Building Smarter Cities through Social Entrepreneurship

The objective of the present study is to examine the extent to which social ventures are able to increase the smartness of the cities. To achieve this goal, we adopt a qualitative approach, based on the case study method to obtain valuable insights about different characteristics and strategies of Cais (a non-profit association dedicated to help disadvantaged people in urban areas). By focusing on the analysis of the Cais activities, we assess whether its social intervention match the dimensions proposed by Giffinger et al. (2007) to rank smart cities’ performance, namely if it has smart: (i) economy; (ii) people; (iii) governance; (iv) mobility; (v) environment; and (vi) living. The research shows that the action pursued comprises elements from all the above mentioned dimensions. Further, the analysis reveals that Cais reinforces the smartness of the city where it acts (attributes such as living, economy, people, and environment).

Governo das sociedades e responsabilidade social

O governo das sociedades tem vindo a ser alvo de uma atenção crescente, visível através de um conjunto de regras e de procedi-mentos cuja finalidade é otimizar o desempenho das organizações. A responsabilidade social é assumida pela adoção voluntária de preocupações e de medidas para com a Comunidade, daí que ser socialmente responsável é estar muito para além do mínimo exigido legalmente. Ao analisar a relação entre o governo das sociedades e a respon-sabilidade social, constata-se que ambos têm sido investigados de forma crítica e independente. Com este trabalho procura-se compre-ender e simultaneamente interpretar e transmitir como é que as sociedades emitentes de ações, admitidas a negociação no merca-do de cotações oficiais da NYSE Euronext Lisbon, observam essa relação à luz de três modelos empíricos. Neste âmbito, apresenta-se um estudo de caso para se apreciar o comportamento das em-presas que constituem o PSI201, à data de 31 de dezembro de 2012, para o período compreendido entre 2010 e 2012. Da análise pode-se concluir da existência de uma relação entre o governo das sociedades e a responsabilidade social.

Which “place and non-place” do women occupy in social economy organisations?

Scientific literature has strengthened the perpetuation of inequality factors in the labour market based on gender, despite the on-going endeavour of various political bodies and legal norms against the vertical and horizontal segregation of women. National and European statistical data shows the relevance and timeless features of theories of market segmentation associated with the labour market dating back to the 70’s of the 20th century. Hence, the European Community considers as a priority in the Europe 2020 strategy, the definition of “policies to promote gender equality […] to increase labour force participation thus adding to growth and social cohesion”. If we consider that on the one hand, social economy is fairly recognised to be equated with market actors and the State for its economic and social role in tackling the current crisis, and on the other hand, that the ideals of the sector, systematised in the “Framework Law of Social Economy” (Law no. 30/2013 8th of May), particularly in article 5 proposing “the respect for the values […] of equality and non-discrimination […], justice and equity […]”, we aim to reflect on indicators that uncover a vertical and horizontal segregation in the labour market. Departing from a mixed methodological approach (extensive and intensive), subject to the topic of "Social Entrepreneurship in Portugal" in social economy organisations, we detect very high rates of employment feminisation, with a ratio of 1 man (23%) for every 3 women (77%). Women are mainly earmarked for technical and operational activities, arising from the privileged intervention areas, namely education, training, health, elderly, families, poverty, ultimately being underrepresented in statutory boards and, as such, far removed from deliberations and strategic resolutions. This is particularly visible in the existing hierarchy of functions and management practices of the responsibility of male members. Thus, it seems easily verified that the sector is travelling away from the ideals of justice and social equity, which can crystallise the "non-place" of women in the definition of a strategic direction of social economy and in the most invisible/private “place” of the organisational setting.

Complexidade dos mercados financeiros - impacto social do resgate financeiro português

Não há memória, desde o 25 de Abril de 1974, de uma tão grave crise económica e financeira em Portugal. Antes da crise do subprime nos EUA em 2007, a economia portuguesa aparentava ser sustentavel . De forma inesperada, os cidadãos portugueses tiveram conhecimento que a dívida pública portuguesa era insustentável e apenas existia uma caminho a seguir, para evitar a colapso financeiro e económico. Solicitar um resgate financeiro externo àTroika. É neste sentido, que o presente estudo, vai incidir na relação de causalidade do contágio dos mercados financeiros internacionais com a crise em Portugal e analisar o impacto social das medidas de austeridade implementadas entre 2011 e 2014, na sequência do pedido de resgate financeiro.