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Improving the patient journey in a breast cancer unit - a lean management approach in the health sector
This dissertation explores the potential of Lean methodologies to streamline patient flow within
a hospital's breast cancer unit. Value Stream Mapping is utilized to chart the patient's course,
from the initial contact to the follow-up phase. By mapping this journey, the project identifies
areas ripe for optimization. These opportunities serve as the springboard for interventions that
enhance patient care and eliminate inefficiencies. The dissertation argues that Lean principles
can be effectively adapted to the healthcare landscape. The project demonstrates how this
adaptation can translate to improved processes, and ultimately, a more positive experience for
patients, alongside heightened doctors’ motivation
Analyze the role of green hydrogen valleys in Portugal hydrogen ambitions: are the 2030 hydrogen targets for Portugal realistic
This work project aims to evaluate the capacity of green hydrogen valleys in Portugal
and their alignment with 2030 hydrogen targets. It analyzes current and projected hydrogen
production in valleys like Nazaré, Sines, and Aveiro, assessing their potential to meet industrial
demands. The methodology combines expert interviews and comparative analysis with
European projects. Findings indicate that while Portugal's projects show progress and a positive
performance, they are unlikely to meet the 2030 demand of 100-150 kilotonnes annually.
Recommendations include prioritizing high-impact industries, enhancing infrastructure,
fostering collaboration, increasing hydrogen valleys, and implementing robust regulatory
frameworks to support a sustainable energy transition
Antecedents and determinants of the decision to centralize the procurement function
The research focuses on identifying key factors that drive companies to centralise procurement.
Using a comprehensive literature review and a survey of procurement experts, the study
develops and tests a conceptual framework that categorizes determinants into three main
dimensions: supply side factors, internal factors, and market side factors. The survey findings
suggest a significant influence of these factors on the decision to centralise procurement, with
differences observed across company sizes and respondent experience levels. This research
contributes to academic knowledge and practical applications in procurement strategy,
providing insights to help firms optimize procurement functions in a changing global
environment
Revolutionising skincare: harnessing new technology to enhance brand equity among young consumers in Europe
Young consumers are one of the most educated and conscious consumer segments, especially
when it comes to skincare. New technology is now starting to disrupt the industry and shapes
how young consumers relate towards skincare brands. This research examines how integrating
new technology impacts brand equity among young European skincare consumers, using the
Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, and persona development.
Findings show that new technology boosts brand equity, and the study highlights the importance
of clear communication and high product efficacy for building trust. Managerial implications
emphasise tailored marketing strategies and robust R&D investments
Transforming sales reporting: a study on change management and the integration of dashboard technologies
This study explores the integration of dashboard technologies in sales reporting within the
banking sector, focusing on the challenges and strategies associated with change management.
Through semi-structured interviews with industry professionals, the research identifies
significant obstacles such as resistance to change, data accuracy issues, and system integration
challenges. Key success factors for overcoming these barriers include effective training
programs, robust management support, and continuous adaptation based on user feedback. The
study contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of adopting dashboards in sales
reporting within the banking industry, offering insights to enhance implementation strategies
and improve organizational performance
The role of Digital Data Wallet in individuals’ well-being: The privacy paradox in healthcare sector
Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Digital Marketing and AnalyticsThe use of digital data wallets (DDWs) is increasingly present in everyday life in general. The
willingness to adopt this type of solution in the health sector has been less visible, which raises
the question of whether the choice between the benefits that this type of solution can bring
to improve well-being is affected by cognitive biases associated with data privacy, and what
role the antecedents of privacy and trust play in the willingness to adopt this type of solution.
This research seeks to better understand whether the perceived well-being factors in the use
of digital data wallets have a significant impact on the willingness to adopt the use of this
solution, and how the limitations associated with data privacy may interfere with the process.
The quantitative analysis of 319 questionnaires through an online survey was used to evaluate
and validate the proposed theoretical model, using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation
modelling (PLS-SEM). The results suggest that the benefits of the perceived well-being impact
positively the willingness to adoption the use of digital data wallets, as do the antecedents
related to privacy and trust, and that cognitive biases moderately positively affect perceived
well-being. Despite the positive impacts identified, there is a general lack of knowledge among
the potential users about this type of platform and its capabilities and functionalities
Ltp labs - business model evolution: understanding the business landscape
LTPlabs, a leading analytics consultancy, blends advanced analytics with business expertise,
driving remarkable performance for clients. Their success lies in tailored, ready-to-use products
and a commitment to innovation. LTP values its team - analytical experts united in pursuing
excellence, teamwork, and tangible outcomes. This thesis aims to critically analyse LTP's
model, pinpointing gaps in the evolving analytics landscape. It proposes a robust business
model catering to these gaps, enhancing organizational value. It includes developing a change management plan and a market strategy for implementation. Lastly, the thesis explores Industry
4.0 and how LTP can integrate physical digitization into consultancy projects
What Influences Consumers´ Perception and Engagement with the Metaverse
Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Marketing IntelligenceThis study investigates the factors influencing consumer engagement within the metaverse,
emphasizing entertainment, interactivity, escapism, and social influence as key drivers.
Utilizing data collected from 313 respondents via an online survey, Partial Least Squares
Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to test the conceptual model and test
the hypotheses. The results show that escapism and interactivity significantly increase
consumer engagement, leading to positive attitudes towards brands and deepening emotional
connections, such as brand love. The findings highlight the mediating role of attitudes in
transforming engagement into enduring brand relationships. By bridging gaps in digital
marketing literature, this research offers theoretical advancements in understanding immersive
consumer experiences and practical insights for brands to leverage the metaverse's unique
potential to build stronger connections with their audiences
Non-wearable Fashion FOMO: The negative impact of digital fashion FOMO on Gen Z
Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Digital Marketing and AnalyticsThis study examines how Generation Z experiences digital fashion FOMO in the metaverse,
with a particular focus on the psychological and social factors that shape their identity and
consumer behavior. A Qualtrics survey was conducted to collect data from 639 individuals
belonging to Generation Z using adapted and validated scales, and the data was analyzed
through the PLS-SEM method. The findings indicate that virtual social comparison, mimicry
desire, and brand engagement exert a notable influence on FOMO, with virtual social
comparison emerging as the most pivotal factor. Nevertheless, avatar customization,
interaction with digital humans, need for uniqueness, social self-image expression, and
willingness to engage with the metaverse were not found to significantly affect FOMO.
Generation Z places a greater emphasis on group validation and the desire to fit in, as opposed
to pursuing individual self-expression in digital spaces. It would be prudent for brands to adopt
inclusive and creative strategies, fostering peer engagement, influencer collaborations, and
virtual events to manage FOMO and build long-term brand loyalty. This study contributes to
the extant literature on social comparison and social identity theories by exploring their
application in the context of the metaverse
Cell competition in T lymphocyte differentiation
"This thesis studies T cell differentiation and seeks to address how thymic
cell competition is regulated, thereby contributing to thymus turnover.
Thymopoiesis depends on thymus seeding by bone marrow progenitors,
and their subsequent differentiation into T cells.