Modelo de identificação de habilidades empreendedoras em desenvolvedores de software à luz da abordagem ágil

Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Centro Tecnológico. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de ProduçãoO interesse de empresas produtoras de software por temas como empreendedorismo e métodos ágeis normalmente está associado à expectativa de obtenção de ganho para o negócio. Tal ganho visa o aumento da qualidade e da produtividade, que são decorrentes de aspectos como o comprometimento e a satisfação dos desenvolvedores de software. No presente trabalho considera-se que a cultura organizacional representa um fator preponderante tanto em iniciativas de adoção de métodos ágeis quanto na promoção de habilidades empreendedoras. O objetivo geral dessa tese é verificar se a cultura ágil promove habilidades empreendedoras em desenvolvedores de software, o que é feito através da elaboração de um modelo de identificação de habilidades empreendedoras em desenvolvedores de software à luz da abordagem ágil. Tendo como base a pesquisa bibliográfica, foi elaborado um modelo de representação da cultura ágil de desenvolvimento de software e em seguida foram inseridas habilidades empreendedoras no modelo. A coerência e aplicabilidade do modelo foram verificadas por meio de pesquisa qualitativa. A pesquisa utiliza-se de entrevistas realizadas junto a especialistas, o que possibilitou verificar empiricamente as teorias relacionadas no modelo. Também foi realizada pesquisa de campo junto a especialistas, sendo que os resultados foram tabulados e testados. Entre os principais resultados obtidos estão a verificação de que a adoção de determinadas práticas ágeis contribui para a promoção de habilidades empreendedoras e a constatação de que tanto as práticas ágeis como as habilidades empreendedoras em desenvolvedores de software podem ser visualizadas como artefatos visíveis de uma cultura ágil sustentada por um conjunto de princípios, valores e suposições básicas compartilhadas.The interest of software companies in issues such as entrepreneurship and agile methods is normally associated to the expectation of obtaining improvements for the business. These gains seek to increase quality and productivity, resulting from factors such as the commitment and satisfaction of the software developers. This study considers that the organizational culture represents a preponderant factor both in initiatives for the adoption of agile methods and in the promotion of entrepreneurial skills. The general objective of this thesis is to verify if the agile culture promotes entrepreneurial skills in software developers. The study is conducted through the preparation of a model for the identification of entrepreneurial skills in software developers from the perspective of the agile approach. Based on a bibliographic study, a model was prepared for the representation of an agile software development culture. Entrepreneurial skills were then inserted in the model. The coherence and applicability of the model were verified by means of a qualitative study. The research included interviews with specialists that allowed empirically verifying the theories presented in the model. A field study was also conducted among specialists, and the results were tabulated and tested. The main results include the verification that adoption of certain agile practices contributes to the promotion of entrepreneurial abilities and the finding that both agile practices and entrepreneurial abilities in software developers can be visualized as visible artifacts of an agile culture sustained by a set of principles, values and basic shared suppositions

Contributions of entrepreneurial orientation in the use of agile methods in project management

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze the degree of contribution of the entrepreneurial orientation (EO) oforganizations in the use of agile methods (AM) in project management.Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach with the application of a survey withproject professionals resulted in 206 valid answers. The data were analyzed using structural equationmodeling and the method of partial least squares (PLS).Findings – The results present empirical evidence of the significant contribution of EO in the use of AM inproject management, confirming the main hypothesis of this study. This effect was not influenced by thecontrol variables tested.Research limitations/implications – This study contributes to the development of research on AMand minimizes the literature gap on the connection between entrepreneurship and AM. The results are limitedto the sample. Studies with broader samples and different segments are suggested, as well as the contributionof each dimension of the EO to AM.Practical implications – Innovativeness, risk-taking, proactiveness, autonomy and competitiveaggressiveness (EO dimensions) can contribute to the use of AM and guide actions to develop thesebehaviors, pursuing better adherence to agile values and the use of AM in project management.Originality/value – The originality of this study regarding the connection between EO and AM lies on thepresentation of a theoretical model of this relationship and reduces the gap in this research field. Given the degree of EO contribution in AM (19.7%), there are other factors that affect the use of AM in projectmanagement that should be investigated

