Introducing Game Development into the Computing Curriculum: a Progressive Methodology

The Computer Game industry is big business, the demand for graduates is high, indeed there is a continuing shortage of skilled employees. As with most professions, the skill set required is both specific and diverse. There are currently over 30 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the UK offering Computer games related courses. We expect that as the demand from the industry is sustained, more HEIs will respond with the introduction of game-related degrees. This is quite a considerable undertaking involving many issues from integration of new modules or complete courses within the existing curriculum, to staff development. In this paper we share our experiences of introducing elements of game development into our curriculum. This has occurred over the past two years, starting with the inclusion of elements of game development into existing programming modules, followed by the validation of complete modules, and culminating in a complete degree course. Our experience is that our adopting a progressive approach to development, spread over a number of years, was crucial in achieving a successful outcome.

InOut Project – Doing the things right & doing the right things

A Work Project, presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics

Differences in ERP use and value across Iberian Manufacturing and Services SMEs

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system literature reports very little research on post-adoption stages, that is, actual usage and value. Even fewer studies focus on the specificities of an industry analysis. Based on the Technology-Organizational-Environment (TOE) framework and the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, we develop a research model to measure and examine determinants of ERP use and value and their impact in the Iberian region (Portugal and Spain) across Manufacturing and Services industries in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The empirical test was conducted through structural equation modelling, using data from 261 firms in the peninsula in the Manufacturing and Service industries. Results show that amongst ERP use determinants, Training is the most important determinant for Service firms and Compatibility for Manufacturing firms. Firm size, Analytics, and Collaboration contribute to ERP Value in both industries, with Analytics being more important for the Service industry. The paper provides insight into which determinants contribute to ERP use and ERP value in Iberian Manufacturing and Services SMEs, offering managerial and academic implications.

Personnel Management Practices in the Kerala based Scheduled commercial Banks

The thesis entitled Personnel Management Practices in the Kerala-Based Scheduled Commercial Banks. Personnel management function is of cardinal importance, requiring a sophisticated and scientific approach. In a labour-intensive, service industry like banking. Productivity and ultimate profitability of the entire organization depend considerably on the effectiveness with which personnel management function is executed; and the prudence with which personnel problems are handle. The main objectives of the study are to understand the current status of personnel management functions in the banks and to evaluate the practices in the light of the principles and theories of personnel management so as to identify the strengths and weaknesses. The universe of this study is the eight Scheduled Commercial Banks based in Kerala. The major limitation of the study is that as State Bank of Travancore, the lone public sector bank based in Kerala did not grant permission for collection of data, this study had to be confined to private sector banks only. Almost the entire data used for this study are primary and were collected from the files and other records or the concerned banks. This report has chapters dealing with the functional areas of personnel management such as determination of human resource requirements, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, promotions and compensation. Findings reveal that the practice of personnel management in the Kerala-based private sector scheduled commercial banks has not gained a degree of sophistication compatible with its role in modern business management.

El uso en las organizaciones de venta al por mayor del marketing mediante la relación estratégica comunitaria y efectividad de la misma

Se busca ver cuál es el uso que las organizaciones hacen del concepto y estrategias comunitarias mediante el marketing; aunque existen varias formas de fidelizar el cliente, en el sector de comercio al por mayor, se vio una gran dificultad de acercarse al consumidor. Una de las formas más fáciles y efectivas de hacerlo es por medio de comunidades ya que elimina las barreras de mercado y crea vínculos entre cliente-empresa. Para esto se utilizó el análisis de caso, seleccionando una organización de relevancia en el sector de venta al por mayor. En dicha organización no se encontró el uso de la relación estratégica comunitaria de forma directa, aunque se vio un interés en incorporarlo; esto se evaluó mediante fuentes de evidencia, tales como entrevistas, informes financieros de la compañía, documentos que proporciono la organizaciones, pagina web e información del comercio de venta al por mayor y fundamentación teórica para realizar un óptimo análisis. A la empresa se le recomienda incorporar en sus planes estratégicos la relación estratégica comunitaria; esto ayudaría a eliminar barreras de mercado, identificar las necesidades o nuevos nichos de mercado.

