Revenue diversification in higher education: the case of Portugal

Socio-economic changes, alterations in societal expectations and new public policies have put pressures on higher education public funding, bringing the issue of funding diversification to the forefront. Income diversification, namely, generation of funds from private, as well as from competitive public sources, has become increasingly important in European higher education due to a complex financial environment and perceived deficit of innovation transfer. Although there are numerous studies about changes in national funding systems and allocation mechanisms, few have focused on diversification of funding sources, especially in the European context, making Portugal no exception. Thus, this study aims at exploring income diversification at the institutional level and its influence on the internal organisational structures. For this purpose two Portuguese public universities were chosen as case studies. The empirical material was collected through semi-structured interviews with top management and middle management of each university and through documentary analysis. Data analysis demonstrated that both universities are in the process of institutionalizing and formalising practices of income diversification, notably by getting more professional in how they are dealing with external stakeholders, such as businesses, local community, and students. However, the study also revealed that there is no formal, organised strategy to deal with income diversification. In general, the universities are reacting to external demands rather than pro-actively exploring opportunities. In this respect, the analysis determined several factors that promote or inhibit income diversification activities. Quality and favourable organizational culture were named by the interviewees as the most relevant factors for successful income diversification. External factors such as legal arrangements and funding conditions were cited as major constraints. This research has also revealed that revenue diversification activities tend to develop along the continuum towards higher sophistication and systematisation of activities that are supported by a powerful infrastructure. Together with efforts at the institutional level, the role of government policies proves to be crucial in providing tools and incentives to higher education institutions and creating a harmonious higher education system.

Implementation of a quality system in joint master programmes

Joint master programmes are systems which by default demand a proper quality system in order to sustain and improve. Objective of this thesis is analysing and proposing solutions to difficulties associated with the implementation of a quality management system to joint master programmes, with the focus on international joint master programmes. The application of the analysis to the Erasmus Mundus joint master programme European Master in Quality in Analytical Laboratories (EMQAL) is discussed. QA systems implementation in HEIs in Europe is an ongoing process, and implementation of such systems in JPs is one step further to enhancing quality in higher education in Europe. The issue closely discussed in this thesis is: should QMS be developed independently from the institutions, or should the institutions, when developing their quality management systems, take into account the (future) development of joint courses and prepare their quality procedures accordingly? A quality management system is normally developed for one organization, and different aspects of cooperation are considered within. A joint master programme is a result of successful cooperation of two or more organizations; therefore a development of its quality management system must be approached in a different manner. This thesis proposes a QMS with emphasis both on the HEI and the consortium. Different processes in the QMS can be managed independently at the level of the HEI or at the level of the consortium. Most processes in joint master programmes should be designed in programmes’ and institutions’ QMSs. Quality of a joint master programme cannot be analyzed separately from the higher education institutions which are organizing it. Comparative analysis of organization of one Erasmus Mundus Master programme to the solutions proposed in discussion showed that from all of the aspects considered, processes in EMQAL are organized in harmony with the proposed delegation of processes of the QMS for a joint master programme. The solutions proposed in the discussion are based on theoretical application of the quality principles and concepts. Comparison to the quality processes and procedures in an existing EM programme showed that analysis is applicable in practice.

An organizational culture approach to performance in information technology micro-firms

This study aims to analyze and compare micro-firms’ organizational culture related to organizational performance. A case study methodology was used based on four firms, competitors among themselves in the Information Technology business, focusing on the years between 2008-2013. Findings pointed out many similarities to larger firms, but some specificities of micro-firms were found and propositions were defined: clan culture predominance is related to best performing micro-firms; the configuration of several culture types seemed to be the most suitable for obtaining good organizational results, provided that they do not focus only on hierarchy and market types of culture; the market culture predominance perception by employees is associated with low job satisfaction; and, after a certain time in business, micro-firms, as do larger companies, seek to standardize and control processes. Recognizing that organizational culture is considered important to firms’ results, this study sheds some light on that important factor for micro-firms.

