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Publications

Publications by CITE

2023

Communication and coordination issues in managing distributed scrum teams

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
Perspectives on Workplace Communication and Well-Being in Hybrid Work Environments

Abstract
Software development companies have progressively been experiencing the need to migrate their traditional development processes to agile environments. Several frameworks have emerged that support this paradigm, and Scrum is one of the most widely adopted on a global scale. However, Scrum was originally designed to work in small, local team environments. The challenge lies in designing its adoption in large-scale environments with geographically distributed teams. This chapter seeks to explore this challenge by identifying communication and coordination issues that may arise when adopting distributed Scrum. Three case studies are considered to allow comparison of different approaches considering structural and contextual factors associated with each organization.

2023

Prospects of Cybersecurity in Smart Cities

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
FUTURE INTERNET

Abstract
The complex and interconnected infrastructure of smart cities offers several opportunities for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and carry out cyberattacks that can have serious consequences for the functioning of cities' critical infrastructures. This study aims to address this phenomenon and characterize the dimensions of security risks in smart cities and present mitigation proposals to address these risks. The study adopts a qualitative methodology through the identification of 62 European research projects in the field of cybersecurity in smart cities, which are underway during the period from 2022 to 2027. Compared to previous studies, this work provides a comprehensive view of security risks from the perspective of multiple universities, research centers, and companies participating in European projects. The findings of this study offer relevant scientific contributions by identifying 7 dimensions and 31 sub-dimensions of cybersecurity risks in smart cities and proposing 24 mitigation strategies to face these security challenges. Furthermore, this study explores emerging cybersecurity issues to which smart cities are exposed by the increasing proliferation of new technologies and standards.

2023

A platform sandbox for the assessment of municipal sustainable development goals

Authors
Ferreira, F; Briga, P; Teixeira, SR; Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to present an innovative sandbox platform that implements a decision support system (DSS) to assess the sustainable development goals (SDGs) addressed at the municipal level. It intends to determine the relative importance of each SDG in municipalities and explore the synergies that can be discovered among them. Design/methodology/approachParticipatory action research is used to develop a DSS and an algorithm designated as discrete heavy fuzzy was also developed, which extends the Apriori algorithm to include discrete quantitative assessments of the level of SDG compliance by each project. A scenario consisting of three municipalities in Portugal (i.e. Porto, Loule and Castelo de Vide) was chosen to demonstrate the implementation of the sandbox platform and to interpret the observed results. FindingsThe results reveal significant differences in the typology of SDGs addressed by each municipality. It was found that municipal sustainable projects are strongly influenced by the contextual factors of each municipality. Porto has projects that address the first five SDGs. Loule appears projects that promote innovation, the fight against climate change and the development of sustainable cities. Castelo de Vida has initiatives related to innovation and infrastructure and decent work and economic growth. Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs in Portuguese municipalities and explores the synergies among them. The proposed sandbox platform fills the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool by proposing a dynamic and interactive approach for the exploration of quantitative indicators regarding the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda. Originality/valueThis study provides knowledge about the relative importance of the SDGs and the various synergies that exist between them considering the Portuguese municipalities. The sandbox platform presented and developed within this study allows filling the gaps of the ODSlocal Webtool that gathers essentially qualitative information about each project and offers a dynamic and interactive exploration with quantitative indicators of the implementation status of the SDGs established in the 2030 Agenda.

2023

Factors affecting social entrepreneurial intentions in a Portuguese higher education institution

Authors
de Sousa, JM; Almeida, F;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATION SCIENCE

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to identify and explore the factors affecting social entrepreneurial intentions considering an educational institution in Portugal. It also intends to determine the relevance of moderating factors in the antecedents and entrepreneurial intention of these students. Design/methodology/approachA panel of 177 undergraduate students enrolled in a social entrepreneurship course between the academic years 2018 and 2021 is considered. The data is explored quantitatively considering descriptive analysis techniques, correlational analysis and hypothesis testing. FindingsThe findings reveal that entrepreneurial intention depends on multiple individual, organizational and contextual dimensions. Students' entrepreneurial intention remains unchanged regardless of the student's profile. However, students' professional experience is a more relevant factor for the identification of organizational dimensions related to curriculum and critical pedagogy, while previous involvement in volunteer activities contributes to a higher prevalence of individual factors. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is original in exploring the role of entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents considering a heterogeneous students' profile. It offers theoretical and practical contributions by extending the literature on social entrepreneurial intention that can be used by higher education institutions to offer specific training more focused on the student's profile.

2023

Challenges in the Digital Transformation of Ports

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
Businesses

Abstract
Digital transformation plays a significant role in modernizing and improving the efficiency of ports around the world. However, digitalization also brings a set of challenges that ports must face. They have to respond to several unique challenges because of the complexity of their operations and the varying demands of stakeholders. This study seeks to identify and summarize the challenges of digital transformation processes in ports. For this purpose, the World Ports Sustainability Program database was used. The findings revealed 74 digitalization initiatives carried out by ports, which makes it possible to recognize 7 dimensions and 32 sub-dimensions of challenges to the digital transformation process. Among the identified dimensions are port infrastructure, the interconnection between various systems, the port organization model, regulation, security and privacy, market evolution, and the establishment of partnerships to implement these projects. The results of this study are relevant to mitigate the risks of the digitalization process in ports and respond to market needs that demand greater transparency and visibility of their operations.

2023

Entrepreneurial learning among different industries: a case study research of four sectors in the UK

Authors
Wasim, J; Almeida, F; Cujba, G;

Publication
International Journal of Learning and Change

Abstract
Entrepreneurial activity has been an element of economic and social enhancement. However, managing a startup is a difficult and risky activity that strongly depends on the entrepreneur's characteristics and skills. While much attention has been given recently to entrepreneurial learning, less has been studied about the learning dynamics in different industries. This study aims to understand and explore types of learning in different industries and find their similarities and differences. For this purpose, an exploratory comparative case study composed of four cases has been considered. Findings reveal that the main types of entrepreneurial learning are similar in all the industries analysed and are linked to social and experiential learning. The main dissimilarities are related to searching for customer information, employees' feedback, and solving issues. Lastly, some entrepreneurs reflect on the actions or decisions taken, while others do not reflect as much as they would like to. © 2023 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

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