Social and environmental impact assessment

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1 st

International Conference on

Project Economic Evaluation

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ICOPEV’2011

28

th

_{and 29}

th

_April

Guimarães – Portugal

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Message from the

Programme Committee Chair

We would like to welcome you to the 1st International Conference on Project

Economic Evaluation, in Guimarães, Portugal. The Conference is being organized

by the School of Engineering of University of Minho in Guimarães on the 28 to 29 April 2011.

Our main goal is to join together in this event academics and practitioners from a variety of fields with interest on the issue of the economic evaluation of projects. We expect to provide a forum of debate for researchers and practitioners, contributing this way to support the sharing of experiences, to promote cross-knowledge and to strengthen the academic-industry relationship. This year´s topic of the conference is BAT in Manufacturing Industry. Papers related to this theme or to the general scope of the conference were most welcome.

It is also an opportunity to visit Guimarães, a magnificent city of medieval origin known for being the cradle of the Portuguese nation. You may then admire the remarkably well preserved Historical Quarter of Guimarães classified by Unesco as World Heritage site since 2001, getting also in contact with the popular traditions and taste the famous gastronomy of the Minho region.

We are looking forward to meeting you again in the second conference on Project Economic Evaluation.

Madalena Araújo

Professor of the Department of Production and Systems University of Minho

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Madalena Araújo,

University of Minho, Department of Production and Systems, Portugal (Scientific Committee Chair)

Teresa Amorim,

University of Minho, Department of Textile Engineering, Portugal

M. E. J. O´Kelly,

National University of Galway, Ireland

Richard Keegan,

Enterprise, Ireland

Lígia Pinto,

University of Minho, School of Economics and Management, Portugal

Isabel Soares,

Faculty of Economics of Porto, University of Porto, Portugal

Andrés Faíña,

Department of Economic Analysis, University of Coruña, Spain

Enrique Arez,

Escola Técnica Superior de Enxeñeiros Industriais, University of Vigo, Spain

António Paisana,

University of Minho, Department of Production and Systems, Portugal

Leonel Santos,

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Organizing Committee

Madalena Araújo,

University of Minho, Department of Production and Systems, Portugal (Organizing Committee Chair)

Teresa Amorim,

University of Minho, Department of Textile Engineering, Portugal

Paulo Afonso,

University of Minho, Department of Production and Systems, Portugal

Jorge Cunha,

Paula Ferreira,

Manuel Lopes Nunes,

Fernando Romero,

Anabela Tereso,

Filipa Vieira,

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Guimarães is located in northwestern Portugal, approximately 350km north of the capital, Lisbon, and about 50km from the second largest city, Oporto. Guimarães benefits from the proximity to the Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport, located in Oporto and used by the most important airlines, including low cost airlines, for domestic, international and transcontinental flights. From Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport you can easily reach Guimarães either by private car, train or bus.

Guimarães is a city with a glorious historical past, whose history is linked to the origins of Portuguese language and the founding of Portugal’s national identity in the 12th century. The Historical Quarter of Guimarães constitutes a unique vestige of a particular type of city design. It is characterized by the morphology of its medieval urban fabric, which comprises a succession of squares of great formal value and environmental quality, and a particular type of construction that is diversified, but with great formal unity overall, which was fully erected using traditional building techniques called rodízio (castered) partition wall and fasquio (lathed) partition wall.

This unique site, which UNESCO classified on 13 December 2001, is the city’s most reproductive and lasting investment.

For further information about Guimarães please visit http://www.guimaraesturismo.com

The International Conference on Project Economic Evaluation will take place at Hotel de Guimarães, a four star hotel Installed in a building with a modern and appealing architecture, fully integrated into the city center of Guimarães.

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Scope and Objectives

The project evaluation and selection is recognized as an interdisciplinary field requiring engineering, economic, social and financial expertise skills. Projects compete for scarce resources and choosing the best allocation of these resources is a complex and challenging task that decision makers face every day.

Methodologies and techniques must be defined and implemented, aiming to support the decision making process according to the goal of each organization. As society changes, the goals change too. It is now evident that complex decision making cannot be based only on financial criteria. From the private company point of view, aspects like the strategic dimension of projects, or its alignment with the company’s strategy, the contribution to long term objectives or employees’ wellbeing must not be overlooked. The same way, the economic perspective of the project underlines the need to properly consider and include in the analysis the social and environmental dimensions of the projects as decision variables. The main goal of this Conference is to join together academics and professionals from a variety of fields with interest on the issue of the economic evaluation of projects. The Conference is expected to provide a forum of debate for researchers and professionals, aiming to support the sharing of experiences, promoting cross-knowledge and strengthening the academic-industry relationship.

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BAT- Best Available Techniques

Benchmarking

Cost/Benefit analysis

Externalities in manufacturing industry and services

Sustainable manufacturing

Sustainable new business models

Environmental decision making

Energy decision making

Evaluation of strategic projects

Technology-based projects

Digital Projects

Investment appraisal

Tools and methods for project evaluation

Multi-criteria for project evaluation

Decision support systems

Project risk analysis

Case studies

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Keynote Speaker

Helder Rosendo

STRATEGIC MARKETS

FOR TEXTILE

INNOVATIONS – GOING

SMART & GREEN

Vice General Manager of

CITEVE – Technological

Centre for the Textile &

Clothing Industries of Portugal,

with responsibilities as

Technology & Engineering

Manager and Communication

and Marketing Manager

Short CV

Vice General Manager of CITEVE – Technological Centre for the Textile & Clothing Industries of Portugal, since January 2009, with responsibilities as Technology & Engineering Manager and Communication and Marketing Manager; CITEVE’s General Manager between 2005 – 2008.

Graduated in Textile Engineering, at Beira Interior University, Portugal, in 1994; Specialization in fibre processing technology, at the École Nationale Supérieure des Industries Textiles de Mulhouse, Haute Alsace University, France; Innovation and Industrial Property Management Executive Programme, at WIPO, Genève, (2007). Project manager of several R&D national and European projects; Team Manager on several industrial projects, within the field of technological and production

consultancy.

