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Open-book accounting em relações interorganizacionais : caso Serefra
No full textImpulsionadas por avanços tecnológicos e pressões económicas, as organizações têm procurado adotar novas estratégias com o objetivo de se manterem competitivas num mercado cada vez mais dinâmico. As relações interorganizacionais podem ser um espaço onde podem ser ativamente promovidas a partilha de recursos e conhecimentos entre parceiros comerciais. No entanto, enfrentam desafios como conflitos interpessoais e comportamentos oportunistas resultado da procura unilateral por benefícios próprios. Open-Book Accounting é uma ferramenta da gestão de custos interorganizacionais que procura mitigar esses desafios. Através da transparência financeira, o OBA promove relações sólidas baseadas em confiança e colaboração com vista a eficiência operacional e a redução de custos. O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar a viabilidade da implementação do Open-Book Accounting numa pequena empresa. Um objetivo específico é compreender o impacto da adoção do OBA nas relações entre parceiros comerciais com base na análise de uma relação fornecedor-cliente. Para atingir estes objetivos, foi conduzido um estudo de caso único numa empresa portuguesa de pequena dimensão, a Serefra. Dentre os resultados, conclui-se que a adoção do OBA pode trazer benefícios quando implementado numa empresa de pequena dimensão. No entanto, enfrenta desafios específicos, nomeadamente em termos de recursos financeiros, resistência à mudança e cultura organizacional. No caso específico da Serefra, conclui-se que a implementação do OBA é viável, e pode ser implementada de forma gradual.Driven by technological advancements and economic pressures, organizations have been seeking to adopt new strategies to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market. Interorganizational relationships can be a space where the sharing of resources and knowledge among business partners can be actively promoted. However, they face challenges such as interpersonal conflicts and opportunistic behaviours resulting from the unilateral pursuit of self-benefits. Open-Book Accounting is a tool in interorganizational cost management that seeks to mitigate these challenges. Through financial transparency, OBA promotes solid relationships based on trust and collaboration aimed at operational efficiency and cost reduction. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of implementing Open-Book Accounting in a small company. A specific objective is to understand the impact of OBA adoption on relationships between business partners based on the analysis of a supplier-client relationship. To achieve these objectives, a single case study was conducted in a small Portuguese company, Serefra. Among the results, it is concluded that the adoption of OBA can bring benefits when implemented in a small-sized company. However, it faces specific challenges, such as in terms of financial resources, resistance to change, and organizational culture. In the specific case of Serefra, it is concluded that the implementation of OBA is feasible and can be implemented gradually
A call for CARE in animal behaviour: an holistic ethical research framework
No full textDespite increasing awareness of animal welfare, there are vast discrepancies between legal protections and recommended practices for different species, in different countries and at different institutions. While many guidelines are now available, they often target specific research contexts or species, leaving a gap in comprehensiveethicaloversight across the entireresearchprocess.Withinanimalbehaviour research,thereis abias for consideringethicsduringonlythemethodologyanddesignphase.This oftenmeansonly the immediate impact onanimalsdirectly involved inthe researchis accountedfor. Conducting ethical researchshould extendbeyond ensuring animal welfare during data collection and include environmentally sustainable research practices, alongsidethe ethicaltreatmentofpeopleworkingwithinandalongsideanimalbehaviour research.Weoffer the Consult,Approve,ResearchandEvaluate(CARE)frameworktoimprovethescientific integrity,transparencyand ethical practices within the field of animal behaviour. CARE encourages researchers and academic bodies to (1) Consult existing (academic and traditional) knowledge on the study species, local human—animal interactions, their environment and previously implemented ethical practices and to reflect on personal experience and biases when approaching a study question; (2) seek Approval from relevant bodies (e.g. institutional ethics committees and local and government authorities) even when not mandatory; (3) uphold ethical standards while carrying out Research and (4) Evaluate the short- and long-term impacts of the specific study. Our framework is designed to distribute accountability at every level of the academic system, from individual researchers to their institutions, funding bodies and publishers. We pitch this framework as a ‘version 1.0’ to recognize the fast-evolving nature of ethical standards in animal behaviour research and to allow space for improvement. CARE provides a necessary infrastructure for addressing systemic biases and ensuring ethically sound, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable animal behaviour research
