Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC): what are the variables that impact the success of the projects currently running in Brazil?

Em tempos de grandes obras (eventos esportivos 2014 e 2016, plano de aceleração do crescimento do governo federal e setor petroquímico), este artigo busca identificar variáveis que contribuem para o sucesso dos projetos de engenharia e construção executados atualmente no Brasil. O relacionamento entre a presença de certas variáveis independentes e o sucesso dos projetos foi testado em termos de um conjunto de indicadores de desempenho em projetos, que envolve: conformidade com orçamento (custo); cronograma (tempo); especificações técnicas (requisitos do produto/serviço); e atendimento às demandas dos clientes. Foi analisado o efeito de três variáveis de entrada: apoio da alta administração, existência de um gerente de projetos dedicado e a presença de uma estrutura formal de gerenciamento de projetos (Escritório de Gerenciamento de Projetos). Para testar as hipóteses da pesquisa, foi desenvolvido um estudo empírico, adotando-se uma abordagem quantitativa, com um levantamento (“survey”) junto a 120 profissionais relacionados ao setor de engenharia e construção. Considerando-se o triângulo de ferro (prazo, custo e qualidade), identificou-se que há relação entre a presença de um gerente de projeto dedicado e o cumprimento do orçamento planejado e há relação entre a presença de um gerente de projeto dedicado e o cumprimento dos prazos dos projetos executados. Contudo, a visão ampliada de qualidade, envolvendo também a satisfação do cliente, não foi confirmadaIn times of major construction projects (the sports events of 2014 and 2016, the economic plan of growth acceleration and petrochemical sector), this paper aims at identifying variables that contribute to the success of engineering and procurement construction (EPC) projects currently being carried out in Brazil. The relationship between the presence of certain independent variables and project success was tested by a group of project performance indexes, such as: budget compliance (cost); timetable (time); technical specifications (goods/ services requisites); and costumers’ demand meeting. The effect of the independent variables was analyzed by: top management support, existence of a dedicated project manager and the presence of a formal project management structure (Project Management Office - PMO). To test for the hypothesis of this research proposal, an empirical study was developed implementing a quantitative-based approach in which 120 professionals of the EPC industry were surveyed. Considering the iron triangle (time, cost and quality), it was identified that there are relationship between the presence of a dedicated project manager and the fulfillment of the planned budget, as well the compliance with the project timetable. However, the broader quality approach that involves also costumer satisfaction is yet to be confirme

Bending reliability of screen-printed vias for a flexible energy module

The future of printed electronics involves advancements not only related to full system integration, but also lean process manufacturing. A critical aspect of this progress is developed in this study, which evaluates a highly flexible screen printed through-hole-via using silver microparticle inks, for applications in energy harvesting and storage modules. The printed vias’ fabrication and durability are evaluated by means of a double sided screen-printing method and repetitive (cyclic) bending tests. Vias, through 125-µm-thick PET foil, were laser cut (nominally 50, 100, 150, and 200 µm diameters) then filled, and simultaneously connected to adjacent vias by screen printing. To investigate the use of the printed via in a monolithic energy module, the vias were used for the fabrication of a flexible printed supercapacitor containing aqueous electrolyte and carbon electrodes. The results indicate that the lower viscosity silver ink (DuPont 5064H) fills the via less effectively than the higher viscosity ink (Asahi LS411AW), and as the via size increases (≥150 µm diameter) via walls are coated rather than filled. Conversely, the more viscous ink fills the via thoroughly and exhibited a 100% yield (1010 vias; 100 µm nominal via diameter) with the two-step direct screen-printing method. The 10-mm radius bending test showed no signs of via specific breakdown after 30,000 cycles. The results indicate that this via filling process is likely roll-to-roll compatible to enable multi-layered printed electronic devices.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Aptitud del suelo para cultivo de mango vallenato en guacoche, departamento del cesar

The ability of the "La Estancia" farm soil in Guacoche, Cesar state, for growing Vallenato mango (Mangifera indica L.) was evaluated. One hectare of soil was sampled with 16 pits to define the modal soil profile and describe its properties. Physicochemical analysis were carried out to disturbed and not disturbed samples from each horizon under the methodology reported in the Manual No. 47 del Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario and the methodology established by the Agustín Codazzi Geographical Institute (ACGI). According to the properties and the guide of Keys to Soil Taxonomy de los Estados Unidos, the soil was classified as a Typic Dystrustepts, sandy loam mixed isohyperthermic, of medium fertility., The soil does not have limitation for salts, sodium, or aluminum; locally the soil has high water tables that can cause root rot and facilitate the loss of fertilizer with edaphic application.Se evaluó la aptitud del suelo de la Finca “La Estancia” ubicada en Guacoche, departamento del Cesar, para el cultivo de mango (Mangifera indica L.) variedad Vallenato. Se muestreó una hectárea de suelo con 16 calicatas para definir el perfil modal del suelo y describir sus propiedades. Se tomaron muestras disturbadas y no disturbadas de cada horizonte para análisis fisicoquímico según Manual No. 47 del Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario y la metodología establecida por el Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi (IGAC). El suelo fue clasificado como un Typic Dystrustepts, arenoso franco mixto isohipertérmico, de mediana fertilidad, según Claves de Taxonomía de Suelos de los Estados Unidos. El suelo no tiene limitaciones por sales, sodio o aluminio; localmente presentan niveles freáticos altos que pueden ocasionar pudrición de la raíz y facilitar la pérdida de fertilizantes con aplicación edáfica

La situación laboral de la mujer salvadoreña en calidad de inmigrante irregular en El Estado de California de los Estados Unidos de América. Periodo 2010-2017.

Causa del posicionamiento laboral y salarial de la inmigrante irregular salvadoreña en el Estado de California de los Estados Unidos de América –Impacto del posicionamiento laboral y salarial de la inmigrante irregular salvadoreña en el Estado de California de los Estados Unidos de América – Importancia de la participación activa del Estado de El Salvador en la mejora laboral y salarial de las inmigrantes irregulares salvadoreñas, radicadas en el Estado de California de los EUA