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Risks, opportunities, and valuations in the football industry: evidence from FC Inter Milan
No full textThis thesis was developed under the Field Lab format and is composed of a shared group
component and an individual contribution. The group component, developed collaboratively,
includes the Introduction and Industry Overview, which set the stage for the individual
analyses. These sections explore the growing financialization of football, the increasing role of
private capital and institutional investors, and the evolving operational landscape of the sport.
They highlight key sector-wide dynamics such as post-COVID financial recovery, the impact
of UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations, digital innovation, internationalization
strategies, and the role of youth development and stadium infrastructure in shaping long-term
club value. This common foundation ensures consistency across the individual case studies.
The individual contribution focuses on FC Inter Milan, addressing two central research
questions: (1) which structural and operational factors investors should consider when
assessing a club’s long-term value potential, and (2) whether a hybrid valuation framework
offers more realistic and investor-relevant results than traditional models.
The analysis begins with an operational review of squad value trends, youth development,
stadium infrastructure, and ownership structures, followed by a financial assessment of
revenues, costs, and profitability from 2016 to 2024. To estimate enterprise and equity value,
a Football Field framework is applied, combining five methods: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF),
revenue and EBITDA multiples, asset-based valuation, market capitalization (where
applicable), and the Markham Multivariate Model.
The findings reveal that a multi-method approach is better suited to capture both the financial
fundamentals and the football-specific aspects that shape a club’s value. By combining
traditional valuation tools with models tailored to the industry, the framework reflects not only
financial performance but also factors such as sporting success, operational structure, and
intangible brand strength. This approach offers a more comprehensive and adaptable tool for
investors navigating the complexity of the football sector
Nature-based solutions in the voluntary market: a business model analysis of redd projects
No full textThe Voluntary Carbon Market is increasingly recognized as a key market-based mechanism for
addressing climate change, enabling a wide range of climate solutions to be monetized through
carbon credits. The research focuses on the REDD+ business model, analyzing its core
components through the Social Business Model Canvas, supported by expert interviews and
market reports. Building upon the identified strengths and weaknesses, the study proposes a set
of strategic recommendations for business model innovation and optimization. Findings
suggest that REDD+ project developers should pursue vertical integration and diversify
revenue streams. Additionally, expanding access to the retail segment could unlock market
growth
Strategic initiatives for enhancing SA-FC’s football youth academy: fostering sustainable growth through success factors from European best practices and academic research - external analysis
No full textThis study examines the external factors influencing the establishment of SA-FC FC’s youth
academy, focusing on geographic conditions, demographic trends, market dynamics, and
regulatory frameworks. Saudi Arabia’s extreme climate necessitates adaptive infrastructure for
sustainable player development. The country’s young and football-passionate population
provides a strong talent pool, while Vision 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup reinforce
governmental support for football growth. Regulatory changes, including foreign player limits
and structured youth pathways, further shape the academy's strategic considerations. By
analyzing these factors, this research informs evidence-based strategies to position SA-FC as a
leader in youth football development
Development of Bioinks Based on Hybrid Gels and Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
No full textO cancro continua a ser um desafio para a saúde a nível mundial, exigindo abordagens inovadoras para
terapias específicas e regeneração de tecidos. Em resposta, a procura crescente de biomateriais avançados na
engenharia de tecidos e na medicina regenerativa estimulou a inovação nas tecnologias de bioimpressão 3D. Este
estudo centra-se na síntese de hidrogéis multifuncionais usando quitosano metacrilato (ChiMA), nanocristais de
celulose (CNCs) e nanopartículas de óxido de ferro superparamagnético (SPIONs) para enfrentar desafios críticos
em aplicações biomédicas. Utilizando a reticulação induzida por UV, foi conseguido um controlo preciso das
propriedades dos materiais, permitindo o fabrico de arquitecturas de tecidos complexas e funcionais. Os SPIONs
foram integrados para fornecer capacidades de hipertermia magnética, resultando num aumento de temperatura de
aproximadamente 3°C sob um campo magnético alternado (300 Gauss, 388 kHz), melhorando simultaneamente a
estabilidade mecânica. Os hidrogéis apresentaram um comportamento de diluição por cisalhamento, essencial para a
bioimpressão baseada em extrusão, com os SPIONs a aumentar a viscosidade a baixas taxas de cisalhamento para
melhorar a fidelidade estrutural durante a deposição. A caraterização mecânica revelou um aumento de 92% no
módulo de compressão (320 Pa para 167 Pa no controlo), atribuído a interações sinérgicas entre CNCs e SPIONs
que reforçaram a rede reticulada. Os estudos de inchaço demonstraram uma boa retenção de água (fração de gel
>95%) e um inchaço de equilíbrio (aproximadamente 1500%), garantindo integridade estrutural em condições
fisiológicas. A análise morfológica via SEM/EDS confirmou o sucesso da incorporação de SPION, mas identificou
problemas de agregação, enfatizando a necessidade de melhores estratégias de dispersão. Estes resultados