CITEVE’s delegate in several R&D working groups of TEXTRANET (European Textile Technology Transfer Network); Representative of the Portuguese

Government on the European High Level Group For The Textile & Clothing

Sector, namely on the Industrial Property Rights Working Group; Co-leader of the

working group on Research & Technonological Development of the EUROMED

DIAOLGUE ON TEXTILES & CLOTHING; CITEVE’s Representative on the

Thematic Expert Group (TEG) on Novel Special Fibres and Fibre Composites for

Innovative Textile Products of the European Platform on Textiles & Clothing;

Former President of RECET - The Portuguese Association of Technological Centres; Chairman of the Innovation on Textiles

Panel from the Europe Innova Initiative; Member of the ADI (Portuguese Innovation Agency) experts panel for research projects evaluation

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Richard Keegan

BENCHMARKING FOR

SUSTAINABILITY - AN

ENVIRONMENTAL

PERFORMANCE

PERSPECTIVE

BE, Ceng, MComm,

Phd FIEI Manager

Competitiveness Department,

encompassing Lean Business

and Benchmarking

Enterprise Ireland and European

Benchmarking Forum

Short CV

Is a specialist in the areas of World Class Business and Benchmarking with Enterprise Ireland. He has focused on adapting these concepts for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He has worked closely with a large number of companies, helping them introduce the concepts of world class manufacturing based on objective benchmarking. He has written several books on the topic and has lectured at Trinity College Dublin at post graduate and MBA levels, and as a guest lecturer at National University of Ireland – Galway, to both undergraduate and MBA levels. He acts as the European advisor to the World Class Activities of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Co-Operation. He lead the DG Enterprise Benchmarking Initiative, the European Benchmarking Forum and Network, focused on developing synergies and actions forward for benchmarking within the European Community as a means of developing the competitiveness of industry. He has trained as an engineer and has achieved Chartered Engineer status and a Master of Commerce degree on world class practices for SMEs.

He has been awarded a Doctoral degree with National University of Ireland, Galway, for work based on the use of benchmarking and world class practices to improve the operational performance of SMEs using networks. He has recently been made a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland.

His latest book Applied Benchmarking for Competitiveness has been published in Ireland and India and has been published in a translated form in Portugal and Italy. Proceeds from the book are given to the Irish Cancer Society research Fund. He has worked previously for DAF Trucks, Nokia and Nestle.

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Keynote Speaker

Nicola Raede

METHODOLOGICAL

REQUISITES FOR IMPACT

EVALUATION FROM AN

EX-ANTE PERSPECTIVE

Consultant

Impact measurement –

Rigorous Impact Evaluation

and Results Based

Monitoring

Short CV

Impact measurement – Rigorous Impact Evaluation and Results Based Monitoring Planning, execution and backstopping of evaluations in different contexts: e.g. education, further education, vocational education, administration, development cooperation (various sectors).

Focus on measuring impacts, impact evaluation design and execution.

Responsible for: research design, questionnaire design, data collection and analysis, reporting.

Solid experience with surveys, online surveys, guided interviews, expert interviews, group interviews, city walks, observation, data management and analysis with SPSS, Excel etc.

Team Leader experience.

Implementation of results based M&E systems in several sectors, e.g. vocational education.

Responsible for: M&E-design, further qualification of program staff, development of data gathering instruments, assistance in data analysis.

Planning, execution and backstopping of further education training programs on evaluation (FEEZ, GTZ, InWEnt, UdS, TrainEval, BMZ): Topics: evaluation in research and practice, impact evaluation, organization of evaluation, indicator development and assessment, quantitative and qualitative data gathering methods, data management and analysis, reporting, results based monitoring.

Short Term assignments in following countries: China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, USA, Vietnam, Zambia.

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1st International Conference on Project Economic Evaluation

ICOPEV’2011, Guimarães, Portugal

Programme

Day 1: 28th_April 8h30 Start registration 09h30-09h45 Opening Session 09h45-11h15 Technical Sessions 11h15-11h30 Coffee Break 11h30-13h00 Plenary Session 13h00-14h30 Lunch Break 14h30-16h00 Technical Sessions 16h00-16h30 Coffee Break 16h30-18h00 Technical Sessions 18h30-19h30 Social Programme 20h00 Gala Dinner Day 2: 29th April 09h30-11h00 Technical Sessions 11h00-11h30 Coffee Break 11h30-13h00 Technical Sessions 13h00-14h30 Lunch Break 14h30-16h00 Technical Sessions 16h00 Closing Session

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Day 1: 28th_April

8h30 Start registration

09h30-09h45

Opening Session Prof. Vasco Teixeira

Pró-Rector

Prof. Paulo Pereira

Dean of the School of Engineering

Prof. Madalena Araújo

Scientific Committee Chair

Interdisciplinary Centre for Production Technology and Energy

Prof. Fernando Nunes Ferreira

Centre for Textile Science and Technology

Prof. João Luís Marques Pereira Monteiro

ALGORITMI Centre

9h45-11h15

Session A: Decision Support Systems

Moderator: Madalena Araújo

Micro enterprise individual program the factors determining to accession: an empirical study in the Valley of San Francisco, Brazil

João Nascimento, Ana Santos, Adriana Silva, Juliana Reis and Francisco Ricardo

Sustainable business models for Web 3.0

Leonor Gaudêncio, Fernando Almeida and José Oliveira

Project portfolio selection and monitoring – A case study

António Amaral and Madalena Araújo

Technological extension program pilot project implemented in the capital goods sector in São Paulo - Brazil: promoting technological innovation

Dorotéa Bueno, Fernando Romero and Filipa Vieira

Technology evaluation and licensing: a literature review and an assessment of the Portuguese University technology transfer practices

António Rocha and Fernando Romero

11h15-11h30 Coffee Break

11h30-13h00

Plenary Session

Moderator: Eddie O’Kelly

Strategic markets for textile innovations – going smart & green

Hélder Rosendo

Benchmarking for sustainability - an environmental performance perspective

Richard Keegan

Methodological requisites for impact evaluation from an ex-ante perspective

Nicola Raede

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14h30-16h00

Session B: Tools and Methods for Project Evaluation

Moderator: André Luis da Silva Leite

On the multi-mode, multi-skill resource constrained project scheduling problem – computational results

Mónica A. Santos and Anabela Tereso

Addressing sustainability: comprehensive frameworks for evaluating new product development