Governance of new product design: the influence of national institutions
No full textThis paper builds on institutional economics theory to analyze whether and how the institutional environment shapes the micro-level governance decisions related to innovation activities. Specifically, we suggest that the extent of co-creation with value-chain partners in new product design – a relational form of governance – is influenced by the institutional setting of the focal firm. Empirically, we rely on data on 636 manufacturers in 21 countries. Results from a hierarchical probit regression show that co-creation is more likely for firms that operate in countries with weak rule-of-law and/or atrophic technological infrastructures. We discuss the implications for theory and practice.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Exploring the potential of a waste-derived bone char for pharmaceuticals adsorption in saline-based wastewater
No full textIn this study, the effect of salinity in wastewater on the adsorption capacity of a bone char material prepared through pyrolysis of tuna bones at 1000 °C was investigated for two pharmaceuticals, tramadol (TRA) and venlafaxine (VNF), both contaminants of emerging concern. This is the first time that the adsorption efficiency of a bone char-type material was tested in such conditions. The Tuna Bone Char (TBC) was composed of calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite), and graphitic carbon. The TBC is a nanostructured material (particle size 30–60 nm), with a surface area of 100.67 m2/g (higher than other waste-derived type materials), and a total pore volume of 575.2 mm3/g. TBC capacity to adsorb TRA and VNF, individually or combined, was evaluated in batch experiments using different aqueous matrices: water, non-saline wastewater, and wastewaters with different salinity levels (7.5 and 12 g/L). For individual pharmaceuticals, the TBC had a higher affinity for TRA than VNF. The presence of salts in wastewaters led to a decrease in the TBC adsorption capacity but it was still effective for pharmaceuticals adsorption. Indeed, for the individual pharmaceuticals, the TBC adsorption capacity (qt) was 0.72–2.14 and 0.77–1.70 mg/g for TRA and VNF respectively, depending on the aqueous matrix. With both pharmaceuticals present, lower qt values were experimentally obtained for TRA and VNF. The potential of the TBC, a material derived from a by-product of the fish industry, to be used for environmental remediation in different environments, such as saline wastewaters was demonstrated, widening the range of its potential applications.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Quality and chemical safety of wheat bread enriched with untreated, milled, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum fermented red lentils (Lens culinaris L.)
No full textThis study investigated the effects of untreated, milled, and fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum No. 122 red lentils (Lens culinaris L.) on the quality and safety parameters of wheat bread (WB). The quantity (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 %) and type of lentils added significantly influenced WB specific volume. Bread with 10 % of fermented non-milled (FNM) and 15 % of fermented milled (FM) lentils exhibited lower porosity (average, 52.4 %), while the highest total titratable acidity (1.12°N) was observed in bread enriched with 25 % of (FM) lentils. Enrichment with red lentils increased acrylamide levels in most breads to 14–44 ?g/kg. A moderate correlation (?0.415–0.449) was found between acrylamide levels and certain VOCs of WB. Breads containing 10 and 15 % (FM) and (FNM) lentils showed overall acceptability scores (average, 4.1) similar to control bread. In conclusion, adding 5 % of non-fermented/fermented lentils to WB allowed for high acceptability without increasing acrylamide concentrations
Brand as a friend : how different cultures identify with archetypal digital marketing of brands?