posicionam os hidrogéis ChiMA/CNC reforçados com SPIONs como plataformas versáteis para bioimpressão 3D,
combinando propriedades mecânicas personalizadas, potencial de entrega controlada de fármacos e funcionalidade
de hipertermia localizada. O trabalho futuro irá otimizar a concentração de SPIONs e a modificação da superfície para
melhorar a eficácia e uniformidade térmicas, avançando para soluções clinicamente viáveis para a terapia do cancro
e estruturas engenharia de tecidos.Cancer remains a significant global health burden, necessitating innovative approaches for targeted therapy and
tissue regeneration. In response to this, the rising demand for advanced biomaterials in tissue engineering and
regenerative medicine has spurred innovation in 3D bioprinting technologies. This study focuses on synthesizing
multifunctional hydrogels using methacrylate chitosan (ChiMA), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and
superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to tackle critical challenges in biomedical applications. By
utilizing UV-induced photocrosslinking, precise control over material properties was achieved, enabling the fabrication
of complex, functional tissue architectures. SPIONs were integrated to provide magnetic hyperthermia capabilities,
resulting in a temperature increase of approximately 3°C under an alternating magnetic field (300 Gauss, 388 kHz),
while simultaneously enhancing mechanical stability. The hydrogels exhibited shear-thinning behaviour, which is
essential for extrusion-based bioprinting, with SPIONs increasing viscosity at low shear rates to improve structural
fidelity during deposition. Mechanical characterization revealed a 92% increase in compressive modulus (from 320 Pa
to 167 Pa for controls), attributed to synergistic interactions between CNCs and SPIONs that enhanced the
crosslinked network. Swelling studies demonstrated exceptional water retention (gel fraction >95%) and equilibrium
swelling (approximately 1500%), highlighting strong structural integrity under physiological conditions. Morphological
analysis via SEM/EDS confirmed successful SPION incorporation but identified aggregation issues, emphasizing the
need for improved dispersion strategies. These results position SPIONs reinforced ChiMA/CNC hydrogels as versatile
platforms for 3 D bioprinting, combining tailored mechanical properties, controlled drug delivery potential, and
localized hyperthermia functionality. Future work will optimize SPION concentration and surface modification to
improve thermal efficacy and uniformity, advancing toward clinically viable solutions for cancer therapy and
engineered tissue scaffolds
Evaluating decision-making coaching: a case study of the application of the VCW funnel in an energy company
No full textThe VCW methodology is a novel approach to strategic decision-making and actionable
solutions. Despite its application across many firms, there is limited evidence about its
impacts in the related literature of theories that aim to maximize firm’s value. This
dissertation conducts an evaluation of 23 VCW Funnels’ impact in a large energy-sector firm
in Portugal. I conducted 10 interviews and a survey about the tool’s perceived preliminary
impact. The results indicate the participants believe that because of the funnel, they have
contributed to the generation of solutions and that this methodology could be scaled to other
challenges
A proposta de valor numa organização: a importância de uma proposta de valor estruturada para a comunicação e envolvimento dos membros no BCSD Portugal
No full textEste trabalho de projeto tem como objetivo a estruturação formal da Proposta de
Valor (PV) da organização BCSD Portugal com o envolvimento de todos os
colaboradores. Para realizar esta estruturação, foi aplicado o framework de Payne et
al. (2020), propondo para cada fase do framework, a análise das diversas dimensões da
organização. Concluiu-se que é de enorme importância a estruturação formal da PV e
o envolvimento da equipa para que a comunicação da mesma seja forte e clara. Uma
PV bem estruturada e organizada permite ao BCSD Portugal mostrar de forma
explícita, aos seus membros e aos potenciais membros, as vantagens de aderir e de
manter a sua adesão ao conselho empresarial. A metodologia aplicada à elaboração e
estruturação da PV permite a sua atualização e adaptação às alterações no ambiente
externo, tornando-se uma ferramenta de competitividade única ao dispor da
organização.This project aims to formally structure the Value Proposition (VP) of the BCSD Portugal
organization with the involvement of all employees. To carry out this structuring, the
Payne et al. (2020) framework was applied, proposing for each phase of the
framework, the analysis of the various dimensions of the organization. It was
concluded that the formal structuring of the VP, and the involvement of the team, it
was extremely important to its communication be strong and clear. A well-structured
and organized VP allows BCSD Portugal to explicitly show its members and potential
members the advantages of joining and maintaining their membership of the business
council. The methodology applied to drawing up and structuring the VP allows it to be
updated and adapted to changes in the external environment, making it a unique
competitive tool available to the organization
Associação entre o Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Pobreza Energética e os Níveis de Tensão Arterial na População Portuguesa
No full textMestrado em parceria com a Faculdade de Ciências e TecnologiaEm Portugal, estima-se que entre 1,8 e 3 milhões de pessoas vivam em situação
de pobreza energética, estando entre 609 mil e 660 mil em condição severa. A exposição
a temperaturas extremas dentro das habitações pode agravar problemas de saúde
existentes e aumentar o risco de doenças cardiovasculares, como a hipertensão arterial,
que afeta cerca de 36% da população portuguesa entre 25 e 74 anos. Este problema é
intensificado pelas alterações climáticas, que elevam a frequência de eventos extremos.