Shantesh Hede, Paula Ferreira, Manuel Nunes and Luís Rocha

Inter-firm cost management in high-tech product development projects in the plastics processing industry

Carlos Nuno Barbosa, Paulo Afonso, Manuel Nunes and Marta Gomes

Cost analysis for the economic evaluation of health care services

Carla Duarte and Paulo Afonso

An activity-based costing model for strategic decisions in transportation on demand projects

Vítor Oliveira, Paulo Afonso and José Telhada

16h30-18h00

Session C: Energy Decision Making

Moderator: Isabel Soares

Strategy for electricity supply of steel and mining sector firms

Armindo Bredariol Junior, André Luis da Silva Leite and Nivalde Castro

The role of energy planning on new hydropower plants investments

Nivalde Castro, Guilherme Dantas and Raul Timponi

Optimization models to support sustainable electricity planning decisions

Sérgio Pereira, Paula Ferreira and Ismael Vaz

Policy and legislation for a new energy paradigm: the case of the Portuguese legal framework for microgeneration

José Gonçalves, Paula Ferreira and Paulo Afonso

The electricity business: investment, risk and regulation

Isabel Soares, Paula Ferreira and Madalena Araújo

18h30-19h30 Social Programme

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Day 2: 29th_April

09h30-11h00

Session D: Investment Appraisal

Moderator: Luiz Ozorio

Decision-making process in investment projects

Nuno Moutinho

Project financing and verticalization in infrastructure project evaluation. A case study of Abengoa

Luiz Ozorio, Roberto Brandão and Nivalde Castro

Real options theory in comparison to other project evaluation techniques

Bartolomeu Fernandes, Jorge Cunha and Paula Ferreira

Evidence on the investment-cash flow sensitivity for a panel of Portuguese manufacturing firms

Jorge Cunha and António Paisana

Which project characteristics are important? What are the project success factors?

Nuno Moutinho and Helena Mouta

11h30-13h00

Session E: Cost/Benefit Analysis

Moderator: Lígia Pinto

The cost/benefit analysis in the scope of the neoclassical economics

Humberto Rito Ribeiro, José Manuel Pereira and Edson Luiz Riccio

The evaluation of biomass power projects

Patrícia Carneiro and Paula Ferreira

A cost-benefit analysis of an intelligence and demand-driven public transport system for elderly and disabled

Vitor Oliveira, Paula Ferreira and José Telhada

Development of a cost-benefit model for micro CHP systems

Ana Ferreira, Luís Martins, Manuel Nunes and Senhorinha Teixeira

Cost-benefit analysis in occupational health and safety

Delfina Ramos, Paulo Afonso and Pedro Arezes

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14h30-16h00

Session F: Social and Environmental Impact Assessment

Moderator: Enrique Ares

Social and environmental impact assessment - theoretical contributions

Nuno Moutinho and Helena Mouta

Economic evaluation of a demand responsive transport in rural area: a case study

Ana Dias, José Telhada and Sameiro Carvalho

On the social return of R+D projects and support programmes

Olalla Barreiro, Paula Ferreira and Enrique Ares

Using expert interviews to create electricity scenarios and to assess social impacts

Fernando Ribeiro, Paula Ferreira and Madalena Araújo

The need for a new sustainable economic model

Humberto Ribeiro

Social impact on project assessment: an integrated methodology for the assessment of investment projects in Research and Development (R&D) at a society level

Ana Fernández, Jorge Cunha and Enrique Ares

16h00

Closing Session Prof. Madalena Araújo

Scientific Committee Chair

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MICRO ENTERPRISE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM THE FACTORS

DETERMINING TO ACCESSION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY IN THE

VALLEY OF SAN FRANCISCO

João Nascimento,

1*

Ana Santos,

2

Adriana Silva,

3

Juliana Reis

4

and Francisco Duarte

5

1 _{Doutorando em Contabilidade, Universidade do Minho, Portugal}

2 _{Licenciatura em Contabilidade, Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas e Sociais de Petrolina, Brazil}

3 _{Doutoranda em Contabilidade, Universidade do Minho, Portugal}

4 _{Licenciatura em Letras Língua Portuguesa, Universidade de Pernambuco, Brazil}

5

Doutorando em Administração, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil

* Corresponding author: [email protected], Quadra Z 1 Lote 31, Topol, Casa Nova - BA, CEP 47300-3000, Brazil

KEYWORDS

Individual Entrepreneur, informality, economic development

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to investigate which of the benefits offered, shown to be relevant to its membership. To this end, in order to verify to reality in the Sao Francisco Valley, questionnaires were applied 5-point Likert to 231 hawkers in the cities of Petrolina - PE, Juazeiro - BA and Casa Nova - BA, which identified 68 program participants. In this sub-sample was performed the procedure of factor analysis in view the objective of this study. It was found that the 15 benefits provided by the program, five showed a statistically insignificant at 5%. Because they are not relevant for joining the program, generate unnecessary cost to the government. Thus, it becomes necessary to reapply the study in other regions and, if confirmed such scenario, exclude insignificant the benefits in view of the intrinsic cost of such subsidies.

THE NEED FOR A NEW SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC MODEL

Humberto Rito Ribeiro

Department of Economics and Management, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Portugal [email protected], Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Sta. Apolónia, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Economic models, Business cycles, Sustainability

ABSTRACT

Following the subprime mortgage problems that started in the United States (US) in the second half of the 2000’s, the world would suffer the first financial crash shockwave of the 21st century, when the quasi collapse of the banking system in the US, occurred in September 2008, threatened the entire global financial network. The seriousness of the financial crisis became clear as it swiftly contaminated the major developed economies. Quarterly GDP growth turned sharply negative, in many cases reaching a two-digit decrease; and every major macroeconomic indicator, such as

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industrial production, household income, or exports, suffered significant decreases. Understandably, the atonished general public started to questioning the current economic model.

