Characterization and efficiency evaluation of intermodal terminals in the Central-Eastern Logistic Corridor of Grains

ID: 14062

Authors: Alexandre Borges Santos, Renato Luiz Sproesser, Ricardo Silveira Martins.

Source: Revista ADM.MADE, v. 17, n. 1, p. 1-23, January-April, 2013. 23 page(s).

Keyword: agroindustrial logistics , Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) , intermodal terminal

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

At the same time that the Brazilian grain production increases, also increases the challenge of reducing logistic associated costs. This way, the intermodality can be an alternative to increase the competitiveness of the national agribusiness. Therefore, the intermodal terminal becomes relevant, once its operational performance might affect the whole logistic system. Thus, this study aims to characterize and measure the technical efficiency of the intermodal terminals located in the Brazilian Central-Eastern corridor by using the VRS (Variable Return to Scale) output oriented, of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique. The results point a significant heterogeneity of dimensions, grain movement and technical efficiency among the terminals. Likewise, it indicates that from the five terminals which reached maximum technical efficiency, only one operates in great production scale and another one operates above production scale, or with decreasing yields of scale. The other terminals present idle capacity and, consequently, opportunities of efficiency and/or economies of scale. These results can, however, serve as a decision support to the managers in order to increase the operational efficiency of their companies, and the intermodal transportation in the country.

Editorial

ID: 14061

Authors: Marco Aurélio Carino Bouzada, Isabel de Sá Affonso da Costa.

Source: Revista ADM.MADE, v. 17, n. 1, p. 1-1, January-April, 2013. 1 page(s).

Document type: Editorial (Portuguese)

Assessment of Risk Level of Prices of Agricultural Commodities from Brazil

ID: 14063

Authors: Waldemar Antônio da Rocha de Souza, Lawrencio Tálio dos Santos Paz de Araújo, André Ricardo Reis Costa, Manoel Martins do Carmo Filho, Vitor Augusto Osaki.

Source: Revista ADM.MADE, v. 17, n. 1, p. 24-42, January-April, 2013. 19 page(s).

Keyword: agricultural prices , Brazil , commodities , risk , volatility

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

The risk level of agricultural prices in Brazil was assessed, comparing the annual volatility of commodity prices from Brazil and the USA. The expected annual price variation of brazilian prices was calculated, examining the trajectory of the level and the volatility in the recent period. It was concluded that the volatilities of Brazil differed from the U.S., with a lower average value. The expected value of the absolute annual variation in prices, together with the recent trajectory of the level and volatility of Brazil, pointed degree of risk that justified the adoption of mitigating instruments, particularly the futures and options markets.

Research on the relation between the image and perceived performance of internal control in Brazilian Army: study with use of factor analysis and multiple regression

ID: 14064

Authors: Emerson Silva Mazulo, Paulo Roberto da Costa Vieira, Antônio Carlos Magalhães da Silva.

Source: Revista ADM.MADE, v. 17, n. 1, p. 43-59, January-April, 2013. 17 page(s).

Keyword: Brazilian army , factorial analysis , multiple regression , picture

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

The image represents the overall impression one has of an object, subject or organization, influencing judgments, behavior and decision making. In the  performance of administrative functions it is prudent to make sure that public funds are being properly managed. Insofar as there are no performance indicators of internal control, we sought to evaluate whether the image of the internal control of the Brazilian Army has an impact on the perceived performance in relation to the activity of controllership. Therefore, we carried out a research survey with sample of seventy-three respondents. The data base was conducted through a structured questionnaire, Likert-type, with five response options. Data analysis was performed with exploratory factor analysis to identify dimensions that are relevant for managers in image analysis of internal control of the Brazilian Army, accompanied by multiple regression, to identify the importance of each dimension of the image on the perceived performance. The results testified that the image of the internal control influences the performance perceived by the military that are subject to inspection. We conclude that the image influences the perceived performance in relation to the activity of controllership.

Social Media as a Tool for New Business and Customer Relationship: A Case Study in a Telecommunications Company

ID: 14065

Authors: Thiago França Bustamante, Iná Futino Barreto.

Source: Revista ADM.MADE, v. 17, n. 1, p. 60-79, January-April, 2013. 20 page(s).

Keyword: communication , relationship marketing , social networking

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

In recent years social media gained greater prominence in corporate strategies in terms of its products and brands promotion. Companies have discovered that such promotion in a virtual community can be more effective than an advertisement in other media. Furthermore social media serves as an important relationship marketing tool. As the experiences shared by consumers in social media are increasingly used in purchasing decisions of other potential customers, monitoring the opinions about their products that are spread on social networks and quickly responding to criticism conveyed in these channels allow companies to maintain their reputation in market and prevent further damage to their brands. This study aims to conceptually address some strategies that companies use in their marketing communication through social media, identify the pros and cons that they offer to their business and describe the case of a company acting in the telecommunications segment that has been using social media as part of its marketing strategy

Human resources guidelines individualists or collectivists: - What do Brazilians and Americans demand?

ID: 14066

Authors: Ana Heloísa da Costa Lemos, Denis Marçal Santos, Veranise Jacubowski Correia Dubeux.

Source: Revista ADM.MADE, v. 17, n. 1, p. 80-100, January-April, 2013. 21 page(s).

Keyword: collectivism , culture , human resources management , individualism , individual values

Document type: Article (Portuguese) Show Abstract

The human resources policies have become essential for the success of organizations in the current environment, characterized by intense dynamic and multi- culturalism. In this environment, organizations are faced with the challenge of motivating individuals with different expectations, values and cultures. The interest in meeting the demands of contemporary workers motivated the development of a survey that aimed to analyze the expectations of Brazilian workers and American guidelines on human resources organizations. The results revealed a greater appreciation of collectivist principles and practices, regardless of the nationality of the respondents, contrary to the literature that characterizes the Brazilians as collectivists and Americans as individualists. Also surprised by the emphasis on the principles and practices Brazilian individualistic, overwhelming the Americans. As a possible explanation for these attitudes, as well as the tendency of individuals surveyed to appreciate both individualist and collectivist principles, one can argue that organizational actions related to personnel management must seek to reconcile the dimensions of collectivism and individualism.