Andreia Teixeira’s research while affiliated with Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo and other places

This study aims to assess the lecturers’ opinions about the use of e-learning tools to support distance and blended learning in higher education in Portugal, evidently reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was based on a qualitative methodology, specifically, a focus group with professors from five higher education institutions from different geographical areas in Portugal. The obtained results were analysed along four main dimensions: (1) the level of knowledge of e-learning tools, (2) the reasons for using or (3) not using them, and, finally, (4) the opinion of lecturers on the student assessment process using these tools. The results showed that in addition to the concerns with smooth running classes and the appropriate delivery of the syllabus, the lecturers considered the transition to the e-learning context to have been easy. They noted a high level of literacy in the used tools, believed in the continued use of e-learning in the post-pandemic context, indicated several advantages for those involved in the e-learning context and a majority of limitations related to the time required for the adoption of more tools; and, finally, underlined the student assessment issue, which was pointed out as the most sensitive topic in the whole e-learning context. The study informed on the lecturers’ perspective on e-learning and the used tools and provided insight into their perceived usefulness and benefits for lecturers and students. An especially strong concern was verified on the part of lecturers to optimise e-learning tools to provide better knowledge delivery to students.

This research aims to analyze Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Sports Industry, specifically in the universe of sports clubs in Portugal. The main goal was to understand what the fans’ perceptions on CSR practices of Portuguese sports clubs are, and how these perceptions influence their brand attitude and e-WOM intention. A questionnaire survey was conducted, obtaining a total of 159 responses. The research results show that the fans’ perception of CSR initiatives positively influences their identification with the club, pride, word-of-mouth (WOM), electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) and the intention to remain members. The intention to become paid members of a sports club is not influenced by the fan’s perception of CSR. However, their familiarity with the clubs’ CSR initiatives positively influences their identification with the club, WOM and e-WOM. In addition, relevant managerial implications are provided for sports club’s managers as to how to improve CSR communication and create long-term benefits for the clubs.KeywordsCorporate social responsibilityCSRSports fansWOMe-WOM