REVES - Revista Relações Sociais

The Applications and Opportunities of the Digital Metaverse in Academic and Professional Environments

Lorena Matos da Silva Flores — 2024-11-14

In the current object of study, a review of the scientific article was carried out: The Metaverse Digital Environments: a scoping review of the techniques, technologies, and applications, by authors Muhammad Tukur, Jens Schneider, Mowafa Househ, Ahmed Haruna Dokoro, Usman Idris Ismail, Muhammad Dawaki and Marco Agus, published in 2024, in the international scientific Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences. The original article aimed to analyze the dynamic digital environment of competitive organizations, called the Metaverse. Among the techniques and technologies used are Extended Reality and Artificial Intelligence. The work contextualizes how these techniques and technologies are prominent and useful in the Metaverse, after the Covid-19 pandemic. A practical contribution of the work was to show that organizations that adopted technological standards based on digital information had greater added value and presented themselves as more competitive in the market scenario. As a criticism of the work reviewed, although research on the Metaverse offers a broad view of emerging digital technologies and their applications in various sectors, a deeper view of the economic and administrative impacts that organizations may suffer when implementing the virtualization of their production chain and be completely digital.

Leadership challenges in the civil service: a general education institution in Songo-Mozambique

Tima Sansão Júnior Ferreira — 2024-10-20

This article deals with the challenges of leadership in a public general education institution in Songo, in the province of Tete-Mozambique. Its objectives are to analyse the challenges of leadership in the management of the school, to identify the factors that influence management; to survey the theories on leadership in organisations and; to propose measures to improve management in the school. In terms of methodology, the study is qualitative. The data collection instrument was the structured interview technique, aimed at members of the school's management, teaching and non-teaching staff. The results revealed that school management is based on the norms established by the Ministry that oversees the education sector, although there are cases of some actions that go against these norms carried out by the leadership, which affect the relationship within the institution and with the community. The most prevalent form of leadership is democratic, which in turn has not been exercised in the financial area, where leadership has been autocratic in the decisions made. As a result, measures to improve the school's management were identified, such as holding meetings of a pedagogical nature, as well as the communication process. As a result, it was found that the main challenges for leadership in the management process at the public general education institution in Songo are linked to financial management and communication with both internal and external audiences, which requires a leadership style that allows for joint action in decision-making.

Assessment of the causes of educational decline in the Maghreb countries

Guamra Kiram — 2024-09-17

The education systems in Maghreb countries, including Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, are experiencing significant deterioration due to a mix of internal and external factors. Internally, challenges such as outdated curricula, poor teacher training, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate infrastructure undermine the quality of education. These issues are worsened by administrative inefficiencies and insufficient investment. Externally, socio-economic problems like high unemployment, political instability, and limited funding further strain the education sector. Additionally, the rapid pace of globalization and technological advancements outstrip the capabilities of these education systems to adapt. Cultural factors, including societal attitudes toward education, also contribute to the decline. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms, such as updating curricula, investing in infrastructure and teacher training, and shifting cultural perceptions to prioritize education as a cornerstone for national development.

Shoprite Holdings LtdCase Study: Challenges for Expansion in Africa

Kaori Cambaza — 2024-09-16

This study investigates the obstacles faced by the African expansion efforts of Shoprite Holdings Ltd., a South African retailer. Shoprite pursued mergers and acquisitions within its native country but established wholly owned subsidiaries as its preferred entry route for expanding into other African states. As a result, Shoprite significantly increased its operations by expanding to 16 nations by 2020. However, Shoprite currently focuses its operation in ten countries, exclusively in southern African countries and its home country. This study seeks to comprehend the reasons behind Shoprite's rapid withdrawal from multiple African countries and shed insight into the challenges of conducting business in Africa's demanding business climate. The analysis revealed a combination of economic variables, such as reduced purchasing power of customers, currency volatility, increased operational costs, and the economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, high customer preference for informal markets and social factors were also identified. The findings indicate that Shoprite should prioritize strategic location selection, adopt a lower entry mode, and consider the potential for developing e-commerce as feasible measures. The report proposes that African retail businesses should comprehend the intricacies of the African market and employ strategies for international expansion, entrance techniques, and the significance of adjusting operations to local conditions and regulatory environments. These discussions offer insights to organizations considering international expansion, seeking to mitigate risks, and aiming to optimize their market entry strategy in various locations, specifically Africa.

