A practical framework for the generation and selection of strategic plans of action, The relevance of timeframe considerations and a systems thinking approach

The paper proposes a methodology especially focused on the generation of strategic plans of action, emphasizing the relevance of having a structured timeframe classification for the actions. The methodology explicitly recognizes the relevance of long-term goals as strategic drivers, which must insure that the complex system is capable to effectively respond to changes in the environment. In addition, the methodology employs engineering systems techniques in order to understand the inner working of the system and to build up alternative plans of action. Due to these different aspects, the proposed approach features higher flexibility compared to traditional methods. The validity and effectiveness of the methodology has been demonstrated by analyzing an airline company composed by 5 subsystems with the aim of defining a plan of action for the next 5 years, which can either: improve efficiency, redefine mission or increase revenues.

The role of cultural mega events in the enhancement of city’s image attributes: differences between engaged and attendee participants

In a time of fierce competition between regions, an image serve as a basis to develop a strong sense of community, which fosters trust and cooperation that can be mobilized for regional growth. A positive image and reputation could be used in the promotional activities of the region benefiting all the stakeholders as a whole. Mega cultural events are frequently used to attract tourists and investments to a region, but also to enhance the city’s image. This study adopts a marketing/communication perspective of city’s image, and intends to explain how the image of the city is perceived by their residents. Specifically, we intend to compare the perceptions of residents that effectively participated in the Guimarães European Capital of Culture (ECOC) 2012 (engaged residents), and the residents that only assisted to the event (attendees). Several significant findings are reported and their implications for event managers and public policy administrators presented, along with the limitations of the study.

Mechatronic system for ABO human blood typing

In medical emergency situations, when a patient needs a blood transfusion, the universal blood type O− is administered. This procedure may lead to the depletion of stock reserves of O− blood. Nowadays, there is no commercial equipment capable of determining the patient's blood type in situ, in a fast and reliable process. Human blood typing is usually performed through the manual test, which involves a macroscopic observation and interpretation of the results by an analyst. This test, despite of having a fast response time, may lead to human errors, which sometimes can be fatal to the patient. This paper presents the development of an automatic mechatronic prototype for determining human blood typing (ABO and Rh systems) through image processing techniques. The prototype design takes into account the characteristics of reliability of analysis, portability, and response time allowing the system to be used in emergency situations. The developed prototype performs blood and reagents mixture acquires the resultant image and processes the data (based on image processing techniques) to determine the sample blood type. It was tested in a laboratory, using cataloged samples of blood types, provided by the Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation. Hereafter, it is expected to test and validate the prototype in clinical environments.

Lições de Direito e Processo Penal, Solicitadoria, 3º Ano, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015

Lições de Direito e Processo Penal, Solicitadoria, 3º Ano, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015 § Lessons of Law and Criminal Procedure, Solicitors, 3rd Year, School of Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Academic Year 2014/2015

Lições de Direito Económico e Financeiro, Gestão Bancária e Seguros, 1º Ano, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015

Lições de Direito Económico e Financeiro, Gestão Bancária e Seguros, 1º Ano, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015 § Lessons from the Economic and Financial Law, Banking and Insurance Management, 1st Year, School of Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Academic Year 2014/2015.

Lições de Direito dos Valores Mobiliários, Mestrado em Auditoria, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015

Lições de Direito dos Valores Mobiliários, Mestrado em Auditoria, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015 § Lessons Securities Law, Master in Audit, School of Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Academic Year 2014/2015

Lições de Direito e Procedimento Tributário, Fiscalidade, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015

Lições de Direito e Procedimento Tributário, Fiscalidade, Escola Superior de Gestão do Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Ano Lectivo de 2014/2015 § Lessons in Law and Tax Procedure, Taxation, School of Management of the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, Academic Year 2014/2015