Browsing by Author "Rui Humberto Pereira"
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- Architecture of a maturity model for information systems in higher education institutions: multiple case study for dimensions identificationPublication . Rui Humberto Pereira; Pereira, Rui Humberto; joão vidal de carvalho; Vidal de Carvalho, Joao; Álvaro RochaHigher education institutions (HEIs) are complex and dynamic organizations in terms of information management, forcing their information systems to respond to enormous challenges and threats. In order to evaluate the HEIs’ information systems, we propose the development of a maturity model capable of supporting the role of HEI’s managers, as well as accreditation agencies, in the assessment of the maturity of these systems, thus, promoting continuous improvement. In this paper, we present and discuss our proposal for an architecture of the maturity model being developed. This one is based on a two-dimensional architecture composed of vertical and horizontal dimensions. We selected a multi-case study approach, based on five Portuguese HEIs, and reviewed the literature to identify the dimensions. This case study was supported by interviews with experts from the selected HEI. The results of this research work were both encouraging and promising amongst the interviewed experts, revealing a high level of acceptance of the general model architecture, as well as positive expectations about its usefulness in the future. The development of our maturity model is carried out by following a formal methodology specially designed to support the construction of this type of model.
- DIMENSIONS OF A MATURITY MODEL FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONSPublication . Rui Humberto Pereira; Pereira, Rui Humberto; João Vidal de Carvalho; Vidal de Carvalho, Joao; Álvaro RochaThe complexity of the information systems (IS) in the higher education institutions (HEI) has been continuously increasing during the last decades. Thus, managers need tools to evaluate the maturity of their IS, in order to continuously improve them. Additionally, the accreditation processes and rankings may also include organisational aspects in their criteria, in which the maturity models may be a useful tool. However, the existing literature is scarce on validated maturity models focused on the comprehensive management of complex HEI information systems. In previous papers, we came to the conclusion of the need and opportunity to propose a new maturity model to evaluate the IS of HEI, as well as the methodology to follow in the development of such model. In the present paper, we discuss our proposal for the architecture of the new model, synthetizing the state of the model that we intend to develop. This proposal is based on a two-dimensional approach, composed by vertical and horizontal dimensions of information. We believe that our approach, can mitigate the implications of the complexly issues of HEI on the maturity model to be developed. This proposal it the result of a multicase study, in which we identified the dimensions to consider in the model. In the further steps of our work, we will validate each of one of these dimensions and define the set of characteristics for each stage of maturity. Keywords: Stages of Growth, Maturity Models, Higher Education Institutions, Education Information Systems, Management.
- User Reputation on E-Commerce: Blockchain-Based ApproachesPublication . Maria José Angélico Gonçalves; Rui Humberto Pereira; Marta Alexandra Guerra Magalhães Coelho; Angélico Gonçalves, Maria José; Pereira, Rui HumbertoUser trust is a fundamental issue in e-commerce. To address this problem, recommendation systems have been widely used in different application domains including social media healthcare, e-commerce, and others. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the literature in the area of blockchain-based reputation models and we discuss the obtained results, answering the initial research questions. These findings lead us to conclude that the existing systems are based on a trusted third party (TTP) to collect and store reputation data, which does not provide transparency on users’ reputation scores. In the recent literature, on the one hand, blockchain-based reputation systems have been highlighted as possible solutions to effectively provide the necessary transparency, as well as effective identity management. On the other hand, new challenges are posed in terms of user privacy and performance, due to the specific characteristics of the blockchain. According to the literature, two major approaches have been proposed based on public and permissioned blockchains. Each approach applies adjusted models for calculating reputation scores. Despite the undoubted advantages added by a blockchain, the problem is only partially solved since there is no effective way to prevent blockchain oracles from feeding the chain with false, unfair, or biased data. In our future work, we intend to explore the two approaches discussed in the literature in order to propose a new blockchain-based model for deriving user reputation scores.