Production cost of a service center in the industrial sector

Gabriel dos Reis Fialho — 2024-12-17

This work addresses cost management in the industrial context, focusing on This study examines cost management within the industrial context, focusing on various costing methodologies and their practical applications. It underscores the critical role of cost characterization in planning, control, and managerial decision-making, with particular emphasis on Activity-Based Costing (ABC). ABC enables a detailed analysis of operational costs by segmenting operations into specific activities, offering greater precision for cost allocation. The study explores alternative costing methods, such as absorption costing, which assigns both direct and indirect costs to goods and services. It notes that the selection of the appropriate costing method depends on managerial informational needs, while highlighting ABC as particularly advantageous for achieving detailed cost management insights. Additionally, the research addresses the calculation of electricity costs in industrial processes, incorporating machine power, operational time, and energy rates. Depreciation is analyzed as a key component of operational cost assessment, with a discussion of its various calculation methods. Maintenance costs are also evaluated, emphasizing their impact on production efficiency. Different types of maintenance—corrective, preventive, and predictive—are reviewed, along with the importance of effective maintenance cost control to enhance business competitiveness. Lastly, the study discusses work schedules and their regulation under the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT), highlighting the importance of accurate scheduling for operational efficiency and compliance with labor standards.

The influence of training on the performance of teachers in the civil service: primary education in Cahora Bassa - Tete

Lina Fernando Cossa — 2024-12-07

The article analyses the impact of training on the performance of primary school teachers in the Cahora Bassa-Tete region. The aim is to assess how training contributes to professional performance, identifying the types of training, the content covered and the skills acquired. The article emphasises the importance of continuous training in improving the quality of teaching. Using a mixed-methods approach and techniques such as bibliographical research, interviews and questionnaires, the study reveals that training centres on pedagogical updating and the recycling of teaching methods. The development of competences such as knowing how to be, being and doing is emphasised as crucial to creating interactive learning environments. The training programmes seek to improve professional skills, such as drawing up lesson plans, and improve the relationship between teachers and students. The article concludes that training has a significant impact on teacher performance, promoting the adoption of new teaching methodologies, which reflects positively on pedagogical performance and the response to contemporary educational needs.

On the ethics of multilevel marketing based on dietary supplements

Edgar Manuel Cambaza — 2024-11-08

This article explores the ethical implications of multilevel marketing (MLM) in the dietary supplement sector, analyzing issues of transparency, fairness, and the exploitation of consumers and distributors. The objective is to assess MLM through the lens of bioethics, focusing on the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The methodology involves a systematic literature review using Atlas.ti software to categorize themes related to unfounded health claims, recruitment practices, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups. The main findings indicate that the current MLM model favors an elite, leaves most distributors at a financial disadvantage, and compromises consumer autonomy and health by selling products with unproven benefits. The conclusion highlights that as it currently operates, MLM does not meet fundamental ethical principles and requires significant adjustments. Recommendations include increased company transparency, stricter regulations, and ethical alternatives such as eliminating recruitment-based structures.