Managing open innovation projects: an evidence-based framework for SMEs and large companies cooperation

Purpose – How can joint open innovation (OI) projects between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large companies (LCs) be effectively managed? This study aims to try to answer this research question with a focus on the critical success factors (CSFs) of such cooperation. Design/methodology/approach – Based on 40 semi-structured interviews with Italian SMEs and LCs engaged in various industries, 20 open OI projects involving SMEs and LCs are investigated using a reflexive thematic analysis, a methodology involving both deductive and inductive approaches. Findings – Fifteen CSFs grouped into seven categories emerge from the analysis of joint OI projects between SMEs and LCs. Among them, shared leadership, dynamic decision-making and priority setting emerge as essential elements at the basis of the proposed SMEs–LCs cooperation in joint OI projects that were not sufficiently addressed by prior studies. Originality/value – To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to provide an evidence- based framework for managing joint OI projects between SMEs and LCs. Relatedly, this study links the practices and most recurring CSFs that facilitate such cooperation. Keywords Decision-making, Open innovation, Critical success factors, Small and medium-sized enterprises, Strategic flexibility, Large companies, Knowledge and innovation management, Project managemen

Unlocking the digital organization : a view of the digital transformation capabilities

Digital transformation is a complex process enabled by the application of digital technologies that fundamentally change the business model of organizations, altering their ways of capturing and generating value, their organizational processes, routines, sources of revenue, and resources. It is such a pressing phenomenon in the current context (accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic) that all organizations will be impacted and will have to deal with it sooner or later. Thus, to understand the mechanisms that assist organizations in creating strategic conditions for successful transformations, this thesis focuses on the phenomenon and seeks a deep understanding of the elements that compose it. Through a comprehensive and robust work that mixes qualitative methods (such as systematic review and multiple case studies) with quantitative methods (such as EFA and PLS), the thesis presents significant and impactful results. Among them are (i) the proposition of a Digital Transformation Dynamic Capability framework and (ii) a subsequent capability-based maturity model, and (iii) the proposition of a model (statistically tested in SMEs) about the framework's antecedent factors. A distinct point of this theoretical proposition is the use of dynamic capabilities lens for the framework organization - allowing the understanding of the phenomenon as a process to be continuously pursued. Thus, the main contributions lie in a comprehensive and original approach that can guide organizations to articulate and develop the conditions to unlock the capability to digitally transform their business model - which can lead to a capacity for continuous change in the digital context. Furthermore, it offers robust and timely research whose models condense a knowledge corpus from which future research can benefit

“The lean startup” approach : a practical methodology implementation for consumer goods products in the healthy snack industry

Mestrado em Ciências EmpresariaisA metodologia Lean Startup foi utilizada para desenvolver uma solução de negócio no setor da alimentação saudável. Ao recorrer a esta abordagem, foi criado um modelo de negócios que posteriormente foi testado, de forma a obter feedback dos possíveis clientes. Durante o processo inicial de desenvolvimento o plano de negócios sofreu muitas alterações resultantes dos inputs dos clientes. Dado o padrão no feedback recolhido, foram testadas três hipóteses de problema: "Os snacks disponíveis no local de trabalho não satisfazem as necessidades nutricionais e não estão alinhados com os objetivos alimentares", "Comer saudável é demorado e difícil" e "Comer snacks saudáveis diariamente não é financeiramente viável". Todas estas hipóteses foram confirmadas através de uma análise qualitativa e quantitativa, ou seja, através de entrevistas presenciais e de um inquérito online. Para o desenvolvimento da solução, foi apresentado um protótipo do produto aos inquiridos. Os dados recolhidos do inquérito confirmaram o problema e validaram os benefícios apresentados da solução. Apesar da solução encontrada resolver o problema estudado, esta oportunidade de negócio ainda necessita de uma maior maturidade de mercado. Efetivamente, analisando os resultados, a solução encontrada é plausível. No entanto, para provar a viabilidade do projeto, os pressupostos ainda precisam de ser confirmados através de um maior estudo e alcance de mercado.The Lean Startup Methodology was used to develop a business solution in the healthy snacking business sector. While using this approach, a business model was created and then tested against customer feedback. During early customer development process, business model pivoting occurred with initial customer feedback. Given sharp pattern recognition of customers' pain, three new problem statements were tested: "Available snacks in your work place don't fulfill your nutritional needs and aren't aligned with your dietary goals", "Snacking healthy is really time consuming and hard to come by", and "Snacking healthy daily isn't financially viable". All problem hypothesis was confirmed by qualitative and quantitative analysis of all interview results. For product development, an initial product prototype was rendered and displayed to customers through an online survey. Collected data from the online questionnaire further confirmed the problem hypothesis and validated both solution benefits and features. Despite problem and solution fit, the pursued business opportunity is still shot from market maturity. In fact, by showing early promising validation results and sparking customer interest, this business solution is plausible, but many assumptions are yet to be confirmed to achieve product-market fit and project viability.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Engineering Innovations And Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Comprehensive Literature Review

