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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.

As a tool, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) guide local and regional leaders in developing policy approaches for better social development. SDGs are 17 ambitious objectives towards a greener, healthier, more peaceful and equal planet, promoted by the United Nations to achieve by 2030. Having this performance in mind, countries and regions can measure their level of SDG implementation and rethink how they could promote prosperity, cooperation among regions and progress. This study focuses on SDG-9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure in ten municipalities of the Alto Minho region, Portugal. The main idea is to assess the level of each municipality in the achievement of the indicators related to this SDG. The similarities and differences between the municipalities can underline areas for joint efforts or investments in the development policy. This paper selected a performance analysis as a tool for informing on the amount of effort required to achieve SDG-9 at a local level, i.e., the Alto Minho region in the north of Portugal. If the trend of evolution is maintained, only Viana do Castelo will reach the full range of indicators for SDG-9, and Caminha will have 50 % of the indicators achieved. The remaining municipalities will reach at least half of the indicators, thus achieving a value lower than half of the target value. This approach could be replicated in other SDGs and other regions. This assessment allows the region’s stakeholders to indicate areas of required action to achieve the SDG.

Background: Regional Development (RD) allows countries to balance regional differences by providing economic and social benefits to communities. This research highlights the importance of logistics activities to regional social development, and a framework to assess these connections is proposed.

Background: E-commerce has emerged as a good response to the pandemic of COVID-19. However, the costs of providing a service, which includes a driver and a vehicle, in a regular vehicle that can transport goods that need positive cold (0° to 5°C) are very high.

Research into the role of digital influencers in marketing strategies is a rapidly developing area that has attracted the interest of researchers and organizations. In recent years, organizations have become increasingly interested in using digital influencers to promote their brands and disseminate advertising messages with a high impact on their target audience. Digital influencers are beginning to be used as models for sustainable consumption behavior (for example in the fashion, food, and health sectors) by promoting environmental and sustainable values. By promoting sustainable content and disseminating messages of environmental awareness, digital influencers can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to identify the attributes (attitude homophily, physical attractiveness, and social attractiveness) and perceived characterizations (trustworthiness, perceived expertise, and parasocial relationship) of digital influencers and their impact on purchase intention among a sample of Portuguese consumers. It also aims to identify the most relevant types of digital influencers according to their areas of influence (fashion, sports, beauty, and cinema/TV/music) and their impact on purchase intention. For data collection, an online questionnaire was developed and administered to a non-probabilistic convenience sample. Only respondents who had experience purchasing a product or service after watching a YouTuber's advertisement (screening question) or following or searching for a digital influencer could complete the questionnaire. A total of 243 valid questionnaires were received. The main findings are that the attributes and perceived characterizations of digital influencers have a positive and significant impact on purchase intention. It was also found that digital influencers can enhance shopping experience and credibility, which has a strong impact on consumers' purchase intentions. In terms of sector, the data show that the most important influencer in the 'Fashion' sector is Helena Coelho, in the 'Sports' sector is Cristiano Ronaldo, in the 'Beauty' sector is Sara Sampaio, and in the 'Music, TV, Cinema' sector is Ricardo Araújo Pereira. This study can help companies use digital influencers more effectively in their digital marketing strategies, as credibility, experience, and parasocial relationships have a strong impact on consumers' purchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]