Theranos: the Ethics of Innovation and Deception in Healthcare Technology

Edgar Manuel Cambaza — 2024-09-22

The case of Theranos, a health technology company founded by Elizabeth Holmes, presents a profound ethical dilemma that exemplifies the consequences of misrepresentation in healthcare innovation. This analysis examines the company's fraudulent claims regarding its blood-testing technology, which promised groundbreaking results using minimal blood samples. Initially lauded for its potential, Theranos attracted significant investment and partnerships before facing growing scrutiny due to internal whistleblower accounts and investigative journalism. The ethical issues at the core of this case involve the deliberate falsification of leadership's technological capabilities, which leads to harm to patients and significant financial losses for investors. The methodology of this study involved a comprehensive review of academic literature identified through Google Scholar, applying inclusion criteria that focused on ethical analysis, corporate leadership, and regulatory oversight. The selected documents were analyzed using Atlas.ti to code critical themes such as corporate misrepresentation, stakeholder rights, and regulatory failures. Utilizing a multi-faceted ethical analysis—incorporating utilitarian, deontological, virtue ethics, and rights-based perspectives—this study explores the failures of corporate leadership in adhering to professional and ethical obligations. It critically evaluates the responses by stakeholders, including actions taken by regulatory bodies and law enforcement, and discusses the lessons learned for the broader health technology sector. The study concludes by recommending more robust internal governance, transparent leadership, and proactive regulatory oversight as essential measures to prevent future ethical lapses in the industry. The analysis contributes to understanding ethics' critical role in maintaining trust and accountability within healthcare innovation.The case of Theranos, a health technology company founded by Elizabeth Holmes, presents a profound ethical dilemma that exemplifies the consequences of misrepresentation in healthcare innovation. This analysis examines the company's fraudulent claims regarding its blood-testing technology, which promised groundbreaking results using minimal blood samples. Initially lauded for its potential, Theranos attracted significant investment and partnerships before facing growing scrutiny due to internal whistleblower accounts and investigative journalism. The ethical issues at the core of this case involve the deliberate falsification of leadership's technological capabilities, which leads to harm to patients and significant financial losses for investors. The methodology of this study involved a comprehensive review of academic literature identified through Google Scholar, applying inclusion criteria that focused on ethical analysis, corporate leadership, and regulatory oversight. The selected documents were analyzed using Atlas.ti to code critical themes such as corporate misrepresentation, stakeholder rights, and regulatory failures. Utilizing a multi-faceted ethical analysis—incorporating utilitarian, deontological, virtue ethics, and rights-based perspectives—this study explores the failures of corporate leadership in adhering to professional and ethical obligations. It critically evaluates the responses by stakeholders, including actions taken by regulatory bodies and law enforcement, and discusses the lessons learned for the broader health technology sector. The study concludes by recommending more robust internal governance, transparent leadership, and proactive regulatory oversight as essential measures to prevent future ethical lapses in the industry. The analysis contributes to understanding ethics' critical role in maintaining trust and accountability within healthcare innovation.

Mozambique’s Dilemma in the Transition to Renewable Energy

Adérito Tomé Alfeu — 2024-11-08

This study investigates the challenges Mozambique faces in balancing its rich fossil fuel reserves with the growing global pressure for cleaner energy sources, highlighting the COP26 summit as a turning point in this debate. We explore the conflict between development driven by fossil resources and the demand for sustainable practices, examining the country’s efforts to balance economic development and environmental preservation, such as reforestation projects and conservation programs supported by the World Bank Group. However, Mozambique’s dilemma reflects global environmental concerns, international commitments, and local expectations. The transition to renewable energy requires not only structural changes but also transformations in public perception and policy. Our goal is to analyze how Mozambique can reconcile its development needs with global pressure for more sustainable practices, identifying theoretical and policy options that can guide future decisions. This study adopts a qualitative approach, using bibliographic and documentary research as the main data collection techniques. We highlight the complexity of the dilemma faced by the country and the need for a multifaceted approach that takes into account the economic, environmental, and social interests involved.

Ergonomic improvement in a motorcycle manufacturing process in a company from the Industrial Pole of Manaus

Alexandre Martins do Nascimento — 2024-12-13

This article presents the ergonomic improvement in the industrial manufacturing process in a motorcycle seat cover cutting sector in a company in the two-wheel hub in Manaus. Ergonomic improvement in the industrial manufacturing process is a crucial aspect that aims to optimize working conditions, focusing on employee well-being and operational efficiency. The application of ergonomic principles involves adapting the environment, tasks and equipment to meet the needs and limitations of workers, thus ensuring a safer, more comfortable and productive working day. The general objective of the study is to: Propose improvements to improve ergonomics in the manufacturing process of motorcycle seat covers in a company in the Two Wheels Hub in Manaus. This research is a bibliographical research, searching for periodicals that contribute to the topic addressed. Ergonomic improvement in the industrial manufacturing process is essential to the long-term success of organizations. By prioritizing workers' well-being and process efficiency, companies not only reduce costs and improve product quality, but also fulfill their social responsibilities, creating safer and healthier working environments. Ergonomics should not be seen as a cost, but as a strategic investment that results in significant benefits for everyone.