Benchmarking en los procesos logísticos y empresariales, bajo los estándares del modelo SCOR

En el presente trabajo se pretende mostrar un estudio realizado a dos compañías colombianas, dicho estudio tiene como finalidad establecer aquellos procesos en los que el desempeño de las organizaciones es alto en cuanto al manejo de sus cadenas de suministro se refiere; para ello se ha realizado un análisis de datos resultantes del Balance General y Estado de Resultados de las empresas escogidas, mediante el uso del modelo SCOR® V.10. y de determinadas métricas del mismo. Con base en éstos resultados se espera llevar a cabo un BENCHMARKING con el fin de establecer cuáles son los procesos competitivos y aquellos débiles de cada una de las empresas, para que éstas puedan determinar en qué procesos deben mejorar y de esta forma aumentar su productividad. Este trabajo de grado, busca ser un punto de referencia para el medio empresarial colombiano y una herramienta útil a la hora de evaluar la forma en la que las organizaciones se están desarrollando, los procesos a mejorar y la manera en la que dichas reformas (en pro del desempeño superior de las compañías) pueden afectar el crecimiento empresarial.

High-resolution (space, time) anthropogenic heat emissions: London 1970-2025

The anthropogenic heat emissions generated by human activities in London are analysed in detail for 2005–2008 and considered in context of long-term past and future trends (1970–2025). Emissions from buildings, road traffic and human metabolism are finely resolved in space (30 min) and time (200 × 200 m2). Software to compute and visualize the results is provided. The annual mean anthropogenic heat flux for Greater London is 10.9 W m−2 for 2005–2008, with the highest peaks in the central activities zone (CAZ) associated with extensive service industry activities. Towards the outskirts of the city, emissions from the domestic sector and road traffic dominate. Anthropogenic heat is mostly emitted as sensible heat, with a latent heat fraction of 7.3% and a heat-to-wastewater fraction of 12%; the implications related to the use of evaporative cooling towers are briefly addressed. Projections indicate a further increase of heat emissions within the CAZ in the next two decades related to further intensification of activities within this area.

The determinants of inward foreign direct investment in business services across European regions

The determinants of inward foreign direct investment in business services across European regions, Regional Studies. The role of forward linkages with manufacturing sectors and other service sectors as attractors of business services foreign direct investment (FDI) is studied at the regional level. Using data on 146 NUTS-2 regions, it is found that regions specialized in those (manufacturing) sectors that are high potential users of business services attract more FDI in the business services than other regions. Results are robust to the inclusion of the traditional determinants of foreign investments at the regional level as well as to controls for spatial dependence. The results suggest that regional policies aimed at attracting foreign investors in the business service industry might prove ineffective in the absence of a pre-existing local intermediate demand

Do personality traits predict ‘complaining’ consumers?

Although the effects of personality traits on complaining behaviour emerged in the early 1980s, there is limited research in the service industry. The purpose of this study is to examine whether consumer personality traits influence intentions to complain and whether product price and product types moderate the relationship between personality traits and intentions to complain in the retail industry. The research model is tested by logistic regression analysis on two groups of consumers who report passive and active complaining intentions. The study reveals that conscientious consumers who are open to new experiences tend to have higher intentions to complain. Being extroverted does not have any influence on complaining behaviour. Whilst price levels (low/high) and product types (grocery, clothing and electronics) improve the predictive ability of the complaining behaviour, the interaction effects relating to the three personality traits are statistically insignificant. Theoretical and managerial implications of the study findings are discussed.