In this paper it is argued that Marx was wrong: the dialectic of the social classes’ clashes will not result in capitalism failure. Instead, sustainable issues will force capitalism to reshape in order to prevent the collapse of the humanity, which can only afford to live in a single planet, from which depends totally. This is significant for the way business is conducted, as even sustainable businesses may turn unsustainable if the planet collapses, being probably this the most likely reason to believe that a new sustainable model may be critical for mankind.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODELS FOR WEB 3.0

Leonor Gaudêncio,

1*

Fernando Almeida

2

and José Oliveira

3

1

Innovation and Development Centre, ISPGaya, Portugal

2 _{Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Portugal}

3 _{Faculty of Economics and INESC Porto, University of Porto, Portugal}

* Corresponding author: [email protected], ISPGaya, Av. dos Descobrimentos 333, 4400-103 V.N.Gaia, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Business model, Web 3.0, Semantic web

ABSTRACT

The information revolution created by the Internet quickly transformed communications into a vital part of business and everyday life. Currently the pervasive Internet is still evolving and is poised to enter in a new stage of development that will make it more intelligent, aware, and accessible. The next stage of the web creates the potential for individuals and organizations to use information in ways that facilitate the interoperability of devices and networks. As a consequence, companies should begin anticipating this new digital era now and prepare their organizations to compete and profit from this emerging environment. This paper looks to the semantic web and Web 3.0 technologies as enablers for the creation of value and new emergent business models. It identifies the main sources of value offered by semantic web technologies and proposes eight business models that a company can follow to adopt a successful Web 3.0 business strategy. Additionally, these business models were analysed in a long-term perspective, attending to the technologic and business risks associated with each approach and the sustainability of the generated revenues.

PROJECT PORTFOLIO SELECTION AND MONITORING – A CASE

STUDY

António Amaral* and Madalena Araújo

Department of Production and Systems, University of Minho, Portugal

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus Azurém, 4800 - 058 Guimarães, Portugal

KEYWORDS

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ABSTRACT

Despite all the differences on markets, cultural environment, and organisational objectives, some changes are modifying the way business occurs, turning competitive advantages difficult to accomplish. In a global marketplace scenario, changes are constant and with variable amplitude. Organisations need to be alert to all movements to counter-answer and re-align themselves with the new market conditions. The organisational urge for using and applying new tools, methods and techniques is tremendous. However, there is no consensus about the type of method or technique that automatically improves any organisation, despite their own problems or status, restrictions and competitive advantages, strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, project management tries to see the organisation as a whole, and systematically challenge the difficulties encountered with new re-thinking processes in order to increase the organisational performance.

So it is of great importance to develop a flexible and expandable decision support system, which considers several different criteria, methods and phases in the most suitable way for the PPM, involving the full participation of the decision-makers and providing the users with a quick feedback impact, in certain parameters, of the consequences of the changes produced.

TECHNOLOGICAL EXTENSION PROGRAM PILOT PROJECT

IMPLEMENTED IN THE CAPITAL GOODS SECTOR IN SÃO PAULO -

BRAZIL: PROMOTING TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION

Dorotéa Bueno,

*

Fernando Romero and Filipa Vieira

Department of Production and Systems Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal * [email protected], University of Minho, Azurém, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Technological innovation, Technological extension, SMEs, capital goods sector, Brazil

ABSTRACT

Technological extension is recognized by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2005, OECD) as fundamental for economic development, by promoting and stimulating further technological innovation, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper is written using the methodological reference and systematization of information available in the bibliography from the OECD. Based on this reference, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Brazil started four pilot projects to be implemented in São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Bahia. These projects had two main objectives of putting in practice the technological extension service and analyzing its impact on firms. This article presents the process of implementation of the pilot in São Paulo. In this project, fifty firms of the capital goods sector were investigated. The results were the following: many firms showed improvement in

the management of the production flow, a more consistent planning, abetter control of many phases in the activity of the

firm and increases in productivity. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the pilot program’s technological extension proved to be relevant to SMEs due to specific management actions focused on the real needs of each firm,

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TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION AND LICENSING: A LITERATURE

REVIEW AND AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PORTUGUESE UNIVERSITIES

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PRACTICES

António Rocha and Fernando Romero

Department of Production and Systems, University of Minho, Portugal,

*corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, Portugal.

KEYWORDS

Technology evaluation and licensing, intellectual property rights, technology transfer, technology transfer units, universities

ABSTRACT

To improve the access to information about practices supporting the application of research results we looked at strategies and methods described on the literature review and in use by technology transfer units (TTUs) having in mind a set of questions underlying the processes of technology evaluation and licensing in universities. The research questions gave us the opportunity to understand the TTUs degree of selectivity in the protection of inventions, the factors at the origin of licensing agreements and its main obstacles, the main evaluation methods and payment modes and they also gave us the opportunity to know the universities at study structure of dividend distribution. Underneath the answer to this questions we affirmed that the development of complete and demonstrable turnkey solutions and products decreases the investment risk and makes the technology more attractive to potential licensees, and we concluded that only knowing the economic value of an invention can we fully exploit its full potential and can we carry out an appropriate technology valorization strategy.

ON THE MULTI-MODE, MULTI-SKILL RESOURCE CONSTRAINED

PROJECT SCHEDULING PROBLEM – COMPUTATIONAL RESULTS

Mónica A. Santos

*

and Anabela P. Tereso

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

KEYWORDS

RCPSP, Multi-mode, Beam search

ABSTRACT

This paper is concerned with an extension of the Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) which belongs to the class of the optimization scheduling problems with multi-level (or multi-mode) activities. We developed a practical tool, useful to represent multi-mode projects, and to find a solution for the problem on hand – select the best mode for each resource in each activity in order to minimize the total cost, considering the resource cost, a penalty for tardiness and a bonus for early completion. We implemented an adaptation of a filtered beam search (FBS) algorithm to this problem, using the C# programming language. A “filtered beam” search is a heuristic Branch and Bound (BaB) procedure that uses breadth first search but only the top “best” nodes are kept. We give some of the most important solution details and we report on further computational results, by testing the application for different problem sizes.

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ADDRESSING SUSTAINABILITY: COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORKS

FOR EVALUATING NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Shantesh Hede,

1*

Manuel Nunes,

1

Paula Ferreira

1

and Luis Alexandre Rocha

2

1

Department of Production and Systems Engineering, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.

