69166 research outputs found
Sort by
Implementation of SPC Methodologies by Developing a QbD in the PQR’s of Oral Liquid Drug Formulations
No full textA integração de metodologias de Controlo Estatístico do Processo (SPC) no
desenvolvimento de Quality by Design (QbD) representa um avanço crucial na indústria
farmacêutica, assegurando a qualidade dos produtos através da monitorização e controlo
sistemáticos. Este estudo aplica princípios de Quality by Design retrospetivo (rQbD) aos
Relatórios de Revisão da Qualidade do Produto (PQR) de formulações líquidas não estéreis,
com o objetivo de melhorar a compreensão do processo, identificar fontes de variabilidade e
implementar estratégias de melhoria baseadas em dados.
Para alcançar estes objetivos, adotou-se uma abordagem estruturada, integrando a Análise
de Modos de Falha e Efeitos (FMEA) para classificar os Atributos Críticos de Qualidade
(CQAs), Parâmetros Críticos do Processo (CPPs) e Atributos Críticos Materiais (CMAs). Foi
utilizado diagrama de Ishikawa para identificar potenciais fontes de variabilidade, enquanto
ferramentas de SPC, como as Cartas de Controlo (CCs) de Shewhart para valores individuais e
amplitude móvel, permitiram a deteção de desvios estatísticos no processo. Além disso, foram
aplicados Modelos Autorregressivos Integrados de Médias Móveis (ARIMA) para avaliar dados
autocorrelacionados, permitindo a previsão de tendências e um melhor controlo do processo.
Os resultados indicam que CQAs como pH, teor de API e distribuição de pesos
moleculares apresentam variabilidade que requer estratégias de monitorização melhoradas. A
análise do volume dispensado como CPP, através da modelação segundo o modelo ARIMA e
CCs, destacou o impacto da calibração dos equipamentos e das intervenções dos operadores na
estabilidade do processo. Estudos de correlação entre as propriedades das matérias-primas e a
qualidade do produto final sugerem oportunidades para a utilização de modelos preditivos na
otimização da produção.
Ao integrar metodologias de rQbD e SPC nos PQRs, este estudo estabelece um modelo
sistemático para a monitorização proativa do processo e a melhoria contínua da qualidade,
reforçando a conformidade regulatória e a eficiência operacional.The integration of Statistical Process Control (SPC) methodologies into the Quality by
Design (QbD) framework represents a crucial advancement in pharmaceutical manufacturing,
ensuring product quality through systematic monitoring and control. This study applies
retrospective QbD (rQbD) principles to Product Quality Review (PQR) reports of non-sterile
liquid formulations to enhance process understanding, identify variability sources, and
implement data-driven improvement strategies.
To achieve this, a structured approach was adopted, incorporating Failure Mode and
Effects Analysis (FMEA) to classify Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs), Critical Process
Parameters (CPPs), and Critical Material Attributes (CMAs). Ishikawa diagrams were used to
identify potential variability sources, while SPC tools such as Shewhart Control Charts (CCs)
for individual and moving ranges enabling the detection of statistical process deviations.
Additionally, Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models were applied to
assess autocorrelated data, allowing for trend forecasting and refined process control.
Results indicate that CQAs such as pH, API assay, and molecular weight distribution
exhibit variability requiring enhanced monitoring strategies. Analysis of deliverable volume as a
CPP, through ARIMA modeling and CCs, highlighted the impact of equipment calibration and
operator adjustments on process stability. Correlation studies between raw material properties
and final product quality suggest predictive modeling opportunities for optimizing
manufacturing outcomes.
By embedding rQbD and SPC methodologies into PQR reports, this study establishes a
systematic framework for proactive process monitoring and continuous quality improvement,
reinforcing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency
Logged Off, Still Loyal? Exploring the Impact of Social Media Quitting on Consumer Purchase Intentions and Brand Loyalty
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Driven Marketing, specialization in Digital Marketing and AnalyticsThis research focused on the effects of social media quitting on brand identification, loyalty
and purchase intention, which provided new insights into the literature. By obtaining data
through an online survey, a sample of 262 respondents was used to test a research model.
