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About Systems Engineering and Management

Systems Engineering and Management

Systems Engineering and Management research seeks to advance the design, implementation, and improvement of systems for decision support, human-centred operations, intelligence, technology management, and innovation.

Significant challenges arise from optimisation in complex organisations and networks at multiple levels, customercentric service design, and technologybased innovation management and policy, targeting improvements in business performance, productivity, innovation,resiliency, and economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

news
Systems Engineering and Management

Container unloading with INESC TEC expertise: robotic retail solutions showcased in live demonstration

A solution proposed by INESC TEC within the scope of the PRODUTECH R3 agenda – based on a use case identified by SONAE – brings together mobile robotics, robotic manipulation and perception technologies.

28th November 2025

Systems Engineering and Management

Researchers “rethink” last-mile logistics to boost the sustainability of e-commerce

Over the next three years, a decision-support system will be developed to identify the most suitable strategies for parcel delivery in a sustainable and efficient way, considering the urban features of the locations where deliveries must occur. The LOG-in project aims to improve the response to the logistical challenges of last-mile deliveries – a costly, complex stage of urban logistics with a significant environmental impact.  

27th November 2025

Systems Engineering and Management

Sustainability, soils and ecosystems: the DFENCE project delivers innovative solutions for grazing through precision livestock farming

INESC TEC participated in the kick-off meeting of the DFENCE project - which aims to develop a system integrating prediction, planning, soil analysis and autonomous animal guidance. The main objectives of the event were to define the technical orientation between consortium members and plan the first activities.

26th November 2025

Systems Engineering and Management

AI, wearables and diagnostic tools: INESC TEC takes part in the world’s leading Biomedical Engineering conference

More than 10 scientific papers authored by INESC TEC researchers were submitted to the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) Annual International Conference – one of the most important events in the field, attracting thousands of participants each year.

25th November 2025

Systems Engineering and Management

Industry found a voice in Porto thanks to INESC TEC support

Experts, business leaders and policymakers gathered for a debate on technological innovation in industry. 

25th November 2025

Publications

2025

The impact of digital influencers on product/service purchase decision making-An exploratory case study of Portuguese people

Authors
Caiado, F; Fonseca, J; Silva, J; Neves, S; Moreira, A; Gonçalves, R; Martins, J; Branco, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M;

Publication
EXPERT SYSTEMS

Abstract
The growing use of technology and social media has resulted in the emergence of digital influencers, a new profession capable of changing the mentalities and behaviours of those who follow them. This study arises to better understand the potential impact digital influencers might have on the Portuguese population's purchase behaviour and patterns, and for this purpose, seven hypotheses were formulated. An online questionnaire was conducted to respond to these theoretical assumptions and collected data from 175 respondents. A total of 129 valid answers were considered. It was possible to conclude that purchase intention does not necessarily translate into a purchase action. It was also concluded that the relationship between social network use and the purchase of products/services recommended by influencers is only statistically significant for Instagram. Furthermore, the individuals' generation is not statistically significant / linked with purchasing a product/service recommended by influencers. Yet further, a small percentage of respondents have also identified themselves as impulsive shoppers and perceived Instagram as their favourite social network. With the results of this study, it is also possible to state that the influencer's opinion was classified as the last factor considered in the purchase decision process. Additionally, there is a weak negative association between purchasing a product/service recommended by influencers with sponsorship disclosure and remunerated partnership, which decreases credibility and discourages purchasing, in Portugal, a feminine culture which dislikes materialism.

2024

Educational Practices and Strategies With Immersive Learning Environments: Mapping of Reviews for Using the Metaverse

Authors
Beck, D; Morgado, L; O'Shea, P;

Publication
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract
The educational metaverse promises fulfilling ambitions of immersive learning, leveraging technology-based presence alongside narrative and/or challenge-based deep mental absorption. Most reviews of immersive learning research were outcomes-focused, few considered the educational practices and strategies. These are necessary to provide theoretical and pedagogical frameworks to situate outcomes within a context where technology is in concert with educational approaches. We sought a broader perspective of the practices and strategies used in immersive learning environments, and conducted a mapping survey of reviews, identifying 47 studies. Extracted accounts of educational practices and strategies under thematic analysis yielded 45 strategies and 21 practices, visualized as a network clustered by conceptual proximity. Resulting clusters Active context, Collaboration, Engagement and Scaffolding, Presence, and Real and virtual multimedia learning expose the richness of practices and strategies within the field. The visualization maps the field, supporting decision-making when combining practices and strategies for using the metaverse in education, highlights which practices and strategies are supported by the literature, and the presence and absence of diversity within clusters.

