Abstract
Communication is crucial. Several authors emphasize the role of the project managers' communication with teams, and the importance of the project management teams' on the success of projects. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of the communication styles of the project managers' on the teams' motivation and consequently on the success of projects. Therefore, the literature was reviewed and exploratory research was developed using a qualitative methodology (content analysis of eight semi-structured interviews). A conceptual framework was developed. The results suggest that communication style and leadership are related and impact teams' motivation and consequently on projects' success.

Abstract
Digitalization is undoubtedly a major challenge for companies in the coming years. Applying a Design Science methodology this paper aims to describe the process for the development of a solution for obtaining an overview of the Digital Maturity in the manufacturing industry of the region of Tamega e Sousa (an industrial region located in the north of Portugal). The evaluation process consisted of a sample of 53 companies that allowed to get a first picture of the region. Summing up, it is possible to say that a digital strategy is in the companies' plans with a focus on processes digitalization. In general, an overall digital strategy for the companies is in line with the marketing and human resources, in a middle position, with a few companies taking the lead, the majority following, and some others still now awakening to this reality.

Abstract
This paper aims to identify changes in consumption by students from Albania, Poland and Portugal in the era of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The study was conducted on a sample of 668 students of the Qiriazi University College and Aldent University in Albania, the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland and the School of Technology and Management of Porto Polytechnic in Portugal. The estimated volumes of basic macroeconomic indicators for this period prove that the crisis caused by the COVID-19 epidemic may be the cause of many adverse changes in various areas of life. The empirical study aimed to determine the impact of the epidemiological situation on changes in the shopping habits of students - designated as young consumers. The main goal was to identify differences in the purchasing decisions of young consumers depending on gender and nationality. The research instrument was a standardized survey questionnaire, which was divided into three thematic blocks. The first part of the questionnaire contains questions on the housing conditions of students, in the second part - activity on the labor market, and in the third part - issues related to shopping and the use of cultural services and the way of spending free time. Some conclusions were drawn from the research: (1) pandemic did not change the periodicity of purchases, (2) from online buying did not show a boom in the samples analyzed in this study, (3) students from these countries changed their shopping behavior in terms of shopping places. The conclusions formulated in the study, as well as the topicality of the issues, allow them to be considered useful for institutional entities interested in observing changes in consumption during the pandemic. The scientific contribution of theoretical and empirical considerations is primarily the systematization of theoretical foundations and the conceptualization of the category of factors determining the diversity of purchasing behavior of young people (students). © 2022 Malgorzata Grzywinska-Rapca et al., published by Sciendo.

Abstract
Digitalisation is mandatory for today’s companies. Living in the Era of Industry 4.0, the phenomenon of digital transformation cannot be ignored. Intending to support manufacturing companies in their digitalisation processes, the present paper reflects the work that has been carried on, to support the digital transition for manufacturing companies in the region of Tâmega e Sousa. This region is considered to be an industrial region located in the North of Portugal, but lagging in terms of digital technology adoption. In a theoretical framework, it is expected to identify the most relevant factors to promote a successful digital strategy. Supported by a Science Design methodology, a platform was developed to support the measurement of the maturity or digital companies’ readiness levels. To collect the necessary data were performed questionnaires. First, in a face-to-face approach and later through the platform developed. The (preliminary) results are based on a sample of 53 companies (pilot test). From this data, it was possible to identify some trends: 1) some behaviours indicate that the region is still in the digitisation phase; 2) the digitisation focus is in the processes dimension; 3) even performing a digital transition, companies do not invest in in-house IT solutions. Copyright © 2025 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Abstract
The transition to circular business models poses significant challenges, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These challenges arise from different perspectives. Strategic alignment and technological barriers are just two of them. This paper aims to explore how Industry 4.0 technologies and Enterprise Architectures can facilitate the implementation of circular business models. By analyzing their role in overcoming key obstacles, the study explores the potential of these technologies in driving sustainable business transformation. The findings indicate that while integrating circularity into business practices remains complex, Enterprise Architectures, through the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, can mitigate some barriers. Ultimately, the synergy between technological innovation and circular business models can accelerate the shift towards sustainability.

Abstract
Objective: To empirically investigate the relationship between education quality and technological progress in the business sector at different stages of economic development. Research Design & Methods: We divided 160 countries into four groups by GDP per capita. The research period was 2007–2021. We use Spearman’s correlation analysis to verify associations between nine indicators for education quality and ten indicators for technological progress. Findings: Our outcomes show that if education quality does not improve, countries do not move up the economic development ladder. Adult literacy, primary education quality, adult skills, and women’s average years in school have the strongest influence on technological progress. Implications?/?Recommendations: Our paper contains many implications for those seeking to improve social well-being. For example, governments should ensure that women have access to education on equal terms with men. Otherwise, they lose an important source of technological progress and impede the development of human capital. Greater emphasis should be placed on learning how to write and describe reality, read with comprehension, perform simple calculations without a calculator, and teach various learning methods. In the absence of these, the skills of primary, secondary and higher education graduates will not improve. Contribution: The outcomes of our research, both theoretical and empirical, create a multi-faceted approach to the issue of the mutual influence of education and technological progress. They allow us to look at this problem from the perspective of subsequent stages of economic development.