate a serious game into an entrepreneurship course, attended by tourism students, which enables them to have a more reliable and comprehensive experience of the multiple dimensions of this phenomenon. The study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore several dimensions of the impact on the use of the game by measuring student performance and conducting semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that FLIGBY has helped the tourism students to have a more complete and reliable perception of the business reality and to practice their skills in a wide range of areas such as emotional intelligence, conflict management, time management, strategic thinking, or leadership. The results also indicate the development of analytical skills in the area of business management and viniculture due to the central theme of FLIGBY.

2024

Mental health innovative solutions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors
Rocha, A; Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY MANAGEMENT

Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore worldwide innovative solutions that have been proposed to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on people's mental health. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology is adopted, which performs an exploratory study considering the innovative projects identified by the Observatory for Public Sector Innovation framework. Additionally, the analysis of the relevance and characteristics of these projects are explored considering a multidimensional framework composed of five dimensions: novelty level; social need; improvement of society; sector neutrality; and level of emergence. Findings The findings reveal that the number of projects in the field of mental health is low, despite their strong relevance to their communities. These projects arise from a strong social need to protect especially the most vulnerable groups in this pandemic and involve a large number of partners in the public sector, business and civil society. The role of volunteering in the revitalization and growth of these initiatives is also recognized. Originality/value This study is relevant in both the theoretical and practical dimensions. It allows the exploration of these projects considering the dimensions of social innovation and offers practical implications that allow these projects to be replicated in other countries and regions.

2024

A longitudinal study of birth, death and survival rate of micro-companies in the European Union

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Abstract
Micro-companies play an extremely important role in the economy being the main driver of economic growth. They contribute decisively for employability, business innovation and in reducing social asymmetries. This role of micro-companies in particular and, small and medium enterprises in general, is widely recognised in the literature. Nevertheless, the number of longitudinal studies that explicitly address the contribution of micro-companies to the European economy is reduced, and most of them are essentially reports produced by European and national agencies that analyse the importance of this phenomenon in their economies. This study intends to characterise the birth, death and survival rate of micro-companies in the European Union. The study adopts a quantitative and statistical approach in data analysis between 2008 and 2016, which allows us to characterise the evolution of these indicators and to understand which countries have the best and the worst performances.

2024

D4SP – decision support system based on the use of the AHP method for science park selection

Authors
Moura, B; Santos, I; Barros, N; Almeida, FL;

Publication
International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences

Abstract
The literature reveals that science parks offer numerous benefits and support services to the activity of a technological startup. However, the decision of choosing the best science park for the startup tends to be an informal process, technically not very rigorous and planning, arising essentially by affinities with the research centre and university. In this study, a decision support system is presented to support entrepreneurs in the process of selecting a science park for the implementation of their startup. The AHP method is used to compare the importance of the criteria for selecting a science park, which includes factors such as location, activity sector, infrastructure, cost, and size. The findings reveal that the use of this decision support system helps entrepreneurs to find a science park that is suitable for the needs of their startup and allows them to comparatively identify the most relevant criteria when choosing a science park. © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. All rights reserved.

2024

Non-formal education as a response to social problems in developing countries

Authors
Almeida, F; Morais, J;

Publication
E-Learning and Digital Media

Abstract
Non-formal education seeks to address the limitations of formal education that do not reach all communities and do not provide all new competencies and capabilities that are essential for the integrated development of communities. The role of non-formal education becomes even more relevant in the context of developing countries where significant asymmetries in access to education emerge. This study adopts the Solutions Story Tracker provided by the Solutions Journalism Network to identify and explore solutions based on journalism stories in the non-formal education field. A total of 256 stories are identified and categorized into 14 dimensions. The findings reveal that practical, participatory, and volunteering dimensions are the three most common dimensions in these non-formal education initiatives. Furthermore, two emerging dimensions related to empowerment and sustainability are identified, allowing us to extend the theoretical knowledge in the non-formal education field. These conclusions are relevant for establishing public policies that can involve greater participation by local communities in non-formal education and for addressing sustainability challenges through bottom-up initiatives. © The Author(s) 2024.