Apesar das preocupações expressas em políticas europeias, poucos estudos
populacionais avaliaram a associação entre pobreza energética e saúde utilizando
medidas objetivas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo estimar a associação entre o Índice
de Vulnerabilidade à Pobreza Energética (IVPE) desenvolvido ao nível da freguesia
(#3092) e os níveis de tensão arterial na população adulta portuguesa. Trata-se de um
estudo epidemiológico, observacional, transversal e analítico, com dados do Inquérito
Nacional de Saúde com Exame Físico 2015 (INSEF), abrangendo 4911 indivíduos de
25 a 74 anos. O IVPE foi categorizado em tercis (baixo, médio e alto) e as associações
foram analisadas por regressão linear, ajustada para fatores sociodemográficos e
económicos. Os resultados evidenciam que viver em áreas com elevada vulnerabilidade
à pobreza energética está associado a um aumento significativo da tensão arterial. No
contexto do arrefecimento, observou-se um acréscimo de 2,28% na Tensão Arterial
Sistólica (TAS) e de 2,08% na Tensão Arterial Diastólica (TAD), enquanto para o
aquecimento verificou-se um aumento significativo na TAS, mas sem relevância na
TAD. Estes reforçam a pobreza energética como um fator de risco relevante para a
saúde, sublinhando a necessidade de políticas públicas eficazes para mitigar os seus
impactos. Num contexto de alterações climáticas e envelhecimento da população
portuguesa, garantir condições habitacionais adequadas pode ser uma estratégia
essencial para reduzir desigualdades sociais, promover a saúde e o bem-estar, bem como
aliviar a pressão sobre os sistemas de saúde pública.In Portugal, it is estimated that between 1.8 and 3 million people live in energy
poverty, with between 609,000 and 660,000 in severe conditions. Exposure to extreme
temperatures within households can exacerbate existing health problems and increase
the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, which affects approximately
36% of the Portuguese population aged 25 to 74. This issue is further intensified by
climate change, which increases the frequency of extreme weather events. Despite
concerns expressed in European policies, few population-based studies have assessed
the association between energy poverty and health using objective measures. This study
aims to estimate the association between the Energy Poverty Vulnerability Index
(EPVI), developed at the parish level (#3092), and blood pressure levels in the adult
Portuguese population. It is an epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional, and
analytical study, based on data from the 2015 National Health Examination Survey
(INSEF), covering 4,911 individuals aged 25 to 74. The EPVI was categorized into
tertiles (low, medium, and high), and associations were analyzed using linear
regression, adjusted for sociodemographic and economic factors. The results indicate
that living in areas with high vulnerability to energy poverty is significantly associated
with increased blood pressure. In the cooling context, an increase of 2.28% in Systolic
Blood Pressure (SBP) and 2.08% in Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) was observed,
while in the heating context, there was a significant increase in SBP but no relevant
change in DBP. These findings reinforce energy poverty as a significant risk factor for
health, highlighting the need for effective public policies to mitigate its impacts. In the
context of climate change and an aging Portuguese population, ensuring adequate
housing conditions may be a crucial strategy for reducing social inequalities, promoting
health and well-being, and alleviating pressure on public health systems
Private equity investments in football: an opportunity for global and portuguese football growth
No full textFootball is the world’s most famous sport, gathering an impressive 3.5 billion fans. In the last
decades, globalization and digitization fostered an unforeseen evolution in the movement with
clubs turning from purely sport entities to actual businesses characterized by diversified
revenue streams and high investment requirements. The needed financial resources could be
provided by private equity investors. This paper analyzes return-seeking investments in
football and, through the application of a strategic framework and via direct interviews with
experts, assesses the best strategies to foster Portuguese football growth, ultimately providing
recommendations to both clubs and financial sponsors to create successful partnerships
Overcoming biodiversity regulatory shortcomings in the European energy industry
No full textThis thesis aims to identify how European energy companies that accept biodiversity
regulations overcome the lack of guidance on implementation. To uncover the implementation
obstacles regarding the new biodiversity regulations faced by European energy companies, I
conducted a multiple case study of seven companies, I found that companies adopt different
strategic approaches to overcoming implementation challenges namely (1) internal strategic
alignment of biodiversity considerations with the rest of the firm, (2) collaborative efforts and
partnerships to address knowledge gaps, and (3) influencing external market and financial
dynamics. The insights are valuable for companies and policymakers alike for successful policy
implementation
Business in practice: driving enigma motors on the road to electrification - a journey of performance analysis and self-reflection
No full textBusiness in Practice encapsulates professional experiences derived from a simulation,
particularly amidst the transition to electrification within the automotive industry, alongside
personal growth during this period. Reflecting on Enigma Motors' dynamics, this exploration
unveils the crucial role of each company area (Strategy, Human Resources, Finance,
Innovation, Marketing, and Operations), challenges in diverse teamwork, and the influence of
individual personalities on performance. It underscores the significance of effective
leadership, emphasizing communication, adaptability, and resilience in navigating complex
business scenarios. Through BiP, skills are honed, networks amplified, and unwavering
confidence instilled for future challenges, marking a transformative journey in real-world
business dynamics