This comprehensive study explores the dynamic intersection of engineering innovations and sustainable entrepreneurship, a nexus that promises to redefine the contemporary business landscape. The research employs a systematic approach to literature review, critically analyzing recent scholarly works to unearth the prevailing trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. The primary aim of this paper is to delineate the transformative role of engineering tools in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship, with a keen focus on artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and blockchain technology. Through a meticulous methodological approach, the study evaluates the impact of these innovations on sustainable practices, offering advanced interpretations and forecasts based on data analysis. The conclusion underscores a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and future-oriented economy, driven by the integration of engineering innovations. It highlights the significant research gaps, indicating further exploration necessary to foster a deeper understanding of the sector's intricate dynamics. In light of the findings, the paper proposes strategic suggestions for the engineering sector, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts, educational reforms, and policy initiatives to navigate the complexities of the evolving landscape. Furthermore, it outlines prospective developments and implications, highlighting the potential growth trajectories and the consequent socio-economic impacts. The study culminates in a set of robust recommendations, advocating for a harmonized approach that integrates technological advancements with sustainability principles, thereby fostering a landscape that thrives on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship

Engineering education in a context of VUCA

Nowadays the world is very dynamic and thus we are faced with scenarios with a high degree of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA). This reality affects engineering educators that need in many circumstances to promote more active learning approaches that transfer to the students the responsibility of learning. The aim is to allow students to get better prepared to face the market, after their studies. Such learning strategies encompass many challenges, both for educators and students. This manuscript discusses the major changes that have been introduced in a university course that promotes entrepreneurship in the field of software engineering. The promotion of entrepreneurship within universities asks for effective approaches that must be frequently evaluated and changed. The course is analyzed along two major VUCA angles: (1) how to adapt it to satisfy the students, and (2) how students can be stimulated to learn how to behave in VUCA contexts.This work has been supported by FCT - Fundaçõo para a Ciência e Tecnologia within the R&D Units Project Scope: UIDB/00319/2020

International Reflections on the Challenges of Entrepreneurial Education Working with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

With the European Council looking to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to help support the strategic goal of increasing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) activity through increased entrepreneurial education, we reflect on the challenges facing both HEIs and SMEs through the lens of the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 funded research and innovation staff exchange project ‘Global Entrepreneurial Talent Management 3’ (GETM3). This research generated data during the three-year duration of the project and through a mixed-methods approach. The effectiveness of entrepreneurial education against this strategic requirement and the barriers which need to be overcome to achieve it are considered. We observed that common ground between academia and SMEs is favoured where partnerships are interactive, agile and flexible. We finalise this paper by offering a series of recommendations and guidelines to help HEIs work more closely together to fuel further entrepreneurial activity

Achieving agility and quality in product development -an empirical study of hardware startups

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A Model for Strengthening the Software Engineering Research

Like all other New Member States (NMS) Bulgaria is experiencing a dramatic change in all areas of its society. These changes reflect very seriously on the research capacity of the country and, in particular to Sofia University (SU). The Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) has experienced some serious problems closely related to the general socio-economic and the research environment in Bulgaria. This paper describes a model for strengthening the research capacity of FMI, especially the one in the area of Software Engineering. The case study of successful industry-university cooperation in the framework of European project is presente