2015
Authors
Sousa, C; Soares, A;
Publication
ON THE MOVE TO MEANINGFUL INTERNET SYSTEMS: OTM 2015 WORKSHOPS
Abstract
Lightweight ontologies are increasingly used by domain experts in a variety of activities. The development of these knowledge representation artefacts carries the challenge of the proper conceptualisation of the considered reality/situation. In particular, the elicitation of conceptual relations is widely acknowledged in the literature as being the most difficult part of the process. This paper proposes a technique to support domain experts in the elicitation of conceptual relations in the development of lightweight ontologies by providing the means to develop and ascertain the consistency of the produced conceptualisation results towards its reusability. Its innovation comes from the development of a reference model for the conceptual relations elicitation.
2015
Authors
Costa, E; Soares, AL; de Sousa, JP;
Publication
RISKS AND RESILIENCE OF COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS
Abstract
There is growing evidence that internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has become a priority to gain competitive advantage. However, SMEs still face major challenges and obstacles during these processes. This paper proposes a model of collaborative networks for internationalization processes of SMEs, mediated by industrial enterprise associations (IEAs), in order to improve decision-making processes. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed to study the impact that networks and collaboration have in the decision-making process of internationalization. Then, the model was developed using adequate information and knowledge management tools. Finally, to understand the relevance of the proposed model, data were gathered through interviews to key persons in companies of the IT/electronics and textile industries. Results showed that collaborative networks can represent an important facilitator in the internationalization of SMEs and that IEAs can have a fundamental role for promoting collaboration in this domain, between associated SMEs.
2016
Authors
Messina, D; Barros, AC; Soares, AL;
Publication
COLLABORATION IN A HYPERCONNECTED WORLD
Abstract
The past decades have been characterized by an increasing interest of companies in international trade and significant foreign direct investments, which led to a shift from localized manufacturing companies to global manufacturing networks. The main goal of this research is to analyze the management of information within the process of supplier selection in the context of manufacturing networks. The adoption of field study methodology allows understanding how the supplier selection process is carried out in Multinational Companies (MNCs) in different manufacturing sectors. In particular, this paper aims at identifying the information that mother company and their subsidiary companies share during the supplier selection process, and how they access to this information.
2016
Authors
Sousa, CD; Soares, AL; Pereira, CS;
Publication
VINE JOURNAL OF INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Abstract
Purpose - In collaborative settings, such as research and development projects, obtaining the maximum benefit from knowledge management systems depends on the ability of the different partners to understand the conceptualisation underlying the system's knowledge organisation. This paper aims to show how information/knowledge organisation in a multi-organisation project can be made more effective if the domain experts are involved in the specification of the systems semantic structure. A particular aspect is further studied: the role of conceptual relations in the process of collaborative development of such structures. Design/methodology/approach - An action-research approach was adopted, framed by a socio-semantic stance. A collaborative conceptual modelling platform was used to support the members of a research and development project in the process of developing a lightweight ontology aiming at reorganising all the project information in a wiki system. Data collection was carried out by means of participant observation, interviews and a questionnaire. Findings - The approach to solve the content organisation problem revealed to be effective both in the result and the process. It resulted in a better-organised system, enabling more efficient project information retrieval. The collaborative development of the lightweight ontology embodied, in fact, a learning process, leading to a shared conceptualisation. The research results point to the importance of the elicitation of conceptual relations for structuring the project's knowledge. These results are important for the design of methods and tools to support the collaborative development of conceptual models. Originality/value - This paper studies the social process leading to a shared conceptualisation, a subject that has not been sufficiently researched. This case study provides evidence about the importance of the early phases of the construction of ontologies, mainly if domain experts are deeply involved, supported by appropriated tools and guided by well-structured processes.
2016
Authors
Costa, E; De Sousa, JP; Soares, AL; Jamil, GL;
Publication
Handbook of Research on Information Management for Effective Logistics and Supply Chains
Abstract
There is no doubt that nowadays internationalization is increasingly attractive for companies that want to become more competitive. However, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) still are resourceconstrained, lacking adequate information and facing problems to establish and manage relationships to operate in a sustainable way in international markets. Despite receiving some support from governments and from other institutional entities, these difficulties faced by SMEs call for a stronger support, which can be played by industrial enterprises associations (IEAs). This chapter brings the perspective of five different companies that are associated with IEAs. The main objective is to have their opinion about the role of IEAs as information managers and promoters of collaborations, mainly for internationalization processes. Another objective is to understand the acceptance by these companies regarding the use of collaborative platforms, managed by IEAs, for supporting their information and collaboration management activities. © 2017, IGI Global.
2016
Authors
Costa, E; Soares, AL; de Sousa, JP;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Abstract
Information and knowledge can be seen as key resources for improving the internationalisation processes of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Collaboration has also been considered as an important facilitator of these processes, particularly by nurturing information and knowledge sharing. However, the current literature is unclear about the way SMEs can access information and assimilate knowledge in a collaborative network context, to support decision-making. This paper systematically reviews the literature, examining the role of information, knowledge and collaboration in internationalisation decisions of SMEs. To this end, 38 relevant journal articles were analysed, with the identification of some important issues, as well as gaps in the existing empirical knowledge. This analysis provided valuable input for the development of research suggestions and directions for future work in this area.
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