Abstract
In this research we represent the major elements of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) in a services environment, specifically for the banking sector, and we analyze the factors involved in the decision to adopt the TOC by companies in this sector. It was identified that the four elements of the TOC theory, throughput, inventory, operating expenses and constraints, correspond to, respectively, the money coming from financial services rendered, the money required to generate this profit, the money to fund the expenses, and the limitations to the normal activity. Regarding the constraints, the most common are mainly administrative (regulations and policies) and the lack of technological resources associated to the scarcity of capital flow and the environment imposed by the state of the economy at a specific time. The main factors that influence the decision to adopt the TOC by the banking sector reside, first, in the tool's current level of development; second, in the nature and the characteristics of the banking service that are very far from the original industrial reality and, finally, in organizational factors such as the attitude towards change, the leadership of the administration and the commitment of the entire institution.

Abstract
Innovation is a widely studied field. It is extremely important for any organization wishing to achieve and maintain a competitive advantage in the market, even though assessing the impacts of innovation represents a challenge due to the difficulty of isolating and measuring it. Furthermore, healthcare institutions are facing an increasing need for innovation in order to become competitive and offer new treatments for patients. Surprisingly, little is known about the nature of innovativeness in healthcare organizations and its relationship with performance. The aim of this research is to analyze whether the several types of innovation influence the relevant measures of performance in healthcare institutions, researching empirically the innovativeness-performance relationship. The study is based on a quantitative analysis on 34 Portuguese hospitals, collecting detailed information about the innovation portfolio of each one. Factor analysis and hypothesis testing were applied. Moreover, the hospitals were classified by type of property and geographical region they belong to, and statistical comparative tests were performed to test the existence of statistical differences. It was found that organizational innovation is correlated with process innovation and service innovation. Furthermore, service and process innovations influence operational performance. However, we cannot conclude that innovation in healthcare units has an overall impact on their financial performance. The results of this study may help hospital administrators to make better decisions with regard to their innovation policy design.

Abstract
Globalization has created countless opportunities for the internationalization of a wide range of services. Recent technological innovations associated with the reduction or elimination of trade barriers, resulted in an exponential expansion of service firms. This paper analyzes the internal and external factors that influence the decision to operate internationally. The hypotheses are empirically examined through a survey sent to 322 firms from the design, architecture and engineering sector. Multivariate analysis is used to ascertain the main determinants of internationalization in these firms. The findings indicate that the main reasons underlying the internationalization of these service firms are the size of the firm, the competitive environment and the staff's degree of international experience. These factors, which influence the management's attitudes toward operating internationally, determine the firm's degree of internationalization. Moreover, firms that have a high number of senior managers with a graduate course and higher skills in foreign languages are more prone to internationalize. Some practical implications are presented for service firms that are in the process of internationalizing.

Abstract
This paper describes the major elements of the Goldratt's framework - the Theory of Constraints (TOC) - in the banking sector, and examines the factors involved in the decision to adopt the TOC by companies in this sector. Through a deep literature review, analyzing similar cases that apply the Goldratt's framework in services and in manufacturing and the several views of its components, we aim at formulating a framework specifically for the banking system. The study uses a qualitative methodology supported by the information extracted from reality as it is framed in a multi-case study model. As part of the quantitative approach, we test several research hypotheses raised from the review of existing studies in the area. The main factors that influence the decision to adopt the TOC are the nature and the characteristics of the banking service, the attitude towards change, the leadership and the commitment of the entire institution. By using the Goldratt's approach outlined in this article, through the location of the constraints and develop practical measurement to facilitate the banking process improvements, banks can improve resource utilization, revenues and employee satisfaction.

Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to better understand the role that leadership plays in the success of Lean management (LM) implementation, by trying to identify what is the impact of the transactional, transformational, directive and empowering leadership styles on the success of such an implementation in Portuguese companies, and what are the most important leaders' attributes. Design/methodology/approach An on-line questionnaire was distributed to 65 manufacturing and services Portuguese organizations that have implemented LM. Findings The results suggest that the empowering leadership style has a positive impact on the success of LM implementation. Even though results do not allow concluding about the impact of the other styles, several leader's attributes were identified as having influence: individualized consideration, information sharing, skill development, intellectual stimulation, assigned goals and self-directed decision making. Originality/value Very few studies have addressed the role of leadership in the success of adopting LM and, to the best knowledge, only one paper studied the critical attributes of leaders in LM implementation. Moreover, the present study focuses in Portugal, country where this topic has rarely been investigated.

Abstract
Firms recognize that an assertive SCM could lead to an important competitive advantage in the business world. The purpose of this study is to capture the effect of supply chain management practices in the performance of firms, through a meta-analysis. It aims at highlighting which SCM practices that have a superior effect and their positive or negative impact on performance. Partnership with suppliers, process driven events, employee involvement, and customer satisfaction are the SCM practices that proved to have a positive impact in firm performance, according to the meta-analysis results. The findings from the research can help managers deciding on in which SCM practices concentrate their effort. It also allows making comparisons among different regions in terms of practices with a positive effect and how SCM practices evolves since first insights to now and if it changes throughout time. Concerning supply chain theories, this research sustains the hypotheses that SCM practices impact on some firm performance measures.