The results showed that social media quitting has a positive impact on online brand
identification and brand loyalty, but it has a negative effect on online purchase intention. It
was also confirmed that social influence moderates the relationship between social media
quitting and brand loyalty, but it doesn’t moderate the one between social media quitting and
online brand identification. This work provided new information for future studies and
proposed an alternate subject and rapport of digital detox on brand’s context. Overall, this
study shows that digital detox doesn’t have solely negative impacts on every element of
consumer-brand relationship
The Impact of Mental Health on Social Media Competence: A Self-Determination Theory Approach
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Science and Advanced Analytics, specialization in Business AnalyticsUsing the framework of self-determination theory (SDT), this study analyses the effects of
mental health on the satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs: autonomy, relatedness,
and competence in social media. While much research has studied how social media use (SMU)
affects psychological well-being, limited attention has been given to the inverse relationship.
This study aims to understand how detrimental mental health influences social media
competence. Based on a sample of 268 social media users, results indicate that poor sleep
quality has a negative impact on how people perceive social media relatedness, while anxiety
increases it. Anxiety reduces individuals’ perceived autonomy, but, contrarily to depression, it
increases their perceived competence. Age moderates the relationship between social media
relatedness and competence, strengthening it. However, older users tend to have lower
perceived social media competence. We conclude that different mental health conditions (such
as poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety) have different effects on perceived relatedness,
autonomy, and competence in social media and that age can moderate the impact of these
relationships. To encourage healthier and more independent SMU, the findings provide
guidance for digital well-being interventions aimed at specific psychological profiles and age
groups
Exploring Psychological, Behavioural, and Technological Drivers of Student Absenteeism and Independent Learning in the Era of AI
No full textDissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Business IntelligenceStudent absenteeism remains a persistent issue in higher education, now further influenced
by the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into academic contexts. Tools like
ChatGPT and adaptive learning platforms provide students with increased flexibility and
personalized support, potentially decreasing the perceived necessity of attending face-to-face
classes. Although previous studies have addressed behavioural and psychological aspects of
absenteeism, little attention has been given to the interaction between these factors and AI
usage. This research bridges that gap by proposing a comprehensive framework that combines
locus of control, self-efficacy, and digital displacement theories to examine how AI impacts
student attendance and autonomous learning behaviours. A quantitative survey was
conducted with 291 university students in Portugal, and the data were analysed using partial
least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The validated model accounts for
38.7% of the variance in absenteeism and 34.4% in self-efficacy for independent learning.
Results show that internal locus of control, peer influence, time management skills, and AI
tool usage significantly affect both constructs. This study offers valuable insights into the
behavioural dynamics of absenteeism and independent learning in AI-supported educational
settings, with implications for educational institutions and policymakers navigating AI’s
growing presence in academia
Advancing activobank´s mobile application: minimum viable products to boost customer loyalty & financial engagement
No full textThis thesis presents a consultancy project for Portugal-based ActivoBank. The bank faces a
challenge where many customers use its services for basic banking activities but hesitate to
choose it for more significant, revenue-generating financial transactions. Despite a diverse
product range, the bank struggles to effectively engage customers in utilizing these offerings.
Therefore, the focus of this thesis lies on addressing customer hesitancy in choosing
ActivoBank for substantial financial transactions. The project aims to integrate solutions into
ActivoBank's mobile application, enhancing its appeal as a primary financial institution.
