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Publications

Publications by Frederico Branco

2023

An Information Systems Architecture Proposal for the Thermalism Sector

Authors
Branco, F; Gonçalves, C; Gonçalves, R; Moreira, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M; Martins, J;

Publication
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems

Abstract
The thermal SPA sector is currently experiencing a stable growth trend, which according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) is expected to continue over the upcoming years. In Portugal, the sector has a very significant profile, with the existence of almost a hundred SPAs and thermal SPAs that generate a business volume (direct and indirect) of over 30 M€ per year. Although the beginning of the process of digital transformation of the sector is already visible, there is no holistic view of the sector which means that the currently existing information systems (IS) do not present a useful response to the needs faced by the sector. Therefore, an architecture proposal was conceived and described for an IS that provides a useful, efficient, and agile response to the needs of the entire thermalism sector and its stakeholders. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

2023

Exploring a Multidisciplinary Assessment of Organisational Maturity in Business Continuity: A Perspective and Future Research Outlook

Authors
Russo, N; Mamede, HS; Reis, L; Martins, J; Branco, F;

Publication
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL

Abstract
In a competitive business landscape heavily reliant on information and communication technology, organisations must be prepared to address disruptions in their business operations. Business continuity management involves effective planning for the swift reestablishment of business processes in the short term. However, there are still obstacles to implementing business continuity plans, which can be justified by various factors. The purpose of this study is to present the perspectives and future research paths based on a systematic literature review from the peer-reviewed literature published from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. This systematic literature review adheres to the guidelines established by evidence-based software engineering and leverages the Parsifal online tool. The primary research results identify and establish connections between the common components and activities of business continuity management as defined in international standards and frameworks to identify gaps in the existing knowledge. These findings will contribute to the development of a framework that provides a practical approach applicable to organisations of all sizes, taking into account each aspect of business continuity management, with a particular emphasis on information and communication technology systems. This paper's contribution lies in offering insights from a systematic literature review regarding the strategic principles for designing and implementing a business continuity plan, along with a comprehensive overview of related research. Furthermore, it presents a path forward to guide future research efforts aimed at addressing the gaps in the literature concerning continuity planning.

2023

The 6G Ecosystem as Support for IoE and Private Networks: Vision, Requirements, and Challenges

Authors
Serôdio, C; Cunha, J; Candela, G; Rodriguez, S; Sousa, XR; Branco, F;

Publication
FUTURE INTERNET

Abstract
The emergence of the sixth generation of cellular systems (6G) signals a transformative era and ecosystem for mobile communications, driven by demands from technologies like the internet of everything (IoE), V2X communications, and factory automation. To support this connectivity, mission-critical applications are emerging with challenging network requirements. The primary goals of 6G include providing sophisticated and high-quality services, extremely reliable and further-enhanced mobile broadband (feMBB), low-latency communication (ERLLC), long-distance and high-mobility communications (LDHMC), ultra-massive machine-type communications (umMTC), extremely low-power communications (ELPC), holographic communications, and quality of experience (QoE), grounded in incorporating massive broad-bandwidth machine-type (mBBMT), mobile broad-bandwidth and low-latency (MBBLL), and massive low-latency machine-type (mLLMT) communications. In attaining its objectives, 6G faces challenges that demand inventive solutions, incorporating AI, softwarization, cloudification, virtualization, and slicing features. Technologies like network function virtualization (NFV), network slicing, and software-defined networking (SDN) play pivotal roles in this integration, which facilitates efficient resource utilization, responsive service provisioning, expanded coverage, enhanced network reliability, increased capacity, densification, heightened availability, safety, security, and reduced energy consumption. It presents innovative network infrastructure concepts, such as resource-as-a-service (RaaS) and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), featuring management and service orchestration mechanisms. This includes nomadic networks, AI-aware networking strategies, and dynamic management of diverse network resources. This paper provides an in-depth survey of the wireless evolution leading to 6G networks, addressing future issues and challenges associated with 6G technology to support V2X environments considering presenting +challenges in architecture, spectrum, air interface, reliability, availability, density, flexibility, mobility, and security.

2024

The relationship between digital transformation and digital literacy - an explanatory model: Systematic literature review

Authors
Arnaud, J; São Mamede, H; Branco, F;

Publication
F1000Research

Abstract
Digital transformation has been one of the main trends in organizations in recent years, and digital literacy is a critical factor in the success of this transformation. Digital transformation involves the use of digital technologies to improve an organization’s processes, products, and services. For this transformation to be successful, it is necessary for employees to have knowledge of and skills in digital technologies. Digital literacy allows employees to understand technologies and their applications, know how to use them efficiently and safely, evaluate and select the most appropriate digital tools for each task, and be prepared to deal with problems and challenges that arise in the digital environment. Thus, this study is relevant because it seeks to understand how digital literacy can impact Digital Transformation in organizations and, through the construction of an explanatory model, allows the identification of variables that influence this relationship by developing strategies to improve the digital literacy of employees in organizations.

2024

Roadmap for Implementing Business Intelligence Systems in Higher Education Institutions: Systematic Literature Review

Authors
Sequeira, R; Reis, A; Alves, P; Branco, F;

Publication
INFORMATION

Abstract
Higher education institutions (HEIs) make decisions in several domains, namely strategic and internal management, without using systematized data that support these decisions, which may jeopardize the success of their actions or even their efficiency. Thus, HEIs must define and monitor strategies and policies essential for decision making in their various areas and levels, in which business intelligence (BI) plays a leading role. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) aimed at identifying and analyzing primary studies that propose a roadmap for the implementation of a BI system in HEIs. The objectives of the SLR are to identify and characterize (i) the strategic objectives that underlie decision making, activities, processes, and information in HEIs; (ii) the BI systems used in HEIs; (iii) the methods and techniques applied in the design of a BI architecture in HEIs. The results showed that there is space for developing research in this area since it was possible to identify several studies on the use of BI in HEIs, although a roadmap for its implementation was not identified, making it necessary to define a roadmap for the implementation of BI systems that can serve as a reference for HEIs.

2024

Factors Affecting Cloud Computing Adoption in the Education Context-Systematic Literature Review

Authors
Santos, A; Martins, J; Pestana, PD; Gonçalves, R; Mamede, HS; Branco, F;

Publication
IEEE ACCESS

Abstract
This systematic literature review investigates the factors influencing cloud computing adoption within both educational and organizational settings. By synthesizing a comprehensive body of research, this study finds and analyzes the determinants that shape the decision-making process about cloud technology adoption. Security, cost-effectiveness, scalability, interoperability, and regulatory compliance are examined across educational institutions and organizational contexts. Additionally, socio-economic, political, and technological factors specific to each context are explored to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with cloud computing adoption. The review reveals commonalities and differences in adoption drivers and barriers between education and organizational environments, offering insights into tailored strategies for effective implementation. This research contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the multifaceted nature of cloud adoption and offering valuable guidance for educators, organizational leaders, policymakers, and technology providers looking to use cloud computing to enhance operations and services.

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