2_{IPC/I3N - Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.}

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Sustainability, Systems Engineering, New Product Development

ABSTRACT

The development and commercialization of novel sophisticated products, exerts a significant burden on the environment, throughout its life-cycle. Moreover, the environmental impact also generates a significant impact onto the socio-economic dimensions. Therefore, it is imperative to include criteria for addressing socio-economic and environmental sustainability. Previously developed approaches for sustainability evaluation, were comprehensive, resource intensive and lacked simplicity. The proposed framework for Sustainable New Product Development, utilizes a Systems Engineering Approach based on multi-criteria analysis. The investigation also proposes two capital budgeting based methods for evaluation, namely NPV@ Sustainability and Profitability Index@Sustainability using Life Cycle Assessment. These evaluation methods express the financial cash flows in accordance with the impact associated with the sustainability criteria and the core project milestones of the product development endeavor. The evaluation methods, together with the product development framework, are applicable during key decision points of Stage 2 and 3, in the Stage-Gate Process of New Product Development.

INTER-FIRM COST MANAGEMENT IN HIGH-TECH PRODUCT

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE PLASTICS PROCESSING INDUSTRY

Carlos Barbosa,

1

Paulo Afonso,

2*

Manuel Nunes

2

and Marta Gomes

1

Institute for Polymers and Composites/I3N, University of Minho, Portugal

2 _{Department of Production and Systems, University of Minho, Portugal}

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Azurém Campus, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

New product development, Inter-organisational cost management, High-tech environments

ABSTRACT

Companies are compelled to develop new products that accomplish several objectives simultaneously. Furthermore, competition is forcing organizations to collaborate more with their business partners. To meet this wide set of objectives, companies are embracing new tools and techniques to support successful new product development (NPD) projects. Inter-organizational cost management (IOCM) has been used by organizations to achieve the collaborative

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management of costs throughout projects of NPD. Effective cost management which cross organizational boundaries has the potential to improve the overall performance of the project.

This paper presents and discusses inter-firm cost management in high-tech NPD projects, particularly the use of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies in the plastics processing industry. Processors are being asked to add value, complete more operations, deliver around the world, develop products and engage in partnerships with customers. In many cases, the supplier is becoming so integrated with the client that the former (supplier) is becoming linked to the success of the client. One result of this new strategic focus could be the “evolution” of IOCM.

COST ANALYSIS FOR THE ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF HEALTH

CARE SERVICES

Carla Duarte and Paulo Afonso

*

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Azurém Campus, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Health Care Services, Economic evaluation, Cost analysis

ABSTRACT

Health care costs have increased significantly over the past years, especially due to the accelerating development of new diagnosis and therapeutic technologies and therefore the increasingly life expectancy, which have reported the need to maximize the results through the application of allowable resources. In this context, the development of models for economic evaluation of health care services stands for the analysis of comparative alternatives, evaluated in both their costs and their benefits.

In this article we examine the different models of economic evaluation of health care programs/services (cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and cost-benefit), considering also the analysis of the various types of costs incurred and the ways to measure them, regardless the fact that indirect costs represent, in health care organizations, a considerable amount in the total cost of health services.

We thereby present a study on the possible ways to apply the various models of economic evaluation, the advantages and disadvantages of those applications in a hospital situated in the north of Portugal.

AN ACTIVITY-BASED COSTING MODEL FOR STATEGIC DECISIONS IN

TRANSPORTATION ON DEMAND PROJECTS

Joaquim Vitor Oliveira,

1*

Paulo Afonso and José Telhada

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Minho, Portugal

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

KEYWORDS

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ABSTRACT

Today there are many people who lack access to adequate means of transportation (people with reduced mobility, elderly, people in rural areas of low population density, etc.). In these cases the conventional solutions do not serve and tend to worsen due to increased costs of private transport and the reduction of conventional transmission lines at these sites. In this context, emerged alternative transportation models called "transportation on demand".

However, although there are some experiments, these new models are still not consolidated due to problems of technical and conomic. Beyond the technical aspects necessary to develop cost models suitable for designing a system with economic viability and to set prices and pricing policies that ensure the attractiveness of the service without compromising their economic viability (namely with recipe above cost). The complexity of this system and the relative weight of significant indirect costs justify the application of a costing system based on activities. In this article we present a cost analysis based on the strategic ABCM model to discuss the conditions of economic viability of a transport on demand system applied to the municipality of Terras de Bouro. These results are important to support strategic and operational decisions.

STRATEGY FOR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY OF STEEL

AND MINING SECTOR FIRMS

Armindo Bredariol Junior,

1*

André Leite

2

and Nivalde José de Castro

3

1 _{Companhia Siderurgia Nacional – CSN- Brasil}

2 _{UNISUL (SC) & GESEL/IE/UFRJ – Brasil}

3 _{GESEL/IE/UFRJ – Brasil}

* Corresponding author: [email protected] Companhia Siderurgia Nacional – CSN- Brasil

KEYWORDS

Energy demand, Strategy, Steel industry

ABSTRACT

The steel industry's production process is electro-intensive. So, electricity has a significant participation in the cost structure of firms in the industry. An adequate energy portfolio management constitutes an important strategy to ensure the competitiveness of steel. In short, the sector's firms need to have assurance of supply of electricity at the lowest cost possible.

Energy-intensive industries need to take decisions relating to investment in productive capacity of electric power, and which sources should be prioritized, and the establishment of energy contracts and the profile of these contracts. These choices must be guided in the core objective of ensuring the supply at the lowest possible cost. However, an environmentally sustainable production presents itself as a competitive edge.

In this sense, the aim of this study is to analyze the performance of three major groups - Gerdau, Usiminas and Vale - on energy strategies, in Brazil and abroad.

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THE ROLE OF ENERGY PLANNING IN NEW HYDROPOWER

INVESTMENTS

Nivalde José de Castro, Guilherme de A. Dantas

*

and Raul R. Timponi

GESEL, Institute of Economics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil * Corresponding author: [email protected]

KEYWORDS

Hydroelectricity, Energy planning, Investments

ABSTRACT

A sustainable economic development program requires an energy system capable of meeting demand efficiently, while minimizing environmental impact. Countries that follow this path must integrate their energy systems with social and environmental concerns. The challenge is to combine development and sustainability, keeping in mind that social and economic development are associated with higher levels of energy consumption and increasing demand for natural resources.

Considering the importance of hydroelectricity to sustainable development, this study maps the main obstacles to increasing the hydropower share of electricity generation that exist even in countries with huge remaining potential. These examples underline the idea that promoting sustained economic development requires government planning and coordination of the energy sector.

