A user-centred collective system design approach for Smart Product-Service Systems:A case study on fitness product design

Emerging technologies have significantly contributed to the evolution of traditional product-service systems (PSS) into smart PSS. This transformation demands a fresh perspective and a more inventive design approach. In response, this study proposes a new User-Centred Collective System Design (CSD) framework and process for Smart PSS design, aiming to enhance stakeholder engagement during the entire design process, thus promoting highly effective and creative design solutions. A case study, titled ‘Next-G Smart Fitness PSS Design’, was carried out to test and implement this approach, contrasting the results of the CSD method with a designer-centred method. The outcomes showed a marked improvement in product novelty and user desirability of the design outcomes when using the proposed design framework. The proposed CSD framework could offer beneficial insights and user-centric viewpoints for practitioners dealing with complex challenges linked to smart PSS design

Implementing social projects with undergraduate students: an analysis of essential characteristics

© 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited. Purpose: This study aims to analyse the essential characteristics for the success of social projects developed with undergraduate students of higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach: A case study was conducted to verify the main characteristics of projects in a social entrepreneurship initiative. These features were used to perform a survey with experts to understand which of these items are essential for social projects success, through Lawshe’s method. Findings: Of the ten items evaluated, two were considered essential by the experts: “Proper alignment between project scope and actual local community needs” and “Good level of interaction between students participating in the project and the local community”. Practical implications: These findings can be useful for professors and coordinators to prepare future projects in HEIs. They may also be advantageous for researchers who may use them as a starting point for future studies. Originality/value: The novelty of this study is the methodological approach used: a case study of projects in a social entrepreneurship initiative in a relevant Brazilian university; and a Lawshe’s method analysis of responses of experts in social projects developed in HEIs. The findings can greatly contribute to the debates in this field. No similar research was found in the literature

Business models towards SDGs: the barriers for operationalizing Product-Service System (PSS) in Brazil

© 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Sustainable development requires the creation and development of new business models. Sharing economy will maximize the use of a product by several people, while it enables the reduction of natural resource consumption. In this sense, Product-Service Systems (PSS) can greatly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, published by the United Nations. In this context, the present study aims to analyse the barriers associated with the operationalization of PSS business models in Brazil. Nineteen barriers listed in the literature supported a questionnaire used in a survey of Brazilian researchers. Data analysis was performed through Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, descriptive statistics and TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution). TOPSIS is used for comparative ordering of barriers in terms of intensity. The results showed that there are many barriers observed in the Brazilian scenario for the operationalization of PSS; those related to the resistance to change to the mentioned business models and the lack of necessary skills to manage them stood out. These findings can be used to enhance the debates about PSS in the Brazilian context