Os efeitos da concentração regional no desempenho das empresas: uma abordagem multinível

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o impacto das concentrações regionais no desempenho organizacional das empresas brasileiras com ênfase no setor serviços. Com o intuito de atingir este objetivo realizou-se uma comparação entre o desempenho organizacional das firmas localizadas em áreas de concentração geográficas e aquelas situadas fora destas áreas. Além disso, procurou-se contrastar o efeito da concentração regional sobre o desempenho das empresas de serviços com as empresas do setor industrial. A revisão literária evidenciou a existência de vantagens para empresas concentradas regionalmente, o que levou à principal hipótese deste trabalho, de que tais vantagens ocasionariam melhor desempenho das firmas. Desta forma, buscou-se averiguar a existência de uma relação entre o desempenho organizacional e a localização geográfica das empresas de serviços regionalmente concentradas. O trabalho de identificação das concentrações regionais foi realizado adaptando-se os critérios utilizados no setor industrial para o setor serviços, a partir dos dados de número de estabelecimentos e de funcionários, obtidos através da base dados da Relação Anual de Informações Sociais (RAIS). O desempenho organizacional foi mensurado por dois indicadores: lucratividade e o crescimento de vendas. A fonte de dados de desempenho utilizada foi a base de microdados das seguintes pesquisas do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE): Pesquisa Industrial Anual (PIA) e Pesquisa Anual de Serviços (PAS). A amostra utilizada incluiu 78.789 observações de prestadoras de serviços e 22.460 observações de empresas do setor industrial, entre 2001 e 2005. Os resultados foram produzidos por meio da aplicação dos modelos hierárquicos ou modelos multiníveis. Os resultados revelaram um efeito positivo sobre o crescimento das empresas situadas em áreas de concentração regional (tanto do setor serviços quanto da indústria), porém não foram encontradas evidências de maior lucratividade das mesmas. As conclusões deste trabalho contribuem para a tomada de decisão dos gestores, ao avaliar se deverão ou não situar seu empreendimento em uma área de concentração regional. Além de apresentar implicações para as políticas públicas, pois a constatação de um efeito positivo sobre o crescimento das firmas em determinadas concentrações pode direcionar políticas de incentivo, com o objetivo de estimular a formação de tais concentrações em determinadas localidades para desenvolvimento regional.

Uma análise exploratória da indústria de serviços PWLAN Wi-Fi no Brasil: em busca de uma vantagem competitiva sustentável

As telecomunicações no mundo têm avançado a passos largos na oferta de novas tecnologias e padrões que viabilizam e flexibilizam a transmissão / recepção de informações entre pessoas e a Internet. Em especial, no que tange à ubiqüidade, o uso de dispositivos de comunicações móveis sem fio, como telefones celulares e PDAs (Personnal Digital Assistant), tem permitido às empresas alcançarem seus clientes a qualquer hora e em qualquer lugar. Muitos padrões de comunicação wireless têm surgido, inicialmente na indústria de telefonia móvel celular e, em seguida, na indústria de computadores e PDAs, habilitando a comunicação wireless de dados em banda larga e o comércio eletrônico móvel (m-commerce). Em especial, o padrão Wi-Fi tem sido difundido mundialmente através da expansão de redes públicas sem fio (PWLANs). Assim, os fabricantes de equipamentos de telecomunicações, as empresas operadoras de serviços de telefonia fixa e móvel e até provedores de acesso à Internet têm manifestado grande interesse nessa área por perceberem novas oportunidades de aumento de receita através da tecnologia Wi-Fi. Todos estes aspectos da recente história do Wi-Fi têm gerado questionamentos quanto a seu futuro sucesso e real geração de vantagem competitiva sustentável, não obstante o volume de negócios relativos a esta tecnologia estar em franco crescimento. Este trabalho propõe-se a analisar o mercado de serviços PWLAN Wi-Fi brasileiro, identificando os principais atores e os modelos de negócio praticados por eles, comparando esses modelos aos modelos identificados por Shubar e Lechner. O estudo propõe-se, também, a avaliar tais empresas e seus respectivos modelos de negócio segundo o framework VRIO desenvolvido por Barney com base na visão estratégica baseada em recursos (RBV- Resource Based View).

