Goals/questions/metrics method and SAP implementation projects

During the last years some researchers have studied the critical success factors (CSFs) in ERP implementations. However, until now, no one has studied how these CSFs should be put in practice to help organizations achieve success in ERP implementations. This technical research report attempts to define the usage of Goals/Questions/Metrics (GQM) approach in the definition of a measurement system for ERP implementation projects. GQM approach is a mechanism for defining and interpreting operational, measurable goals. Lately, because of its intuitive nature the approach has gained widespread appeal. We present a metrics overview and a description of GQM approach. Then we provide an example of GQM application for monitoring sustained management support in ERP implementations. Sustained management support is the most cited critical success factor in ERP implementation projects.Postprint (published version

Organizational and national issues of an ERP implementation in a Portuguese company

This technical research report describes a case of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation in a Portuguese SME. We focused on the identification of organizational factors that affect the ERP implementation project. We also analyzed the ERP implementation project from a national cultural perspective using Geert Hofstede's dimensions. These dimensions were used to explain some of the attitudes and behaviours during the ERP implementation project. The findings suggest that some of the problems in ERP implementation projects are not of technological nature but may be attributed to organizational factors while some issues related to national culture.Postprint (published version

A Framework proposal for monitoring and evaluating training in ERP implementation project

During the last years some researchers have studied the topic of critical success factors in ERP implementations, out of which 'training' is cited as one of the most ones. Up to this moment, there is not enough research on the management and operationalization of critical success factors within ERP implementation projects.Postprint (published version

Using the partial least squares (PLS) method to establish critical success factor interdependence in ERP implementation projects

This technical research report proposes the usage of a statistical approach named Partial Least squares (PLS) to define the relationships between critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. In previous research work, we developed a unified model of critical success factors for ERP implementation projects. Some researchers have evidenced the relationships between these critical success factors, however no one has defined in a formal way these relationships. PLS is one of the techniques of structural equation modeling approach. Therefore, in this report is presented an overview of this approach. We provide an example of PLS method modelling application; in this case we use two critical success factors. However, our project will be extended to all the critical success factors of our unified model. To compute the data, we are going to use PLS-graph developed by Wynne Chin.Postprint (published version

Self-assessment of schools. Reflection on the improvement of the educational system

O presente artigo reflete sobre o sistema de autoavaliação e o seu potencial contributo na melhoria das práticas educativas. Para tal, efetuamos um estudo de caso único numa escola básica e secundária no concelho de Câmara de Lobos da Região Autónoma da Madeira. Como técnicas de recolha de dados foram aplicadas a entrevista semiestruturada, a observação natural e participante, bem como a análise documental. Para a análise e interpretação dos resultados obtidos foram utilizadas a análise de conteúdo e a triangulação. Constatou-se que a escola em estudo não aplica o modelo europeu CAF (Estrutura Comum de Avaliação), mas possui uma equipa de avaliação interna que faz o todo o tratamento qualitativo e estatístico dos mais variados dados, desde os resultados dos alunos, passando pelo nível de eficiência dos serviços escolares, entre outros. A escola implementa, assim, um sistema aberto e flexível de autoavaliação. No entanto, este sistema de avaliação da escola não permite a deteção dos seus pontos fracos e das suas áreas fortes, que possibilitem a construção de planos de melhoria, pois só assim a escola estaria mais apta a responder ao desafio de uma possível atividade de avaliação externa. Concluímos que, a implementação na escola de um modelo de gestão de qualidade deverá assentar em finalidades, delineadas expressamente, tendo em conta o universo em particular e que seja exequível. Para tal, a escola deve adotar instrumentos de observação e análise que permitam efetivar linhas de diagnóstico para aperfeiçoar práticas e melhorar o sistema educativoThis article reflects on the system of self-assessment and its potential contribution to the improvement of educational practices. To this end, we prepared a single case study in a primary and secondary school in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The data collection techniques applied were the semi-structured interview, natural and participant observation and document analysis. Content analysis and triangulation were used to analyse and interpret the results. It was verified that the school under study does not apply the European model CAF (Common Assessment Framework), but it has an internal evaluation team that does all the qualitative and statistical processing of various data, from student outcomes, to the level of efficiency of educational services, among others. So the school implements an open and flexible system of self-assessment. However, this school evaluation system does not allow the detection of its weaknesses and its strong areas, which might enable the creation of improvement plans, and ultimately allow the school to be better able to meet the challenge of a possible external assessment. We conclude that the implementation of a quality management model in a school should be based on clearly outlined objectives, which takes into account the school’s particular universe and is actually feasible. To this end, the school must adopt observation and analysis instruments that will contribute to a diagnostic that in due course will help perfect practices and improve the educational syste