2024

Energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem with transport resources considering speed adjustable resources

Authors
Fontes, DBMM; Homayouni, SM; Fernandes, JC;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH

Abstract
This work extends the energy-efficient job shop scheduling problem with transport resources by considering speed adjustable resources of two types, namely: the machines where the jobs are processed on and the vehicles that transport the jobs around the shop-floor. Therefore, the problem being considered involves determining, simultaneously, the processing speed of each production operation, the sequence of the production operations for each machine, the allocation of the transport tasks to vehicles, the travelling speed of each task for the empty and for the loaded legs, and the sequence of the transport tasks for each vehicle. Among the possible solutions, we are interested in those providing trade-offs between makespan and total energy consumption (Pareto solutions). To that end, we develop and solve a bi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model. In addition, due to problem complexity we also propose a multi-objective biased random key genetic algorithm that simultaneously evolves several populations. The computational experiments performed have show it to be effective and efficient, even in the presence of larger problem instances. Finally, we provide extensive time and energy trade-off analysis (Pareto front) to infer the advantages of considering speed adjustable machines and speed adjustable vehicles and provide general insights for the managers dealing with such a complex problem.

2024

A literature review of economic efficiency assessments using Data Envelopment Analysis

Authors
Camanho, AS; Silva, MC; Piran, FS; Lacerda, DP;

Publication
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

Abstract
This paper presents a literature review on Data Envelopment Analysis assessments of economic efficiency, covering methodological developments and empirical applications. We review the seminal models for economic efficiency measurement, involving the optimization of cost, revenue, and profit. The applications of the different modelling approaches are also discussed. Based on a content analysis of papers published between 1978 and 2020 in various sectors, the main areas of study are identified, and the pathways of research developments are discussed. Most studies are based on disaggregated quantity and price data. In addition, the use of panel data is prevalent compared to cross-sectional studies. There is a preponderance of input -oriented studies focused on cost efficiency rather than revenue or profit efficiency. Informed by the historical evolution of economic efficiency assessments portrayed in this review, we suggest directions for future developments. (c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

2024

Synchronisation in vehicle routing: Classification schema, modelling framework and literature review

Authors
Soares, R; Marques, A; Amorim, P; Parragh, SN;

Publication
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH

Abstract
The practical relevance and challenging nature of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) have motivated the Operations Research community to consider different practical requirements and problem variants throughout the years. However, businesses still face increasingly specific and complex transportation re-quirements that need to be tackled, one of them being synchronisation. No literature contextualises syn-chronisation among other types of problem aspects of the VRP, increasing ambiguity in the nomenclature used by the community. The contributions of this paper originate from a literature review and are three-fold. First, new conceptual and classification schemas are proposed to analyse literature and re-organise different interdependencies that arise in routing decisions. Secondly, a modelling framework is presented based on the proposed schemas. Finally, an extensive literature review identifies future research gaps and opportunities in the field of VRPs with synchronisation.(c) 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

2024

Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Approach to Dynamically Balance Multi-manned Assembly Lines

Authors
Santos, R; Marques, C; Toscano, C; Ferreira, HM; Ribeiro, J;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: ESTABLISHING BRIDGES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, FAIM 2023, VOL 1

Abstract
Assembly lines are at the core of many manufacturing systems, and planning for a well-balanced flow is key to ensure long-term efficiency. However, in flexible configurations such as Multi-Manned Assembly Lines (MMAL), the balancing problem also becomes more challenging. Due to the increased relevance of these assembly lines, this work aims to investigate the MMAL balancing problem, to contribute for a more effective decision-making process. Therefore, a new approach is proposed based on Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) embedded in a Digital Twin architecture. The proposed approach provides a close-to-reality training environment for the agent, using Discrete Event Simulation to simulate the production system dynamics. This methodology was tested on a real-world instance with preliminary results showing that similar solutions to the ones obtained using optimization-based strategies are achieved. This research provides evidence of success in terms of dynamic resource assignment to tasks and workers as a basis for future developments.