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About

About

Frederico Branco is an assistant professor at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and a senior researcher at the INESC TEC research center. He has published over 90 articles in journals and event proceedings. He has published over 90 articles in journals and event proceedings. He is also involved in several academic works as a project, dissertation, and thesis supervisor and is continuously participating in several research projects. His professional career is also directly related to the industry, with a particular focus on various planning and implementation projects in information systems, with particular attention to the agri-food and services sectors. Throughout his career, he has held various senior management roles in the areas of operations, information systems, and quality management.

Interest
Topics
Details

Details

  • Name

    Frederico Branco
  • Role

    Senior Researcher
  • Since

    01st April 2015
005
Publications

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.

2024

Co-Valorisation Energy Potential of Wastewater Treatment Sludge and Agroforestry Waste

Authors
Borges, DS; Oliveira, M; Teixeira, MM; Branco, F;

Publication
ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable and environment-friendly energy sources resulted in extensive research in the field of renewable energy. Biomass, derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, forestry products, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge, holds great potential as a renewable energy resource that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and offer sustainable solutions for energy production. This study focused on diverse biomass materials, including sludge from WWTPs, forest biomass, swine waste, cork powder, and biochar. Chemical and physicochemical characterizations were performed to understand their energy potential, highlighting their elemental composition, proximate analysis, and calorific values. Results showed that different biomasses have varying energy content, with biochar and cork powder emerging as high-energy materials with net heating values of 32.56 MJ/kg and 25.73 MJ/kg, respectively. WWTP sludge also demonstrated considerable potential with net heating values of around 14.87 MJ/kg to 17.44 MJ/kg. The relationships between biomass compositions and their heating values were explored, indicating the significance of low nitrogen and sulphur content and favourable carbon, hydrogen, and moisture balances for energy production. Additionally, this study looked into the possibility of mixing different biomasses to optimize their use and overcome limitations like high ash and moisture contents. Mixtures, such as 75% Santo Emiliao WWTP Sludge + 25% Biochar, showed impressive net heating values of approximately 21.032 MJ/kg and demonstrated reduced emissions during combustion. The study's findings contribute to renewable energy research, offering insights into efficient and sustainable energy production processes and emphasizing the environmental benefits of biomass energy sources with low nitrogen and sulphur content.

2024

Towards Safer and Efficient Dowry Transactions: A Blockchain-Based Approach

Authors
Bria, MMS; Goncalves, R; Martins, J; Serodio, C; Branco, F;

Publication
GOOD PRACTICES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES, VOL 3, WORLDCIST 2024

Abstract
The dowry payment system is used in the cultural context and tradition of certain financial transactions related to marriages and engagement. However, disputes, fraud, and financial gaps in exploitation occur in these systems, which affect user confidence. This study uses an exploratory approach to identify the main weaknesses of current traditional dowry payment systems and analyses the benefits that blockchain technology and smart contracts can provide. The proposed data security framework combines blockchain security features such as decentralisation, cryptography, and automatic verification through smart contracts to ensure the integrity and reliability of dowry payment transactions. In this study, we adopt the Design Science Research (DSR) methodology to propose producing and developing artefacts that support solving problems in the existing dowry payment system more efficiently. We will disseminate new ideas or concepts developed to indigenous communities in Timor-Leste using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) frameworks to ensure that the technological framework developed can be used safely and efficiently.

Supervised
thesis

2023

Roadmap para implementação de sistemas de business inteligence em instituições do ensino superior

Author
Nuno Romeu Cardoso Sequeira

Institution
UTAD

2023

Low-Cost iot-based remote and self-sustaining apiary monitoring system

Author
Duarte Nuno Dutra Borges Cota

Institution
UTAD

2023

Plataforma de gestão de ocorrências-Mobile

Author
Tiago Martinho Alves

Institution
UTAD

2023

Product order management

Author
João Pedro Santos Eira

Institution
UTAD

2023

Plataforma de Gestão de Ocorrências Backoffice

Author
Bruno Miguel Pimenta Sampaio

Institution
UTAD