Modified value stream mapping of airport check-in procedures

In June 2014 Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup and in August 2016 Rio de Janeiro hosts the Summer Olympics. These two seminal sporting events will draw tens of thousands of air travelers through Brazil’s airports, airports that are currently in the midst of a national modernization program to address years of infrastructure neglect and insufficient capacity. Raising Brazil’s major airports up to the standards air travelers experience at major airports elsewhere in the world is more than just a case of building or remodeling facilities, processes must also be examined and reworked to enhance traveler experience and satisfaction. This research paper examines the key interface between airports and airline passengers—airport check-in procedures—according to how much value and waste there is associated with them. In particular, the paper makes use of a value stream mapping construct for services proposed by Martins, Cantanhede, and Jardim (2010). The uniqueness of this construct is that it attributes each activity with a certain percentage and magnitude of value or waste which can then be ordered and prioritized for improvement. Working against a fairly commonly expressed notion in Brazil that Brazil’s airports are inferior to the airports of economically advanced countries, the paper examines Rio’s two major airports, Galeão International and Santos Dumont in comparison to Washington D.C.’s Washington National and Dulles International airports. The paper seeks to accomplish three goals: - Determine whether there are differences in airport passenger check-in procedures between U.S. and Brazilian airports in terms of passenger value - Present options for Brazilian government or private sector authorities to consider adopting or implementing at Brazilian airports to maximize passenger value - Validate the Martins et al. construct for use in evaluating the airport check-in procedures Observations and analysis proved surprising in that all airports and service providers follow essentially the same check-in processes but execute them differently yet still result in similar overall performance in terms of value and waste. Although only a few activities are categorized as completely wasteful (and therefore removed in the revised value stream map of check-in activities), the weighting and categorization of individual activities according to their value (or waste) presents decision-makers a means to prioritize possible corrective actions. Various overall recommendations are presented based on this analysis. Most importantly, this paper demonstrates the viability of using the construct developed by Martins et al to examine airport operations, as well as its applicability to the study of other service industry processes.

Cinema itinerante no Rio Grande do Norte: aspectos da recepção

In itinerant film projects made in Brazil, the unique experience of watching movies on the big screen is held in open spaces, through the establishment of a contemporary ritual, under which the presence of spectators is primordial. Considering this dynamic of the performance of itinerant cinema, the main objective of this research is to analyze the process of reception of the spectators of the sessions of Cine Sesi Cultural, conducted by the Social Service Industry - Sesi, in Rio Grande do Norte state. The body of research was composed by the audience of the movie sessions of the edition developed in 2010. Analyses were made from the look on the specific audience of open sessions of this cinema project throughout a case study. Theoretical authors of Latin American as Jesus Martin-Barbero, Guillermo Orozco, Eliseo Veron and Nestor Garcia Canclini, which have important theoretical basis for the analysis of research on the cinematographic reception of the spectators, were taken as a basis. In this discussion are associated with contributions from Brazilian authors as Roseli Paulino, Fernando Mascarello, Mauro Wilton Souza, Nilda Jacks and Carolina Escostesguy. Besides the reception study, the research focuses on aspects that relate to and explain the circumstances in which itinerant cinema emerges as an alternative exhibition, for example, the context of the exhibition of films in the country, lack of public policies in the audiovisual sector, and mainly the closing of movie theaters in the inner cities of the country and the consequent migration of these rooms to the malls. Seeking to reduce the existing gap in the studies of the reception of spectators to the cinema in the country, this research presents a deeper analysis of the reception of the public of the itinerant cinema as a contribution to an important database for the diagnosis of projects such as the Cine Sesi Cultural

Uma teia do saber: linguagens contemporâneas e tecnológicas na arte-educação

Pós-graduação em Artes - IA