OPTIMIZATION MODELS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE ELECTRICITY

PLANNING DECISIONS

Sérgio Pereira,

*

Paula Ferreira and A. Ismael F. Vaz

Department of Production and Systems, Minho University, Portugal

* Corresponding author: [email protected], Minho University, Campus Azurém, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Energy decision making, electricity generation

ABSTRACT

Over the last decades, models and concepts related to sustainable electricity planning decisions have been changed according to the society, energy policy objectives and concerns. New and clean energy technologies are emerging as major contributors for the achievement of a set of imposed goals, being the energy efficiency combined with renewable energy sources (RES) a key strategy for a sustainable future. Power planning based on optimization models plays an important role for, not only electricity industry decision making process, but also for all processes where complex decision must be made. Following the idea of sustainability combined with the emergence of RES, this study aims to present an on-going research project that involves the development of a set of mathematical models to be used on the electricity planning. Assuming a time period of 10 years and through scenario analysis, the expected impacts in terms of

costs and CO2 emissions were evaluated. The behaviour of system when coal and gas fuel price varies is observed. The

results put evidence the significant wind power and hydro power impacts on the electricity sector performance and demonstrate importance of these technologies to achieve the European Union goals for the sector.

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POLICY AND LEGISLATION FOR A NEW ENERGY PARADIGM: THE

CASE OF THE PORTUGUESE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR

MICROGENERATION

José Gonçalves,

*

Paula Ferreira and Paulo Afonso

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058, Guimarães, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Microgeneration, Feed in Tariff, Regulation

ABSTRACT

Following the European Union energy strategies and recommendations, national governments are encouraging microgeneration related investments. The national government plays an important role on the effective introduction of microgeneration technologies into the markets and daily life of citizens. In the National Plan for Action on Energy Efficiency (NPAEE), the extensive use of microgeneration technologies in a decentralized electricity system is presented as one possible system to meet the future objectives of the Portuguese government for the energy sector. Several incentives were created to promote the adoption of microgeneration technologies through policy measures such as subsidies on the electricity generated by microproducers, investment subsidies and by creating awareness/informing the public about microgeneration.

This paper presents the Portuguese electricity system and the role of policy and legislation for the development of microgeneration in Portugal. The legal framework is analyzed along with the incentives and tax benefits for different microgeneration technologies. The detailed analysis of the Portuguese legal framework is made in order to ascertain the main features that may induce the project success or failure and the role of the defined payment rates namely identifying the possible success factors of these laws and regulations.

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS IN INVESTMENT PROJECTS

Nuno Moutinho

School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal

Corresponding author: [email protected], IPB, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Apartadao 1134, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Real Investment Projects, Non-Financial Analysis, Decision-making

ABSTRACT

We present projects evaluation approaches in what decision should be based. We try to understand what we have to take into account in a project analysis, knowing that we have to consider much unmeasured aspects, like non non-financial areas. We verify how all aspects are used and analysed in the project appraisal. We also desire to understand if companies have adequate tools and methods to correctly analyse and to take decisions in a project evaluation.

In this study we identify several aspects that are able to influence investment projects evaluation and decision-making process. An investment is not a mere financial activity, but involves a diversity of behavioural factors, organizational and business perception, which should be properly adjusted to invest with success. Investment decision-making should

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take into account non financial aspects, mainly, through some evaluation’s format and method. As non financial aspects have an intangible nature, they are difficult to estimate, and cause a subjective analysis to project evaluators, it is important to develop an objective and tangible method that incorporates and quantify all non financial aspects together in project evaluation.

PROJECT FINANCING AND VERTICALIZATION IN INFRASTRUCTURE

PROJECT EVALUATION: A CASE STUDY OF ABENGOA

Luiz Ozorio

,

*Roberto Brandão and Nivalde Castro

Instituto de Economia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

* Corresponding author: [email protected], Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Pasteur 250/226, Brasil

KEYWORDS

Project Evaluation, Financial Strategies, Project Financing

ABSTRACT

The gradual transfer to private companies of public utility and infrastructure services has fundamentally changed the business environment for heavy engineering companies. This new competitive state of affairs has led these companies to assemble large investments in infrastructure assets. One that has adopted this new strategy is Abengoa – Spanish a firm focused on power generation, transmission and water utilities. Abengoa has been growing fast for many years, winning (in auctions) long-term public infrastructure contracts. The necessary infrastructure assets are built by Abengoa’s engineering companies and construction is financed through highly leveraged financing structures, that include intensive use of Project Financing. Abengoa's case is particularly interesting because it allows us to understand how it is possible to build a highly leveraged capital structure, without compromising access to capital markets or hindering further investments in fixed assets. Abengoa’s project evaluation model is also noteworthy as it combines in a single discounted cash flow both infrastructure project’s cash flow and the gains obtained through vertical integration. This financial model also measures the impact of various types of debt, both at project level and at the corporate level.

REAL OPTIONS THEORY IN COMPARISON TO OTHER PROJECT

EVALUATION TECHNIQUES

Bartolomeu Fernandes,

*

Jorge Cunha and Paula Ferreira

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

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ABSTRACT

Wrong investment decisions today can lead to situations in the future that will be unsustainable and lead eventually to the bankruptcy of enterprises. Therefore, good financial management combined with good capital investment decision-making are critical to survival and long-term success of the firms. Traditionally, the net present value (NPV) and discounted cash flow (DCF) methods are worldwide used to evaluate project investments. These techniques have been classified in two major groups: sophisticated and non-sophisticated. In the former group, techniques like the DCF methods (e.g. NPV and IRR) can be found. In the latter group, techniques like the Payback Period and the Accounting Rate of Return have been included. However given that, today investments are characterized by high risks and uncertainty, DCF methodologies are inadequate to deal with these issues. Some authors argue that only the techniques that can appropriately address the problem of uncertainty (like the Real Options theory) should be applied. In this paper, the major differences between DCF methods and Real Options (RO) theory will be analyzed. Using an example, the advantages of the RO theory, compared with other methods, such as the DCF methods, in the search of better decisions will be shown. This work is expected to contribute to an increase of application of the RO Theory, by showing this technique potential.