Improving reporting management with relational database management system

Data management consists of collecting, storing, and processing the data into the format which provides value-adding information for decision-making process. The development of data management has enabled of designing increasingly effective database management systems to support business needs. Therefore as well as advanced systems are designed for reporting purposes, also operational systems allow reporting and data analyzing. The used research method in the theory part is qualitative research and the research type in the empirical part is case study. Objective of this paper is to examine database management system requirements from reporting managements and data managements perspectives. In the theory part these requirements are identified and the appropriateness of the relational data model is evaluated. In addition key performance indicators applied to the operational monitoring of production are studied. The study has revealed that the appropriate operational key performance indicators of production takes into account time, quality, flexibility and cost aspects. Especially manufacturing efficiency has been highlighted. In this paper, reporting management is defined as a continuous monitoring of given performance measures. According to the literature review, the data management tool should cover performance, usability, reliability, scalability, and data privacy aspects in order to fulfill reporting managements demands. A framework is created for the system development phase based on requirements, and is used in the empirical part of the thesis where such a system is designed and created for reporting management purposes for a company which operates in the manufacturing industry. Relational data modeling and database architectures are utilized when the system is built for relational database platform.

Environmentally-Efficient Development Management System for Greater Kochi in Kerala State”

The base concept from which the entire research problem emerged is as follows: Lack of spatial planning and effective development management system lead to urban sprawl with non-optimal density of population to support urban infrastructure on the one side causing a lesser quality of life in urban areas. On the other side it causes loss of productivity of natural ecosystems and agricultural areas due to disturbance to the ecosystems. Planned compact high density development with compatible mixed land use can go a long way in achieving environmental efficiency of development management system.

Centro de Enseñanza Automovilística Rally: Perdurabilidad a través del sistema de gestión de calidad

El centro de enseñanza automovilística Rally fue fundado en Colombia en la ciudad de Duitama en 1991. Se encuentra aprobada con resolución No. 1823 del 2 de Septiembre de 1999 del Ministerio de Transporte para categorías A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, B3 y C3. Se ha posicionado entre los mejores no solo por el número y calidad de medios de que dispone, sino por ser referente continúo del resto de los centros de enseñanza automovilísticos, en campos como métodos de enseñanza, e innovaciones pedagógicas. El Decreto 1500 de 2009 estableció los requisitos para la constitución, funcionamiento y habilitación de los centros de enseñanza automovilística. Durante los procesos de seguimiento efectuados a través de las auditorias se ha identificado una “no conformidad” en el sistema relacionada con el control de los documentos y registros. Esta no conformidad pone en riesgo la certificación ISO 9001 y por lo tanto la habilitación del centro de enseñanza automovilística ya que como lo enuncia el artículo 12 del Decreto 1500 de 2009: “se habilita el funcionamiento del Centro de Enseñanza Automovilística de forma indefinida, siempre y cuando se mantenga vigente el cumplimiento de los requisitos que dieron origen a la misma”. Estas circunstancias han llevado al planteamiento de la siguiente pregunta de investigación: ¿Qué metodología debe ser implementada por el centro de enseñanza automovilística Rally para garantizar la continuidad de la certificación ISO 9001? En base a lo anterior el objetivo general de este proyecto aplicado a práctica se define de la siguiente manera: Identificar una metodología que le permita al centro de enseñanza automovilístico Rally garantizar la continuidad de la certificación ISO 9001. Estas soluciones se enmarcan en la línea de gerencia ya que engloban elementos como la reingeniería de procesos, el clima organizacional, etc., que entre todos interaccionan para definir el destino de la compañía. En últimas este proyecto busca optimizar la condición de vida de la empresa con el fin de asegurar su perdurabilidad en el tiempo, contribuyendo así a la construcción de organizaciones longevas en Colombia.

Beneath a learning management system: understanding the human information interaction in information systems

Studies on learning management systems have largely been technical in nature with an emphasis on the evaluation of the human computer interaction (HCI) processes in using the LMS. This paper reports a study that evaluates the information interaction processes on an eLearning course used in teaching an applied Statistics course. The eLearning course is used as a synonym for information systems. The study explores issues of missing context in stored information in information systems. Using the semiotic framework as a guide, the researchers evaluated an existing eLearning course with the view to proposing a model for designing improved eLearning courses for future eLearning programmes. In this exploratory study, a survey questionnaire is used to collect data from 160 participants on an eLearning course in Statistics in Applied Climatology. The views of the participants are analysed with a focus on only the human information interaction issues. Using the semiotic framework as a guide, syntactic, semantic, pragmatic and social context gaps or problems were identified. The information interactions problems identified include ambiguous instructions, inadequate information, lack of sound, interface design problems among others. These problems affected the quality of new knowledge created by the participants. The researchers thus highlighted the challenges of missing information context when data is stored in an information system. The study concludes by proposing a human information interaction model for improving the information interaction quality issues in the design of eLearning course on learning management platforms and those other information systems.