A meta-analysis of information systems research diversity in Portugal

This paper surveys the development of current Information Systems (IS) research in Portugal, giving a broad overview of research activities in this field by analyzing the articles delivered at the Portuguese IS Conference (PISC). Based on such an analysis of all papers published by PISC, the paper presents the findings on key aspects such as keywords, key research topics and most cited articles. We also compare our findings with European and international IS research analyses. With this study, we hope to contribute to the dissemination of IS research knowledge in Portugal and to provide the basis for a broader discussion within the Portuguese IS community

Modelling Taylor Rule Uncertainty

In recent years, one has witnessed a widespread attention on the way monetary policy is conducted and in particular on the role of the so-called monetary policy rules. The conventional approach in the literature consists in estimating reaction functions for a monetary authority (the Federal Reserve, in most cases) in which a nominal interest rate, directly or indirectly controlled by that monetary authority, is adjusted in response to deviations of inflation (current or expected) from target and of output from potential. These reaction functions, usually called Taylor rules, following John Taylor's seminal paper published in 1993, match a number of normative principles set forth in the literature for optimal monetary policy. This provides a good reason for the growing prominence of indications given by Taylor rule estimations in debates about current and prospective monetary policy stance. However, they are usually presented as point estimates for the interest rate, giving a sense of accuracy that can be misleading. Typically, no emphasis is placed on the risks of those estimates and, at least to a certain extent, the reader is encouraged to concentrate on an apparently precise central projection, ignoring the wide degree of uncertainty and operational difficulties surrounding the estimates. As in any forecasting exercise, there is uncertainty regarding both the estimated parameters and the way the explanatory variables evolve during the forecasting horizon. Our work presents a methodology to estimate a probability density function for the interest rate resulting from the application of a Taylor rule (the Taylor interest rate) which acknowledges that not only the explanatory variables but also the parameters of the rule are random variables.

Printed Electronics Power Supply for IoT Systems

CeNTI - Center for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials is an institute of R&D located in Famalicão. The main goal of the institute is to promote activities of research, Technological Development, Innovation and Engineering with special focus in smart materials and systems. The Internet Of Things is the concept by which multiple devices, are connected and performing activities with each other, such as communication and processing, without human interference. The development of multiple technologies such Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Smart homes, smart devices has accelerated the convergence of all into networks. These networks at the edge of the system possess devices that are meant to make the connection between cyber environments and physical ones. This type of devices are often referred to as Edge devices. Devices like these are most often low power devices used to sense aspects of the physical system and their dimension might be a defining factor to decide if such system is adequate to its function. In sensors the most common forms of power supplies are batteries, mains electricity with a transformer for voltage division and isolation or a combination of both. With the increasing need for miniaturization and technological means to achieve it, the investigation of novel forms becomes more and more relevant. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate the use of printed electronics and in particular printed inductors, to attain an efficient and safe power supply adequate for human handling while aiming to reduce the final volume of the system. The approach intents to use the traditional Transformerless Power Supply circuit configuration using capacitors to drop the mains voltage. Such goal is to prevent undesired power expenditure caused by the introduction of resistances. Besides the voltage drop and rectification the other major concern of the system is the safety of the human operator that may touch the device. Voltage dropping and rectification of grid power is an extremely dangerous circuit configuration due to different ground references and creates an electrocution hazard to both living beings and devices connected to it. The way to circumvent the danger is to introduce galvanic isolation. The system proposed in this project physically separates the output of the system from the input with energy being transferred magnetically. For that purpose, printed inductors are stacked to achieve a planar air-core transformer. The system aims contributes to the continued minimizing of Edge devices that will become progressively more present in everyday life.In recent times, connected devices are becoming increasingly more common. Such devices usually referred to as IoT (Internet of Things), are converging to ever small builds. This document aims to deepen the progress in the field of miniaturization of such devices. To achieve this goal a power supply is designed. The project intents to offer an alternative to common power supplies by making use of printed inductors. Such components intent to replace the traditional transformer by suppling a reduced volume alternative. An investigation into these inductors is conducted and an implementation of its use is presented. The investigation led to conclude that the inductors may be used to provide isolation but further improvements into the fabrication process are required. Due to the current fabrication process involving impure silver as the conductor the resulting coils have a resistance excessively high. This creates difficulties in magnetic field creation as well as introducing a great level of losses. To solve this problem the presented implementation uses high frequency switching to allows for better results in the receiver side of the system

Field Information Web Platform for Agricultural Applications

Crops are subject to numerous diseases and pests that may cause significant economic damage. It is essential to forecast the potential occurrence of the major problems in these crops. The goal of this dissertation is the development of a web platform for registration and issuance of warnings of disease’s risk. The generation of these warnings is performed using mathematical models to predict possible occurrence of plant diseases and/or the collection of information in the field by farmers and/or technical experts by means of mobile devices. This information should be geo-referenced and can be obtained with mobile devices which could be documented with photos, videos, text, data from satellite, weather data, web information or even with information from sensors on the ground. This thesis describes and shows a fully working platform that is able to collect data and compute alerts from the several sources of information available, in a scalable way