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Publications

Publications by Frederico Branco

2018

Proposal of a BI/SSBI System for Knowledge Management of the Traffic of a Network Infrastructure - A University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Case Study

Authors
Bessa, J; Branco, F; Costa, AR; Gonçalves, R; Moreira, F;

Publication
Trends and Advances in Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1 [WorldCIST'18, Naples, Italy, March 27-29, 2018].

Abstract
The data volume in organizations has grown at an ever-increasing rate and part of it is associated with the operation of the network infrastructure used to support systems and applications. Given the importance of this infrastructure for organizations and the large amount of data that their operation originates, it is fundamental to manage and monitor it so that it can perform well. The previous concern is transversal to higher education institutions, where the research team assumed as important the development of a BI/SSBI system for the Informatics and Communications Services of the institution where it operates (UTAD), which allows the managing of all data volume; that enables it to be transformed into information and knowledge, which are fundamental resources to support decision-making processes. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the usefulness of a BI/SSBI system in the described context, therefore a system of this type is presented, along with the adopted technologies, the performed tests and the obtained results. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

2018

The Rise of the Unicorn: Shedding Light on the Creation of Technological Enterprises with Exponential Valuations

Authors
Yong Oliveira, MA; Costa, JP; Gonçalves, R; Branco, F;

Publication
Trends and Advances in Information Systems and Technologies - Volume 1 [WorldCIST'18, Naples, Italy, March 27-29, 2018].

Abstract
The ambition to create start-ups with exponential valuations is the goal of many entrepreneurs. How may one create the so-called unicorns (start-ups with a valuation in excess of one billion US dollars)? Our study involved interviews and a focus group and a theoretical model was created. Business plans are surprisingly seen to be less important than is normally perceived, as is a higher education degree. The research also points to variables such as one’s DNA, experience, implementation capacity, intrinsic motivation, vision and timing, and the ability to seek feedback and learn from mistakes and not just from success. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

2018

An online focus group approach to e-Government acceptance and use

Authors
Nunes, S; Martins, J; Branco, F; Zolotov, M;

Publication
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing

Abstract
The emergence and widespread use of Information and Communication Technologies enabled government agencies to develop their capacity for citizens interaction, hence providing better public services. These electronic services, typically known as e-Government, have been undergoing significant development over the last few years. Information technologies have become one of the central elements in electronic governance today, and probably they will outstand in the future too. Despite the clear advantages inherent in e-Government services usage, the interaction rate between citizens and governments is still low and considered to be unsatisfactory. In order to understand which determinants may influence and trigger the adoption of e-Government services by civil society, a research methodology consisting of a theory-based qualitative validation, has been defined. This validation is performed by an Online Focus Group, where several experts were involved with the goal of reaching a set of remarkable considerations about potential determinants that can influence the use of e-Government services. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

2017

A multisensory virtual experience model for thematic tourism: A Port wine tourism application proposal

Authors
Martins, J; Goncalves, R; Branco, F; Barbosa, L; Melo, M; Bessa, M;

Publication
JOURNAL OF DESTINATION MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

Abstract
Technological evolution has led to a significant transformation in tourism organizations, particularly in those who focus their activities on particular themes or segments, such as wine tourism. This can be transposed to Portuguese wine tourism organizations because the majority lack the necessary information and communication technologies (and inherent technologies) to become globally competitive. As highlighted in the literature, for a tourism experience to become memorable it must be emotional and immersive in such a way that the tourist becomes fully involved with the existing surroundings. This leads to the notion of using virtual reality experiences as triggers for the development of wine tourism. Considering the relevance of Portugal's Douro Valley to the country's wine tourism segment, a theoretical model that supports the implementation of multisensory (hence more immersive) virtual wine tourism experiences is developed. While considering the international success of Port wine tourism, this paper also presents a conceptualization of a multisensory virtual Port wine experience that includes a conceptual perspective and a technological solution proposal.

2018

Bidirectional e-Commerce Platform for Tourism in Low-Density Regions

Authors
Rodrigues, S; Goncalves, R; Teixeira, MS; Martins, J; Branco, F;

Publication
2018 13TH IBERIAN CONFERENCE ON INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES (CISTI)

Abstract
With the constant ICT evolution, the way users interact with e-commerce platforms (EC) is changing and there are constantly emerging new needs both from customers, such as the possibility of customization and individual personalization, and from business operators. As argued by existing literature, EC is a very relevant tool for the overall development of territories, especially those with inherent constraints, such as low-density regions. This work seeks to propose, through a functional and technical analysis, an electronic commerce platform of tourism products and services that allows both the traditional commercialization of products and, in parallel, the negotiation in (almost) real time of tourism products and services, idealized by customers themselves, to which operators can reply via the platform itself.

2018

Evaluation of e-commerce websites accessibility and usability: an e-commerce platform analysis with the inclusion of blind users

Authors
Goncalves, R; Rocha, T; Martins, J; Branco, F; Au Yong Oliveira, M;

Publication
UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY

Abstract
Considering the importance associated with e-commerce website accessibility and usability, a study on one of the most relevant Portuguese e-commerce websites has been performed using both automatic and manual assessment procedures. In an initial stage, we evaluated the chosen website with a Web accessibility and usability automatic tool called SortSite; after that, we performed a manual evaluation to verify each previously detected error and present possible solutions to overcome those faults. In a third phase, three usability specialists have been used to perform a heuristic evaluation of the chosen website. Finally, user tests with blind people were carried out in order to fully assess the compliance with accessibility and usability guidelines and standards. The results showed that the platform had a good score regarding the automatic evaluation; however, when the heuristic and manual evaluations were performed, some accessibility and usability problems were discovered. Moreover, the user test results showed bad marks regarding efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction by the group of participants. As a conclusion, we highlight user interaction problems and propose seven recommendations focused on enhancing accessibility and usability of not only the evaluated e-commerce website, but also of other similar ones.

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