Sistema de gestão da qualidade e a sua implantação

O objetivo desse trabalho foi identificar os pontos fortes e fracos - premissas básicas, funções e procedimentos, que se mostrem relevantes no decorrer da implantação de um sistema de Gestão da Qualidade Total. Buscou-se estabelecer um conjunto de critérios, associados desde ao sistema de informação, até à cultura da organização ou a sua estratégia de gestão, que pudessem vir a sugerir algumas mudanças no processo e servir de base para a proposição de um protocolo de implantação dos sistemas de gestão da qualidade. Foi elaborado um guia inicial compilando as tendências e pontos identificados na revisão bibliográfica como relevantes para o sucesso na implantação de um sistema de gestão da qualidade. A compilação categorizou os pontos sob três enfoques: técnico, conceitual e estratégico. Esse guia de análise norteou a condução e o acompanhamento da pesquisa de campo. O método de pesquisa adotado foi o Estudo de Caso, no qual acompanhou-se o processo de implantação de um sistema de Gestão da Qualidade Total, analisando as principais causas do sucesso e fracasso do mesmo, e uma possível associação com os pontos fortes e fracos identificados. Por meio dos dados coletados através dos instrumentos de pesquisa, somados à análise das atas de reuniões do projeto, documentação do sistema e observações diretas registradas, promoveu-se a revisão e enriquecimento do guia de análise. Deste modo, ao final do trabalho obtivemos a proposição de um guia que possa servir de roteiro na busca pelo sucesso no processo de implantação dos sistemas de gestão da qualidade.

Benefícios e dificuldades na adoção de um sistema de gestão da qualidade no Rio Grande do Norte

Taking competitive advantage or satisfy the client are the reasons why companies have been implementing a Quality Management System (QMS). It brings benefits such as the improvement in the processes, products and services; an enhancement in the image of the company (marketing) and satisfaction of the clients. As a whole, this paper aims to evaluate the results obtained from the implementation of the QMS in the certified companies in the ISO 9001 standard, contained in the database of INMETRO, of the Rio Grande do Norte State (RN). In order to achieve the goals, a bibliographical research about the theme quality management system was made and, subsequently a survey was made with the managers of the certified companies in RN, using the online questionnaire. Out of 27 companies that have the certificate in Rio Grande do Norte, 21 responded the data collection instrument. The data analysis was made through techniques of descriptive and multivariate statistics: cluster analysis. The research instrument used contained 20 questions that address the main theme of this dissertation. Using the cluster analysis, four groupings that possessed similarities concerning the survey answers were found. This analysis allowed us to conclude that the QMS boosts significant improvements in the organizations, such as: quality in the reputation of the company and sales increase. On the other hand, it allowed us to identify as main difficulties: the dissemination of the quality culture, lack of commitment of the whole organization and the resistance of the workers

Cultura organizacional orientada à qualidade: um survey nas concessionárias automotivas brasileiras certificadas com a ISO 9001