Employing comprehensive research and customer surveys, this thesis identifies four critical
touchpoints in the customer journey and develops a Minimum Viable Product. The latter aims
at boosting customer engagement with revenue-generating products. For the first touchpoint,
we introduce an enhanced login page to engage users right from the start. In the third touchpoint,
users are segmented into interest groups through a questionnaire and provided with a tailored
Activo4U page, while the fourth touchpoint features a personalized AI-powered recommendation system. Moreover, the thesis provides ActivoBank with detailed
implementation guidelines and additional suggestions for the application as well as beyond the
scope of the application to improve its position in the digital banking sector and the lifetime
value of its customers
Development of a sustainable financial plan for NUCLIO to diversify revenue streams and reduce dependency on European funding - how can NUCLIO monetize its already established accredited training service
No full textNUCLIO’s mission is to promote structural changes in the educational system, but its heavy
reliance on EU funds threatens its financial sustainability. This project proposes transitioning
NUCLIO into a hybrid organization by diversifying its revenue streams. The focus is on
restructuring its Training Center BU and expanding its course portfolio, introducing executive
and international courses to create sustainable income. By implementing these initiatives, the
financial potential impact will contribute to reducing dependency on external funding and
enhancing the financial self-sufficiency of the Training Center , and consequently of NUCLIO
How macroeconomic conditions shape venture capital preferences
No full textThis thesis examines how U.S. monetary‐policy surprises influence venture‐capital activity
from January 2000 to December 2024. The 30-day Fed‐funds futures shocks are orthogonalized
against lagged industrial production and CPI, then decomposed into policy and information
shocks via equity-based sign restrictions. Aggregated monthly, these innovations are matched
to deal sizes, deal counts, funding stages, and sector allocations for ten VC firms. Static OLS
regressions understate the effects, while a VAR(4) reveals front-loaded liquidity responses to
rate shocks and “pause-then-play” dynamics following communication shocks. Sector and stage
specific response patterns indicate that investment timing reflects both liquidity availability and
uncertainty resolution
Examining the relationship between financial anxiety and financial attitude in Generation Z: consequences for consumer banking: preparing the generation shift
No full textThis project explores the relationship between financial attitude and financial anxiety among
Generation Z and its implications for consumer banks. A survey with 112 respondents measured
both variables and analysed how they relate to age, income and occupation. This research
concluded that there is negative correlation between financial attitude and financial anxiety,
further intensified by income and employment. The results suggest that banks can use these
insights to design products and services that foster a financial attitude in younger clients and
contribute to the reduction of their financial anxiety
The financial aftermath of relegation: an empirical analysis of transfer activity and fire sales in European Top 5 leagues of football
No full textThis thesis investigates the financial impact of relegation on football clubs’ transfer
activity across Europe’s top five leagues. Using a sharp regression discontinuity design, it examines changes in transfer balance, expenditure, income, and the occurrence of fire sales. Results show a significant decline in transfer expenditure post-relegation, while transfer income
remains statistically unchanged. Although relegated clubs tend to sell players more frequently
below market value, no causal fire-sale effect is confirmed. These findings highlight that relegation constrains spending but does not necessarily trigger distressed asset liquidation, underscoring the distinct financial dynamics within professional football
The trade impact of the European carbon border adjustment mechanism on two African economies
No full textThe Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a European Union Counter measrue policy against carbon leakage. This study explores the quantitative impact of the
policy on export trade flows with Mozambique and South Africa - two African economies
closely tied to the EU and heavily involved in CBAM-targeted product categories, as well
as presenting little to none carbon pricing. The emission analysis is carried out using the
EORA global multi-regional input-output (MRIO) framework, consistent with established
practices in the literature, with Eaton–Kortum elasticities and a PPML structural-gravity
model to estimate tariffs and export shifts. Findings indicate CBAM-exposed goods repre sent 2.2% of South Africa’s exports but 13% of Mozambique’s, with unwrought aluminium
and pig iron facing duties up to 30% and 37%. When full Scope 1 + 2 pricing is applied,
South Africa’s CBAM-exposed exports contract by 26%, while Mozambique’s aluminium
exports could fall by as much as 61%. Decarbonising electricity and strengthening domestic
carbon pricing emerge as mitigations