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Publications

Publications by CESE

2021

Public Transport Use and Satisfaction by International Students and Researchers

Authors
Monteiro, MM; Silva, JDE; Ingvardson, JB; Nielsen, OA; de Sousa, JP;

Publication
SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract
Travel behavior adaptations resulting from international temporary relocation is understudied, despite their increasing relevance. The scarce published literature on the subject overlooks the local contexts and ignores aspects related to the adaptation processes and motivations. This study aims to partially fill this gap by addressing the travel behavior adaptation of international students and researchers, focusing on public transport (PT) frequency of use and satisfaction. To investigate this, a Bayesian Structural Equation Model was estimated using data collected from a tailor-made online survey answered by temporary international exchange students and researchers. The model confirms that (i) travel behavior habit in the city of origin influences the residential location choice in the host city; (ii) the higher the frequency of PT use in the city of origin, the higher the PT use in the host city; (iii) the residential location in the host city affects individuals' frequency of PT use and satisfaction; (iv) perceiving technology as helpful to move around leads to perceiving the PT system as easier to use at the beginning of the stay; (v) perceiving the PT as easier to use, leads to a higher frequency of its use and a higher level of satisfaction with the PT system.

2021

Scheduling footwear moulding injection machines for a long time horizon

Authors
Sadeghi, P; Guardão, L; Rebelo, RD; Ferreira, JS;

Publication
Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management

Abstract
The paper deals with a relevant scheduling problem associated with moulding injection machines. A footwear company, equipped with advanced automation machinery, faces true difficulties in planning the injection equipment production. It is crucial to respect delivery times without disruptions. There are many conditions associated with footwear and technological issues to consider, such as the weekly demand for different models and sizes, which is major to satisfy them on time. The moulds for each size of a model and distinct available machines, with varying quantities of positions for the moulds, are other concerned matters. Changeover times, which occur when changing moulds, are critical. Stocks are also considered. The time horizon attains tens of weeks. We developed an integer optimisation model with the objectives of minimising both changeovers and stocks. That initial model underwent a few simplifications, acceptable from a strategic and technological point of view, due to the impossibility of reaching admissible solutions. The new version can solve the real dimension problems optimally, those that matter. The paper describes one case, and the solution obtained. The new approach followed, and the solutions obtained, are essential for the company, given the planning difficulties; moreover, the method may also be relevant for any footwear industry facing similar combinatorial optimisation problems. © IEOM Society International.

2021

Grasp the Challenge of Digital Transition in SMEs-A Training Course Geared towards Decision-Makers

Authors
Azevedo, A; Almeida, AH;

Publication
EDUCATION SCIENCES

Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe risk their competitiveness if they fail to embrace digitalization. Indeed, SMEs are aware of the need to digitalize-more than one in two SMEs are concerned that they may lose competitiveness if they do not adopt new digital technologies. However, a key obstacle is related with decision-makers' lack of awareness concerning digital technologies potential and implications. Some decision-makers renounce digital transition simply because they do not understand how it can be incorporated into the business. Take into account this common reality, especially among SMEs, this research project intends to identify the skills and subjects that need to be addressed and suggests the educational methodology and implementation strategy capable of maximizing its success. Therefore, and supported by a focused group research methodology, an innovative training program, oriented to decision-makers, was designed and implemented. The program was conceived based on a self-directed learning methodology, combining both asynchronous lecture/expositive and active training methodologies, strongly based on state-of-the-art knowledge and supported by reference cases and real applications. It is intended that the trainees/participants become familiar with a comprehensive set of concepts, principles, methodologies, and tools, capable of significantly enhancing decision-making capability at both strategic and tactical level. The proposed programme with a multidisciplinary scope explores different thematic chapters (self-contained) as well as cross-cutting thematic disciplines, oriented to the Industry 4.0 and digital transformation paradigm. Topics related with Digital Maturity Assessment, Smart Factories and Flexible Production Systems, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence for Smarter Decision-Making in Industry and Smart Materials and Products, as well as new production processes for new business models. Each thematic chapter in turn is structured around a variable set of elementary modules and includes examples and case studies to illustrate the selected topics. A teaching-learning methodology centered on an online platform is proposed, having as a central element, a collection of videos complemented by a set of handouts that organize the set of key messages and take-ways associated with each module. In this paper, we present the design and practice of this training course specifically oriented to decision-makers in SME.

2021

PROCESS THINKING IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Authors
Azevedo, A;

Publication
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2021 IEEE GLOBAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION CONFERENCE (EDUCON)

Abstract
More and more organizations are seeking to adopt organization and management models oriented to their key processes rather than the traditional functional orientation. However, as organizations are seeking to become more process-oriented, numerous gaps and difficulties are recognized at the level of analysis, modelling, management and improvement of processes. The issues surrounding processes are not properly understood and internalised, leading to increased difficulties in implementation and management by processes. There is thus a clear need for expertise in this area of knowledge. In response to this growing demand, in last year's we identify several universities and engineering schools incorporating specific curricular units in their teaching offer. This paper presents some education courses and specialized programs of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, specifically oriented to analysis, modelling, management and improvement of processes (engineering and business processes). Firstly, the concept of process and process thinking is presented. It will then present the approach followed in some curricular units incorporated in three Master of Science programs and also provides the design of a specialized program oriented to more experienced participants.

2021

Innovative Learning Scheme to Up-skilling and Re-skilling - Designing a Collaborative Training Program Between Industry and Academia Towards Digital Transformation

Authors
Simoes, AC; Ferreira, F; Almeida, A; Zimmermann, R; Castro, H; Azevedo, A;

Publication
SMART AND SUSTAINABLE COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS 4.0 (PRO-VE 2021)

Abstract
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe are conscious that their competitive position depends on their success to embrace digitalisation challenges. However, some decision-makers in companies discard digital transformation because they do not understand how it can be incorporated into their businesses. Therefore, academia, research centres, and technological clusters are responsible for building the infrastructures and providing the support and the training that will progressively change this mindset. This paper aims to report an experience on designing a training program to train the trainers under the digital transformation topic. To define strategies to understand better the companies (and professionals) needs and motivations and the requisites to deliver the training course, the focus group methodology was applied. In this paper, we present a training program methodology and structure that intend to respond to industrial requests and, in this way to accelerate the digital transformation of companies, especially SMEs.

2021

Resilience in industry 4.0 digital infrastructures and platforms

Authors
Ribeiro D.; Almeida A.; Azevedo A.; Ferreira F.;

Publication
Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering

Abstract
We live in a world where companies are shifting to the industry 4.0 paradigm. One of the pillars of Industry 4.0 is the digitalization of physical assets and manufacturing processes, moving toward the Cyber-Physical Production Systems concept (CPPS). In these systems, every component of the production process - machines, tools, workstations, etc. - is equipped with sensors, possesses information about itself, and can interact with each other, allowing the production of smaller batches at lower prices and increase product customization through adaptative processes. Consequently, companies are evolving their information systems to have more visibility and control over their production systems. This change increases both the production system's agility and its vulnerability to communication and information related disruptions. Hence, companies that adhere to Industry 4.0 enabling technologies must adopt new methodologies and tools to become aware of the new risks that arise by the introduction of new digital platforms, their impacts in the production systems, and how they may react to remain resilient. In this paper, disruption events and adequate mitigation strategies are analysed, modelled, and simulated as part of a methodology designed to measure the impacts of disruptive events on the production system.

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