Abstract
The ambition to create start-ups with exponential valuations is the goal of many entrepreneurs. How may one create the so-called unicorns (start-ups with a valuation in excess of one billion US dollars)? Our study involved interviews and a focus group and a theoretical model was created. Business plans are surprisingly seen to be less important than is normally perceived, as is a higher education degree. The research also points to variables such as one’s DNA, experience, implementation capacity, intrinsic motivation, vision and timing, and the ability to seek feedback and learn from mistakes and not just from success. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.

Abstract
Accessibility is a very under addressed topic in software engineering, a constraining factor for its mainstream implementation. In this paper, this problem is described as well as some of its consequences. Some key concepts of digital accessibility are presented, beyond those of Web accessibility. The major contribution of this paper is the presentation of a draft to a proposal for a framework development model. In this framework, accessibility is present throughout the software lifecycle, in an explicit and justified way, based on the four main phases present in most framework development models.

Abstract
Technological evolution has led to a significant transformation in tourism organizations, particularly in those who focus their activities on particular themes or segments, such as wine tourism. This can be transposed to Portuguese wine tourism organizations because the majority lack the necessary information and communication technologies (and inherent technologies) to become globally competitive. As highlighted in the literature, for a tourism experience to become memorable it must be emotional and immersive in such a way that the tourist becomes fully involved with the existing surroundings. This leads to the notion of using virtual reality experiences as triggers for the development of wine tourism. Considering the relevance of Portugal's Douro Valley to the country's wine tourism segment, a theoretical model that supports the implementation of multisensory (hence more immersive) virtual wine tourism experiences is developed. While considering the international success of Port wine tourism, this paper also presents a conceptualization of a multisensory virtual Port wine experience that includes a conceptual perspective and a technological solution proposal.

Abstract
With the constant ICT evolution, the way users interact with e-commerce platforms (EC) is changing and there are constantly emerging new needs both from customers, such as the possibility of customization and individual personalization, and from business operators. As argued by existing literature, EC is a very relevant tool for the overall development of territories, especially those with inherent constraints, such as low-density regions. This work seeks to propose, through a functional and technical analysis, an electronic commerce platform of tourism products and services that allows both the traditional commercialization of products and, in parallel, the negotiation in (almost) real time of tourism products and services, idealized by customers themselves, to which operators can reply via the platform itself.

Abstract
Considering the importance associated with e-commerce website accessibility and usability, a study on one of the most relevant Portuguese e-commerce websites has been performed using both automatic and manual assessment procedures. In an initial stage, we evaluated the chosen website with a Web accessibility and usability automatic tool called SortSite; after that, we performed a manual evaluation to verify each previously detected error and present possible solutions to overcome those faults. In a third phase, three usability specialists have been used to perform a heuristic evaluation of the chosen website. Finally, user tests with blind people were carried out in order to fully assess the compliance with accessibility and usability guidelines and standards. The results showed that the platform had a good score regarding the automatic evaluation; however, when the heuristic and manual evaluations were performed, some accessibility and usability problems were discovered. Moreover, the user test results showed bad marks regarding efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction by the group of participants. As a conclusion, we highlight user interaction problems and propose seven recommendations focused on enhancing accessibility and usability of not only the evaluated e-commerce website, but also of other similar ones.

Abstract
This study follows an interpretivist approach and showcases five testimonials of technology usage in everyday life, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the research also brings forward the perspectives of 31 other Brazilian citizens. The informants are Brazilian Master's level students who were on an exchange program to Portugal, at a major Portuguese university. Brazil, and in particular Rio de Janeiro, the focus of this study, are seen to have talented people and to be also open to technology - on the developing side as well as on the user side. Trust issues still exist - concerning e-commerce - and may indeed be pervasive in society. Brazil is currently undergoing a profound social and economic crisis, which it is trying to recover from. Indeed, the general lack of safety and security felt in Rio de Janeiro may even be a reason for the popularity of home and work deliveries - so that citizens will not have to travel - with travel constituting an additional risk which many may prefer to avoid. Thus, technology (a diverse set of apps) may be serving an additional purpose - that of ensuring security in daily life in Brazil.