Publicações

In physics and mathematics education, meaningful learning paths should be balanced interactive explorations of the distinct epistemological and cognitive phases of the modelling cycles. In this context, the integration of computational modelling should consider explorative and expressive activities which enhance the analysis of the different representations a mathematical model has. This work presents an exemplifying teaching-learning sequence that discusses Newtonian dynamics and conservation laws in a two-dimensional billiard ball game setting. Designed for introductory/intermediate university studies, this sequence involves hands-on computer-based creation and exploration of the relevant mathematical physics models and animations, to help and complement the learning processes in theoretical lectures and problem-solving paper and pen activities.

Using a unique multi-wave dataset from nationally representative surveys in Portugal (2015, 2020, and 2023), this study extends the household finance literature by examining the mechanisms linking financial literacy to capital market participation. We propose and test a moderated mediation framework, arguing that the relationship is channeled through the mediating roles of financial resilience and self-efficacy and is contingent upon sociodemographic moderators. Our findings reveal a decline in average financial knowledge between 2015 and 2020/23, with persistent gaps across socioeconomic groups.

Empirical results from count, logit, and ordered logit models provide strong evidence for partial mediation; financial literacy significantly enhances a household’s financial resilience, which in turn is a strong positive predictor of participation in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Furthermore, we find that perceived financial knowledge is a more powerful direct driver of participation than objective knowledge. Crucially, these pathways are powerfully moderated by income and education, highlighting that socioeconomic status is a fundamental boundary condition for converting knowledge into investment behavior.

The results challenge simplistic direct-effects models and suggest that policy initiatives aimed at boosting market participation, such as the Portuguese National Plan for Financial Education, must look beyond knowledge dissemination to also foster financial resilience, self-efficacy, and address structural inequalities.

This mixed-methods case study explores risk management in hotel events using a large resort hotel in Portugal as its empirical setting. Addressing a critical gap between theoretical risk frameworks and their practical application, the research examines which risks are prioritized, how they are perceived, and who owns them across different organizational roles. The study combines a quantitative probability-impact matrix with a qualitative analysis of interviews using a systematic code co-occurrence analysis structured by established risk categories. Quantitatively, operational and safety-related threats, such as accidents during setup, were identified as the most critical. The qualitative findings, however, revealed a stark contrast in siloed risk cultures. The Events Department demonstrated comprehensive, experience-based ownership of risks across all categories. In contrast, other departments exhibited a narrow, operationally focused awareness and showed significant risk blind spots for entire categories, such as Event Planning and Human Resources. This divergence fosters accountability gaps and normalizes recurring issues. Integrating the findings demonstrates that the primary challenge is not the risk register itself but rather the fragmented organizational perception and presence of these blind spots. The study concludes that bridging these perceptual silos is essential for building a resilient, proactive risk culture. The study contributes to theory by empirically mapping divergent risk cultures and blind spots, thereby highlighting the limitations of purely quantitative assessments. It offers a practical diagnostic method and recommendations for using categorical analysis to foster cross-departmental dialogue and shared ownership in hotel event management.

This study explores the subjective perceptions of project managers regarding barriers to implementing sustainable project management (SPM). Using Q-methodology and grounded in the theory of planned behavior (TPB), 28 project managers across diverse industries sorted and ranked statements about sustainability-related constraints. The analysis revealed three distinct belief patterns: “motivated yet confined”, characterized by structural and organizational limitations; “motivated yet lacking competency”, reflecting personal skill gaps and limited training; and “motivated yet unsupported”, highlighting weak normative support from peers and leadership. Despite differing barriers, all participants expressed positive attitudes toward sustainability, underscoring a common intention–behavior gap shaped by varying perceptions of behavioral control and normative reinforcement. The findings suggest that generic interventions are insufficient; instead, belief-sensitive strategies are needed to enable SPM adoption. Implications include reforming performance measurement systems, integrating sustainability into professional training, and cultivating supportive organizational cultures. The study contributes to both behavioral theory and project management practice by reframing sustainability barriers as belief-dependent phenomena and offers a foundation for more tailored, psychologically grounded interventions. These insights are relevant for educators, policymakers, and organizational leaders seeking to enhance sustainability outcomes through empowered and context-aware project management practices.