EVIDENCE ON THE INVESTMENT-CASH FLOW SENSITIVITY FOR A PANEL OF

PORTUGUESE MANUFACTURING FIRMS

Jorge Cunha,

*

António Paisana

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus de Azurém, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Capital Investment, Financing constraints, Asymmetric information

ABSTRACT

In the last two decades, a renewed interest about the influence of financial factors on a firm’s capital investment decision emerged. In fact, theoretical developments that occurred in the field of information economics, which emphasised the existence of information problems in financial markets, allowed to rationalise a close relationship between financial factors and investment expenses of firms.

This paper aims at contributing to the empirical literature on this subject, presenting the results of an empirical study undertaken for a panel of Portuguese manufacturing firms. The results obtained suggest that the impact of financial factors on investment decisions of firms is greater for those facing higher information problems in financial markets, such as: small, young and low retention firms.

WHICH PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS ARE IMPORTANT? WHAT ARE

THE PROJECT SUCCESS FACTORS?

Nuno Moutinho

*

and Helena Mouta

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KEYWORDS

Non-Financial issue; Project Success; Capital budgeting

ABSTRACT

The evaluation process of real investment projects must consider not only the traditional financial approach, but also financial aspects that can provide additional relevant information about projects. We investigate financial and non-financial areas most relevant in project appraisal, main critical success factors and areas of analysis that lead to the perception of project success, through nine hypotheses that are empirically tested. Companies are also segmented to verify their financial and non-financial practices, considering industries, type of project, size and duration of the project. The results show that non-financial factors affect the investment decision with larger importance than financial ones, specifically the strategic, technical and commercial areas. Perceived success of a project is related to the consideration of strategic, political and human resources aspects in its evaluation. There is a greater perception of success when companies attribute greater importance to financial and commercial aspects in project appraisal. The existence of many financial and strategic factors is associated with a greater perceived success of the project. We found that there is a greater perception of success in companies with larger projects, when the chairman of the board has higher tenure and when the project manager has a higher education degree and has variable reward.

THE COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS IN THE SCOPE OF NEOCLASSICAL

ECONOMICS

Humberto Rito Ribeiro,

1*

José Manuel Pereira

2

and Edson Luiz Riccio

3

1

Department of Economics and Management, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Portugal

2 _{Department of Accounting and Taxation, Instituto Politécnico do Cávado e do Ave, Portugal}

3 _{College of Economics, Management and Accounting, São Paulo University, Brazil}

* Corresponding author: [email protected], Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus Sta. Apolónia, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Neo-Liberalism, Cost/Benefit analysis, Business competitiveness

ABSTRACT

The age of the globalization is inherently the age of the Neo-Liberalism, and it is therefore normal that Neoclassical theory dominates economics nowadays. On another strand, Cost/Benefit Analysis (CBA) is also critical for economics.

A first main conceptualization of CBA was made by Alfred Marshall in the early 20th century. The CBA estimation

measures the equivalent value of the benefits versus costs to the community of a wide range of projects, from highways to hospitals. “If the benefits to whomever they accrue [be] in excess of the estimated costs” then a given project will be worthwhile under CBA (US Congress, 1936, 1939).

Using a CBA approach, this paper examines whether the interventions of the monetary authorities in the financial sector were beneficial for the economy, and for business overall. Widely criticised, the authorities’ “socialisation of the losses” resulted in higher budgetary deficits, forcing governments to hike taxes and therefore increasing costs for businesses, reducing competitiveness. Nevertheless, a non-intervention would result in a massive increase of business failures and in a major surge in unemployment, likely leading to a possible depression that would take years to tackle. Therefore, this paper contributes for the discussion of the desirable role of governmental and monetary authorities in the economic activity.

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THE EVALUATION OF BIOMASS POWER PROJECTS

Patrícia Carneiro

*

and Paula Ferreira

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus Azurém, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Biomass, Energy Costs, Feed-in Tariff

ABSTRACT

Biomass is a renewable energy source attracting increasing attention. At the EU level in the last years a set of activities and programs were implemented in order to support and promote the use of this source of energy. This study addresses the issue of biomass costs for electricity production and the importance of incentives schemes such as feed-in tariff for the economic development of the sector. An economic evaluation of the electricity production from biomass is presented, based on a survey of both financial and social costs applied to the Portuguese case. Economic assessment was carried out by taking into account three types of biomass: energy crops (miscanthus), forestry residues and municipal solid waste. Four set of costs were considered and included: cost of capital, cost of maintenance and operation, fuel costs and external costs.

A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF AN INTELLIGENCE AND

DEMAND-RESPONSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR ELDERLY AND

DISABLED

Vítor Oliveira,

*

José Telhada and Paula Ferreira

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Campus Azurém, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Transport demand for people with reduced mobility, Externality, Cost-Benefit analysis

ABSTRACT

The current road public transport systems in Portugal are not suitable for most of its inhabitants, in particular those who suffer of reduced mobility. This inadequacy is mainly due to the lack of flexibility of the transport services provided and the poor level of physical accessibility (pathways and in-vehicle facilities). This study aims to estimate the effects of the implementation of public transportation systems designed to meet the specific market of public transport demand of people with reduced mobility (e.g. elderly and disable). The main factors affecting the system must be translated into a number of criteria and indicators to be included in the evaluation of potential transportation projects in this area. The study is based on a literature review and focuses on the analysis of externalities and decision making about public transport. From this review it is intended to develop an analysis of the externalities of the projects. It will be also

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discussed the cost-benefit analysis for the project aimed at ensuring the sustainability of a transport demand for people with reduced mobility (TDPRM).

DEVELOPMENT OF A COST-BENEFIT MODEL

FOR MICRO CHP SYSTEMS

Ana C.M. Ferreira,

1*

Luís A. S. B. Martins,

2

Manuel L. Nunes

1

and Senhorinha F.C.F. Teixeira

1

Department of Production and Systems, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal

2 _{Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal}

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

KEYWORDS

CHP system, Cost-benefit analysis.

ABSTRACT

In the last decade, new improvements on energy systems production are been conducted. The liberalization of the energy market, the search for alternative technologies using renewable energy sources, the sustainability of energy supply and the environmental issues are factors that emphasis the introduction of decentralized power generation systems.