No full textThis research aims to explore how different European cultures identify with archetypal digital marketing communication. Grounded in the theories of digital marketing, social media marketing, brand archetypes (brand anthropomorphism) and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, the research investigates how individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds interpret and identify with digital brand messages embodying archetypal characteristics. Mixed-methods approach was conducted for data gathering, including cross-cultural survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews with five individuals from the Generation Z, from different European countries (Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Portugal). The study examines if cultural values, beliefs, and norms have a significant effect on the attitude towards social media marketing of archetypal brands, and connection in case of brand perception and identification with brands using archetypal digital marketing. The aim is to give implications on the importance of aligning digital communication with cultural characteristics to have stronger consumer-brand relationships in global markets.Esta investigação tem como objetivo explorar a forma como diferentes culturas europeias se identificam com arquétipos de comunicação de marketing digital. Com base nas teorias do marketing digital, do marketing dos meios de comunicação social, dos arquétipos da marca (antropomorfismo da marca) e das dimensões culturais de Hofstede, a investigação examina a forma como os indivíduos de diversas origens culturais interpretam e se identificam com as mensagens digitais da marca que incorporam características arquetípicas. Foi utilizada uma abordagem de métodos mistos para a recolha de dados, incluindo um inquérito transcultural e entrevistas aprofundadas semi-estruturadas com cinco indivíduos da Geração Z, de diferentes países europeus (República Checa, Finlândia, Alemanha, Hungria e Portugal). O estudo examina se os valores, as crenças e as normas culturais têm um efeito significativo na atitude em relação ao marketing nas redes sociais de marcas arquetípicas e na ligação no caso da perceção da marca e da identificação com marcas que utilizam o marketing digital arquetípico. O objetivo é fornecer implicações sobre a importância de alinhar a comunicação digital com as características culturais para estabelecer relações mais fortes entre os consumidores e as marcas nos mercados globais
Targeted for being women and reporting on the presidency: gendered-based violence against female journalists by populists in office
No full textThis study examines the relationship between gender-based violence and the safety of journalists during the age of the populist zeitgeist. It includes an exploratory analysis of the discourses used by Jair Bolsonaro against Brazilian female journalists throughout his presidency. The findings provide evidence of the persistent misogynistic and patriarchal norms and attitudes of right-wing populists, who often target women based on their gender or perceived status to undermine them. The study concludes that Bolsonaro combined derogatory comments about gender and sexuality with attacks on the reputation and morals of female journalists. By leveraging ideologically motivated and culturally entrenched gender stereotypes, he constructed discursive strategies that shaped different identities for Brazilian women journalists. This approach aimed to damage theircredibility and obstruct their ability to perform their journalistic duties effectively, especially in the politically complex reporting environment. Additionally, it served as a warning to all journalists - both female and male - who might consider publishing critical or negative coverage of his administration.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Playing to win : um estudo de caso na OLI
No full textPerante o ambiente VUCA, as organizações para vencer necessitam de desenvolver e implementar Sistemas de Gestão Estratégica que apoiem e orientem o planeamento e execução da estratégia. É neste contexto que surge o modelo Playing to Win, desenvolvido por Alan Lafley e Roger Martin, composto por cinco questões estratégicas interligadas e que tem por objetivo guiar as organizações para o alcance de uma vantagem competitiva sustentável. Existem evidências - marcas Gillete e Swiffer - de que a adoção do Playing to Win conduz à formulação e implementação de uma estratégia vencedora. No entanto, na literatura não são conhecidos estudos académicos sobre a sua aplicação. Nesse sentido, considera-se pertinente a exploração da viabilidade da ferramenta estratégica no contexto português, concretamente na OLI. O objetivo centrou-se na resposta à questão: “será o Playing to Win útil às organizações?”. Para tal, selecionou-se a metodologia estudo de caso descritivo e explanatório, tendo a recolha de dados sido efetuada por meio de entrevistas. Concluiu-se que em organizações com sistemas de gestão estratégica maduros, como a OLI, a aplicação do modelo é útil como parte, permitindo: promover a focalização e alinhamento estratégico da organização, através da descrição da estratégia e sua comunicação, de forma prática e clara; implementar ferramentas e processos que facilitam e apoiam a tomada de decisões estratégicas; e, fomentar a gestão estratégica de recursos. Considera-se que a implementação e controlo da estratégia poderiam ser mais aprofundadas no modelo. Pretende-se que a investigação contribua: a nível pessoal, para um maior conhecimento sobre o Playing to Win; a nível organizacional, para a análise de uma possível implementação; e, a nível académico, para a literatura.Faced with the VUCA environment, in order to win, organizations need to develop and implement Strategic Management Systems that support and