Cookies Policy
The website need some cookies and similar means to function. If you permit us, we will use those means to collect data on your visits for aggregated statistics to improve our service. Find out More
Accept Reject
  • Menu
Publications

Publications by CITE

2021

Exploring the role of organisational innovation in the time of COVID-19

Authors
Rocha, A; Almeida, F;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Abstract
COVID-19 has caused profound impacts on the economy and society. In Portugal, many companies needed to temporarily close, and many workers were forced to go into lay-off. However, at the same time, several companies are trying to respond to the challenges posed by this pandemic by introducing organisational innovations that would enable them to respond to the needs of the people and organisations that most require help during this period. In this sense, this study aims to explore the role of organisational innovation in the business sector in Portugal through seven case studies. The findings reveal a very diverse set of initiatives in which the role of internal and external sources of innovation stands out simultaneously. Most of the innovations identified have a procedural focus, while structural innovations have less influence. This study is particularly relevant in the practical dimension by encouraging other countries and companies to replicate these initiatives.

2021

Large-Scale Agile Frameworks: A Comparative Review

Authors
Almeida, F; Espinheira, E;

Publication
Journal of Applied Sciences, Management and Engineering Technology

Abstract
This study aims to identify and systematically compare the main large-scale agile frameworks that companies can adopt to manage the work of large-scale and distributed teams. Through this, companies can more consciously perform a better-informed decision on the choice of the framework that best fits the practices and challenges of their organizations. This work employs a qualitative approach supported by an exploratory analysis that identifies and explores the processes of migration to a large-scale agile. In the first phase, fifteen assessment criteria for scaling agile are discussed. In a second phase, these criteria are used to perform a comparative analysis of six large-scale agile frameworks (i.e., DAD, LeSS, Nexus, SAFe, Scrum at Scale, and Spotify). The findings reveal there isn't a dominant large-scale agile framework in all dimensions. However, it is possible to identify frameworks like Nexus and Spotify that target smaller teams and offer low technical complexity. These frameworks easily accommodate changes, while there are other frameworks like SAFe and DAD that offer high levels of scalability but require more demanding and deep efforts in changing work processes in an organization.

2021

Management of non-technological projects by embracing agile methodologies

Authors
Almeida, FL;

Publication
International Journal of Project Organisation and Management

Abstract
This study aims to address an emerging area of application of agile methodologies outside the traditional technological environment, particularly outside the context of software engineering. In this sense, it intends to understand and contextualise the problems and challenges that are posed by traditional methodologies and explore how agile methodologies can complement or substitute to traditional methodologies in non-technological environments. For this purpose, a qualitative study was performed through three case studies operating in different sectors of activity like digital marketing, management consulting, and tourism. The findings indicate that both traditional and agile methodologies can coexist, and it is common to find hybrid methodologies that are adopted and customised according to the needs of each project and client. Furthermore, it was possible to conclude that following agile practices that make sense to the cultural values of the organisation is more important than adopting a specific agile methodology. Copyright © 2021 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

2021

Evaluation of the player's performance in entrepreneurship serious games

Authors
Almeida, F; Simões, J;

Publication
Practical Perspectives on Educational Theory and Game Development

Abstract
Entrepreneurship serious games offer an innovative model for developing entrepreneurial skills with students. Furthermore, they provide a highly engaging and risk-free environment for students to become aware of the challenges posed in the early stages of building and developing a start-up. In this sense, it becomes relevant to explore the process of adopting this type of game in the classroom. This study aims to explore how the formative and summative components of an assessment are mapped into seven serious entrepreneurship games. Through this information, this study seeks to help instructors in the process of adopting a serious game and understanding how the evaluation of these games can be used in the context of an entrepreneurship course. © 2021, IGI Global.

2021

The role of tech startups in the fight against COVID-19

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
WORLD JOURNAL OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract
Purpose This study explores the contribution that tech startups can provide in the fight against COVID-19. The Tech4Covid movement is presented to that effect, which has joined several Portuguese tech startups. This initiative gathers more than 5,000 volunteers and 28 ongoing projects in several interdisciplinary areas, including science, technology, health and education. Design/methodology/approach Two qualitative methods are adopted: the case study and the field research technique. This joint approach allows exploring in-depth the relevance and impact of the different areas included in Tech4Covid movement. Data were collected both from primary sources, namely by the authors' participation in the movement and by the use of secondary sources from each project. Findings The findings reveal three main areas in which the 28 ongoing projects can be categorized, respectively: support to health professionals and hospital equipment, health and education services and business and leisure. These projects offer direct and indirect contributions to the fight against COVID-19. From a perspective, they were initially designed to support health professionals in gathering protective equipment and supporting screening for suspicious cases. From another perspective, they also offer indirect benefits to citizens and the local economy. Originality/value This paper addresses a recent phenomenon with a dramatic impact on public health, social and economic dimensions. The study provides essentially practical contributions by revealing how Portuguese technological startups were organized and worked together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is expected this study will serve as a reference for other countries and communities that intend to replicate this model.

2021

Innovative response initiatives in the European Union to mitigate the effects of COVID-19

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
JOURNAL OF ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the European Union (EU) through heavy pressure on health services, business activity and people's life. To mitigate these effects, government agencies, civil society and the private sector are working together in proposing innovative initiatives. In this sense, this study aims to characterize and explore the relevance of these projects to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach The Observatory of Public Sector Innovation provided by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development was considered to enable the identification and exploration of innovative projects to combat COVID-19. A methodology based on mixed methods is adopted to initially identify quantitatively the distribution of these projects, followed by a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis that allows exploring their relevance. Findings A total of 206 initiatives in the EU have been identified. The distribution of these projects is quite asymmetric, with Portugal and Austria totaling 33.52% of these projects. Most of these projects focus on the areas of public health, infection detection and control, virtual education, local commerce, digital services literacy, volunteering and solidarity and hackathons. Originality/value This work is relevant to identifying and understanding the various areas in which COVID-19 initiatives have been developed. This information is of great relevance for the actors involved in this process to be able to replicate these initiatives in their national, regional and local contexts.

  • 33
  • 132