The purpose of this work is to identify the variables that must be considered in developing an economic model to assess the viability of a new micro-cogeneration system for micro-scale applications. In the development of cost-benefit analysis, two types of variables should be considered: the internal variables that quantify and parameterize the operation and performance of the system; and external variables that evaluate the social and environmental impacts arising from the use of cogeneration technology.

The design of decentralized energy systems is usually carried out integrating technical and economic aspects. As a consequence, the assessment of CHP systems sustainability requires the analysis of operational cost-benefit analysis as well as the environmental and social impacts, which represent important external costs.

COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Delfina Ramos,

*

Paulo Afonso and Pedro Arezes

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Azurém, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Cost-Benefit Analysis, Occupational Health and Safety, Delphi Methodology

ABSTRACT

The implementation of preventive and corrective measures within Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) lacks a proper systematic economic evaluation that allows to compare alternatives and to understand the impact of each of them.

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Firstly, there should be a financial evaluation of the measures considering costs and income for the organization resulting from the implementation of identified measures. However, it is also important to perform an analysis of the impact of each measure in society, in other words, to measure the involved externalities. The measures taken by an organization to prevention risks usually have an indirect positive effect (positive externality) in society, while not taking any action, compared to the cost they represent for the organization, can have important negative effects to society (negative externality).

It follows that these different economic effects (for the organization and society) should be duly considered in decision making on occupational health and safety. This paper discusses the use of cost-benefit analysis related to Occupational Health and Safety. An exploratory qualitative study is proposed, considering the application of the Delphi methodology.

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT -

THEORETICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Nuno Moutinho

*

and Helena Mouta

* Corresponding author: [email protected], IPB, Campus de Santa Apolónia, Apartadao 1134, 5301-857 Bragança, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Project analysis; Evaluation; Social and environmental

ABSTRACT

When we have to make an investment decision, we have to consider social and environmental factors that can bring some doubts about the project. We analyse not only which social and environmental characteristics to assess, but also identify main risks and show how to mitigate them. In addition, we support the idea that both areas have to be analysed at the beginning of the project and that it has to be done at the time investors analyse other factors, in particular technical issues.

ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF A DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSPORT

IN RURAL AREA

Ana Dias,* José Telhada and Maria do Sameiro Carvalho Department of Production and Systems, University of Minho, Portugal

* Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Minho, Azurém, 4800-058, Portugal

KEYWORDS

Economic evaluation, Sustainability, Transport systems evaluation.

ABSTRACT

The provision of traditional public transport services in rural areas have shown to be very inefficient and ineffective. In fact, rural areas are typically characterized by low levels population density leading to complex demand patterns

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(demand is low and spread over a large area) which leads to low levels of service of conventional transport services (low frequency, old vehicles, etc). Demand Responsive Transport projects have been seen as an interesting alternative solution already adopted in several countries. There are however some issues concerning demand responsive transport (DRT) costs and benefits that still have to be addressed. In this research work a global analysis about internal and external costs is proposed aiming to support decision makers investigating the impacts and measures related to the adoption of a flexible transportation system solution.

ON THE SOCIAL RETURN OF R&D PROJECTS AND SUPPORT

PROGRAMMES

Olalla Barreiro,1* Paula Ferreira2 and Enrique Ares1

Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales, University of Vigo, Spain Department of Productions and Systems, University of Minho, Portugal * Corresponding author: [email protected], University of Vigo, Spain

KEYWORDS

Social Return, R&D Projects, Support Programmes

ABSTRACT

This work is a part of an ongoing research focusing on the social impact of R&D projects and support programmes from the perspectives of the public and private sectors. The research project is based on interviews conducted as part of a case study methodology involving a marine-sector private company and the Technological Center in Vigo. The results indicate that the criteria chosen as being the most important for the evaluation of social return of R&D were the number of jobs created at the company, the environmental impact and the working conditions. Also included in the analysis were the criteria used in the process of evaluating applications for funding. From the analysis it becomes notorious that social return is not a priority in this evaluation process, with assigned weights for the related criteria ranging between 0 and -22%. The only exception was the Transnational Program of cooperation Atlantic Space where the weights of the variable related to the social character of the project sum about 50 %. The mostly used criteria are the environmental impact, the incorporation of new PhD´s and the presence of women investigator's in the project. Only in the Transnational Program of cooperation Atlantic Space include criteria like the transference of knowledge, diffusion of knowledge and platform growth.

USING EXPERT INTERVIEWS TO CREATE ELECTRICITY SCENARIOS

AND TO ASSESS SOCIAL IMPACTS

Fernando Ribeiro

*

, Paula Ferreira

and Madalena Araújo

KEYWORDS

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ABSTRACT

This paper focus on the assessment of the social dimension of electricity planning, resourcing to participative methodologies. A guide for interviewing power systems experts, covering a wide range of themes is presented. The guide focus on evolution of electricity consumption and supply according to each type of technology, driving forces among emerging technologies, energy policy, the relevance of sustainable development among institutions and markets and, finally, a first impression on the relevance of social impacts for candidate technologies. The main aim of the methodology is to gather discourses among experts and try to understand the connection between narratives and their consequences on the best scenarios under the social point of view. Therefore, the interview uses both quantitative and qualitative questions. The former are used for creating electricity generation scenarios within a 10 year range, while the latter aim at gathering each position’s underlying explanations, which will be useful for cluster analysis in future work. The results presented in this paper refer to interviews which took place among the members of the working group of the project “Sustainable Electricity Power Planning”.

SOCIAL IMPACT ON PROJECT ASSESSMENT:

AN INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF

INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) AT A SOCIETY LEVEL

Ana

Fernández Fernández,1

Jorge Cunha

2*

and

Enrique Ares Goméz1

1 _{Escola Técnica Superior de Enxeñeiros Industriais, University of Vigo, Spain}

KEYWORDS

R&D investment, social benefit, survey analysis

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, organisations increasingly need to adapt to the fast evolution of markets and societies in our globalised world in order to be competitive. Therefore, it is essential to take the right decisions when it comes to invest in R&D&i projects.

The present research focuses not only on the analysis of how R&D&i projects are assessed and selected but also on new proposals to improve them, with the aim of obtaining a suitable methodology which contributes to improve the competitive advantage and to integrate criteria of social nature both in organisations and in the Public Administration. The methodology which has been used in this research includes both interviews and analysis of the data obtained through them.

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