guide strategy planning and execution. It is in this context that the Playing to Win model, developed by Alan Lafley and Roger Martin, emerges. It is made up of five interconnected strategic issues and aims to guide organizations towards achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. There is evidence - brands Gillete and Swiffer - that the adoption of Playing to Win leads to the formulation and implementation of a winning strategy. However, there are no known academic studies in the literature on its application. In this sense, it is considered pertinent to explore the viability of the strategic tool in the Portuguese context, specifically at OLI. The aim was to answer the question: "is Playing to Win useful for organizations?". To this end, a descriptive and explanatory case study methodology was selected, and data was collected through interviews. It was concluded that in organizations with mature strategic management systems, such as OLI, the application of the model is useful as part of the following: promoting the organization's strategic focus and alignment by describing the strategy and communicating it in a practical and clear way; implementing tools and processes that facilitate and support strategic decision-making; and fostering strategic resource management. It is felt that the implementation and control of the strategy could be further developed in the model. The research is intended to contribute: on a personal level, to greater knowledge about Playing to Win; on an organizational level, to the analysis of a possible implementation; and, on an academic level, to the literature
Non-invasive bladder cancer detection: identification of a urinary volatile biomarker panel using GC-MS metabolomics and machine learning
No full textEarly detection of bladder cancer (BC) remains a major clinical challenge due to the limitations of current diagnostic methods, which are often invasive, expensive, or insufficiently sensitive, particularly for early-stage disease. Metabolomics approaches, when integrated with machine learning (ML) techniques, offer a powerful platform for identifying novel, non-invasive biomarkers. In this study, urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analysed from 87 BC patients and 90 age- and sex-matched cancer-free controls using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Of the 90 VOCs identified, 27 were selected and used to train five ML algorithms—random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and k-nearest neighbors (k-NN). Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation and an independent validation set, with metrics including area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. RF achieved the highest performance using all 27 features (AUC = 0.913; sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy = 85 %). After feature selection, an eight-VOC panel improved performance on the validation set (AUC = 0.872; sensitivity = 89 %, specificity = 92 %, accuracy = 91 %). The panel included ketones, aldehydes, a short fatty alcohol, and a phenol compound—seven elevated in BC, and one (acetone) decreased. This panel outperformed FDA-approved urinary assays and closely matched the specificity of urine cytology. These findings underscore the promise of VOC-based urinary biomarkers, in combination with ML, for the non-invasive detection of BC. Further large-scale validation studies are essential to confirm diagnostic utility and enable clinical translation
The role of strategic performance measurement systems in multinational financial operations : a BNP Paribas Cardif case study
No full textThis study explores how Strategic Performance Measurement Systems (SPMS) drive efficiency, cultural alignment, and strategic decision-making in multinational financial operations through BNP Paribas Cardif9s nearshoring project in Portugal. As global institutions increasingly leverage nearshoring, effective SPMS are essential to balance global standards with local adaptability. Through qualitative research and interviews with GAMA Project stakeholders, this case highlights the critical role of cultural integration, robust governance, and adaptive metrics in overcoming challenges like distributed team management, talent retention, and cross-border communication. The findings show that a well-implemented SPMS not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens risk management, innovation, and long-term strategy. This study provides valuable insights for organizations exploring nearshoring, contributing to the literature on global performance measurement and offering a practical framework for future research in this evolving field.Este estudo explora como os Sistemas de Medição de Desempenho Estratégico (SPMS) impulsionam a eficiência, o alinhamento cultural e a tomada de decisões estratégicas nas operações financeiras multinacionais, através do projeto de nearshoring da BNP Paribas Cardif em Portugal. À medida que as instituições globais recorrem cada vez mais ao nearshoring, os SPMS eficazes tornam-se essenciais para equilibrar os padrões globais com a adaptabilidade local. Através de investigação qualitativa e entrevistas com os intervenientes do Projeto GAMA, este caso destaca o papel fundamental da integração cultural, de uma governação robusta e de métricas adaptativas na superação de desafios como a gestão de equipas distribuídas, a retenção de talentos e a comunicação transfronteiriça. Os resultados mostram que um SPMS bem implementado não só melhora a eficiência operacional, mas também fortalece a gestão de risco, a inovação e a estratégia de longo prazo. Este estudo oferece insights valiosos para organizações que exploram o nearshoring, contribuindo para a literatura sobre medição de desempenho global e fornecendo um quadro prático para futuras pesquisas neste campo em evolução