The study aims identify the existence of quality culture in Brazilian automotive dealerships with ISO 9001, motivated by this research problem: exist a quality culture in this dealerships, which facilitates the adoption of quality practices supported by ISO 9001? For referencing, the theoretical review was written in five themes: organizational culture, quality culture, total quality management, ISO 9001 quality management system and the Brazilian automobile industry. As regards the methodological aspects, the research has an applied nature, with a quantitative approach, being exploratory in their objectives, and bibliographic, documental and survey as technical procedures. The organizations participating in the study were all Brazilian automotive dealerships certified with ISO 9001. The research intended cover all the 80 active dealers with ISO 9001 certification identified by the Brazilian Committee for Quality (ABNT CB-25). The survey recorded participation of 32 companies (response rate 40%). The questionnaire was sent to seller managers, formatted into five sections: 1) introductory message 2) manager profile, 3) reasons for implementation and benefits generated by ISO 4) adoption levels of quality practices and 5) diagnosis of organizational culture. The questions contained in sections 2 and 3 were structured in multiple choice, and in the remaining sections were structured in Likert 5-point scale. The statistical method used (data analysis), was the descriptive statistics, for data representation in frequency percentage (FP) and standard level (SL). The results showed that the interviewed dealerships have an organizational culture with very high levels of prevalence in "outcome orientation" and "attention to detail" cultural dimensions. In addition, about the other two dimensions considered conducive to quality (innovation and teamwork/respect for people), both observed high prevalence. Based on the present results, concluded that the organizational culture of Brazilian dealerships with ISO 9001 are quality oriented, being conducive to adoption of quality practices supported by TQM Systems. However, it is important to mention that the quality culture identified is not sufficiently developed to adopt quality practices at optimal levels, which sets up an unfavorable scenario to deals with highly rigorous customer

Software architecture for web-based project management system

This article presents software architecture for a web-based system to aid project managing, conceptually founded on guidelines of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) and on ISO/IEC 9126, as well as on the result of an empiric study done in Brazil. Based on these guidelines, this study focused on two different points of view about project management: the view of those who develop software systems to aid management and the view of those who use these systems. The designed software architecture is capable of guiding an incremental development of a quality system that will satisfy today's marketing necessities, principally those of small and medium size enterprises.

Análise do desenvolvimento de competências gerenciais na construção civil através do modelo da Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas adaptado ao contexto organizacional

As mudanças no cenário da engenharia civil e consequentemente da gestão da produção das obras exigem um engenheiro com perfil diferente, resultando na necessidade novas competências, relacionadas a inovação, foco no cliente, planejamento e controle, sistemas de gestão da qualidade, sustentabilidade e uma visão humanista. O objetivo principal deste artigo é identificar as competências desenvolvidas em uma empresa construtora com o processo de implantação da Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas adaptado ao contexto organizacional. A estratégia de pesquisa adotada foi a pesquisa-ação, na qual a equipe de pesquisa atua com profissionais para melhorar a forma como estes entendem e resolvem problemas. Os resultados alcançados envolveram o desenvolvimento de competências relacionadas ao contexto organizacional, à aprendizagem individual, coletiva e organizacional, apontando problemas e possíveis soluções de gestão na empresa. Através do desenvolvimento de competências gerenciais, foi estimulada uma visão humanística, sustentável, com foco no cliente, além de um melhor sistema de gestão da qualidade. Identificaram-se problemas no sistema de gestão organizacional, ficando evidente a necessidade da criação de um ambiente propício para troca de informações entre diferentes setores da empresa.

Life cycle assessment in construction field: A life cycle cost analysis of reinforcement concrete bridge

The present work is included in the context of the assessment of sustainability in the construction field and is aimed at estimating and analyzing life cycle cost of the existing reinforced concrete bridge “Viadotto delle Capre” during its entire life. This was accomplished by a comprehensive data collection and results evaluation. In detail, the economic analysis of the project is performed. The work has investigated possible design alternatives for maintenance/rehabilitation and end-of-life operations, when structural, functional, economic and also environmental requirements have to be fulfilled. In detail, the economic impact of different design options for the given reinforced concrete bridge have been assessed, whereupon the most economically, structurally and environmentally efficient scenario was chosen. The Integrated Life-Cycle Analysis procedure and Environmental Impact Assessment were also discussed in this work. The scope of this thesis is to illustrate that Life Cycle Cost analysis as part of Life Cycle Assessment approach could be effectively used to drive the design and management strategy of new and existing structures. The final objective of this contribution is to show how an economic analysis can influence decision-making in the definition of the most sustainable design alternatives. The designers can monitor the economic impact of different design strategies in order to identify the most appropriate option.

C4I Culture Assessment and Transition

Assessing Culture at UCHC: A Survey If you were working at UCHC in the spring of 2005, you may remember a survey that was mailed to your home asking for your thoughts and feelings about the “culture” at UCHC. The survey included questions about our culture: Job satisfaction, employee working conditions, diversity, and the quality/safety of the care we deliver to our patients. The survey was funded by the Connecticut Health Foundation and sponsored by the Office of Diversity Programs and C4I.