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Publications

Publications by Fernando Luís Almeida

2024

FLIGBY for graduates' employability enhancement in Computer Engineering

Authors
Almeida, F; Buzady, Z;

Publication
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Abstract
Serious games can play a crucial role in developing competencies for the job market, offering an innovative and engaging approach to learning. This study uses FLIGBY to develop employability skills among computer engineering graduates. FLIGBY is a serious game that simulates a virtual company environment where players make strategic decisions, emphasizing the principles of flow and positive psychology. Immersion in realistic scenarios provides practical experience, contributing to the development of market-ready skills. A quantitative methodology based on descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing was adopted to measure the development of competencies for the job market using the Systems Engineering Competency Framework. The results show that competence development occurs mainly in the professional and managerial dimensions. In contrast, there is no development of core and technical competencies. Furthermore, the perception of the development of these competencies occurs mainly for students with more years of professional experience. The experiential nature of FLIGBY allows users to develop practical knowledge, promoting adaptability and resilience. This gamified approach accelerates the learning curve, preparing individuals for real-world challenges in the computer engineering workplace.

2024

Large-scale agile security practices in software engineering

Authors
Ascençao, C; Teixeira, H; Gonçalves, J; Almeida, F;

Publication
INFORMATION AND COMPUTER SECURITY

Abstract
PurposeSecurity in large-scale agile is a crucial aspect that should be carefully addressed to ensure the protection of sensitive data, systems and user privacy. This study aims to identify and characterize the security practices that can be applied in managing large-scale agile projects.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study is carried out through 18 interviews with 6 software development companies based in Portugal. Professionals who play the roles of Product Owner, Scrum Master and Scrum Member were interviewed. A thematic analysis was applied to identify deductive and inductive security practices.FindingsThe findings identified a total of 15 security practices, of which 8 are deductive themes and 7 are inductive. Most common security practices in large-scale agile include penetration testing, sensitive data management, automated testing, threat modeling and the implementation of a DevSecOps approach.Originality/valueThe results of this study extend the knowledge about large-scale security practices and offer relevant practical contributions for organizations that are migrating to large-scale agile environments. By incorporating security practices at every stage of the agile development lifecycle and fostering a security-conscious culture, organizations can effectively address security challenges in large-scale agile environments.

2024

Approaches for Hybrid Scaling of Agile in the IT Industry: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

Authors
Almeida, F; Bálint, B;

Publication
Information

Abstract
Agile methodologies, initially designed for the project level, face challenges when applied at enterprise levels where complex projects and diverse stakeholders are involved. To meet this challenge, several large-scale agile methodologies have been proposed. However, these approaches are not flexible enough or tailored to the needs of organizations, projects, and their teams. It is in this context that hybrid methodologies have emerged. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to trace the evolution of hybrid scaling of agile and characterize different approaches to implement it. This study starts by assessing 1509 studies through the use of the PRISMA 2020 framework and identifies 38 relevant studies in this field. The findings indicate that the majority of studies are from 2021 onwards and that qualitative methodologies supported by case studies predominate, making it possible to characterize tailoring processes in these organizations. Moreover, the implementation of hybrid scaling of agile is supported by the paradigm of ambidextrous strategy, a combination of agile with traditional project management methodologies, and continuous improvements. This study contributes insights into navigating the complexities of agile scaling, offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to optimize their project management practices.

2024

Exploring the Differences and Similarities between Smart Cities and Sustainable Cities through an Integrative Review

Authors
Almeida, F; Guimaraes, CM; Amorim, V;

Publication
SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract
This study adopts an integrative review approach to explore the differences and similarities between smart cities and sustainable cities. The research starts by performing two systematic literature reviews about both paradigms and, after that, employs a thematic analysis to identify key themes, definitions, and characteristics that differentiate and connect these two urban development concepts. The findings reveal more similarities than differences between the two paradigms. Despite this, some key differences are identified. Smart cities are characterized by their use of advanced information and communication technologies to enhance urban infrastructure, improve public services, and optimize resource management. In contrast, sustainable cities focus on environmental conservation, social equity, and economic viability to ensure long-term urban resilience and quality of life. This study is important because it clarifies both concepts and highlights the potential for integrating smart and sustainable city strategies to address contemporary urban challenges more holistically. The findings also suggest a convergence towards the concept of 'smart sustainable cities', which leverage technology to achieve sustainability goals. Finally, this study concludes by identifying research gaps and proposing a future research agenda to further understand and optimize the synergy between smart and sustainable urban development paradigms.

2024

Entrepreneurs’ decision-making in sustainable open innovation practices

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Abstract
Entrepreneurs’ decision-making in sustainable open innovation practices holds significant relevance in fostering environmentally conscious and socially responsible business strategies. Sustainable decision-making not only aligns with ethical principles but also addresses pressing global challenges such as climate change and resource depletion. This study aims to characterize the decision-making role played by entrepreneurs in the context of the open innovation paradigm and to understand the factors that influence entrepreneurial performance. A quantitative methodology supported by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was adopted, considering a sample of 407 startups incubated in science and technology parks. After that, a mixed-methods approach was employed to explore the differences between sectors of activity, in which 4 ventures were involved. The results confirm that of the 9 hypotheses formulated in the relationship between the constructs, only innovation novelty is not significant for sustainable open innovation management processes, unlike innovation openness. This study offers theoretical and practical implications for startups that intend to use open innovation networks to integrate environmental and social considerations into the core of business strategies.

2024

Implementation of a chatbot in a unified communication channel

Authors
Almeida, F;

Publication
Journal of Systems and Information Technology

Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to propose an architecture and presents the implementation of a unified chatbot that faces the challenges of heterogeneous communication channels. This approach enables the interaction with the chatbot to be carried out over multiple communication media on a single platform. Design/methodology/approach: The chatbot was embedded in a unified communications framework. Furthermore, it has been developed and tested using the information and communications technology (ICT)Core platform. Three test scenarios have been considered in the context of a digital marketing company, which include the use of multiple channels such as text, audio and e-mail. Usability and empirical tests were performed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings: The results indicate that the proposed model improves the completion rate and enables the chatbot to interact with the customer by capturing information over multiple channels. The findings also reveal that digital marketing organizations can use a unified chatbot in their marketing campaigns, which contributes to improving the quality of customer interaction, message personalization and continuous learning throughout the process. Originality/value: While the use of a chatbot is a relatively common practice among companies, its integration into unified communications networks is an emerging topic. Proposals for integration into a unified communication channel have mainly focused on access to the same account and conversations from multiple devices or access platforms. This approach, while useful, does not allow for the integration of information from multiple sources. Alternatively, an integrated architecture is suggested in which a chatbot obtains knowledge from multiple sources and uses it to increase the quality of communication with the customer. © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited.

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