Background. Simulation-based learning environments are used extensively to support learning in complex business systems. Nevertheless, studies have identified problems and limitations due to cognitive processing difficulties. In particular, previous research has addressed some aspects of model transparency and instructional strategy and produced inconclusive results. Aim. This study investigates the learning effects of using transparent simulations (that is, showing users the internal structure of models) and exploratory guidance (that is, guiding learners so they are able to explore the simulation by themselves, supported by specific cognitive aids) from a mental models perspective. Method. A test based on a simulation experiment with a system dynamics model, representing a supply chain system, was performed. Participants are required to use the simulator to investigate some issues related to the bullwhip effect and other supply chain coordination concepts. Results. Participants provided with the more transparent strategy and offered the more exploratory guidance demonstrated better understanding of the structure and behaviour of the underlying model. However, our results suggest that while exploratory guidance is a beneficial method for understanding both model structure and behaviour, making only the model transparent is more limited in its effect.

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This paper presents a research on rating scales in response to different situations. It aims to improve the significance and accuracy of ordinal scales, transforming them into interval scales. To reach this objective, the presented scales combine quantitative and qualitative perspectives, joining the ease of the Likert scale and the Thurstone's procedure. In this research, a sample of subjects was asked to indicate the numerical value of adverbs, in reference to a numerical scale. The results were subjected to statistical analysis, to assess their validity. Combining the qualitative dimension with a quantitative evaluation, this procedure can meet the biopsychosocial specificities of subjects, as required by the complexity paradigm. The results of this study seem to be an affirmative response to the questions about validity and reliability, and about the practicality of this procedure. Keywords: Questionnaire. Behavioral assessment. Value of adverbs. Evaluation tool. IntroductionStudies on scales measuring attitudes and behavior have a relatively long history, since Thurstone in 1928 proposed a theory on the measurement of attitudes based on psychophysics models CHAVE, 1928 Artur Marecos e Ana Lorga approach to psychophysics is understandable, since in scientific thinking any observation must be translated into a quantitative result to be considered precise and measurable (BUNGE, 2000). In fact, the classical scientific concept of measurement is to assign numerical values to objects and events, according to defined rules (KERLINGER; LEE, 2002).It is generally accepted, however, that psychological objects have specificities that must be taken into account, when you want to assign numerical values to its specific expression, the human behavior. Every psychic phenomenon -self, consciousness, expectation, attitude, motivation, etc. -comes from interaction with the biological context of the human individual; but this interaction varies along life: it is not the same in childhood, in adolescence, in adulthood or in old age. No doubt this diversity is a condition that enhances complexity; yet there are other dimensions that must be taken into account, that is, social, cultural, educational and economic conditions (SULBARAN, 2009). Any attempt to explain -and predict -this behavior must combine all these, and perhaps, other dimensions. So it is not possible to confine the measurement of behavior to the simple classical paradigm: interestingly, the explanation of behavior must rely on the paradigm of complexity (MORIN; LE MOIGNE, 1999) and must try to combine these different dimensions, namely: the qualitative and quantitative dimensions of behavior. The paradigm of complexity leads us to understand the subject as a living system whose structures, processes and behavior, occur at an established level of complexity. This level of complexity is determined by the system's position on four factors:1. Level of thought and information processed in the system: The higher the level of thought and information in the huma...

Resumo O artigo apresenta a primeira parte, teórica e conceitual, de um estudo sobre as lógicas a que o processo de avaliação pode obedecer. Clarifica o conceito de lógica geral e seus critérios, explicitando os passos fundamentais a que o raciocínio avaliativo obedece. Discute o problema da possibilidade de uma avaliação objetiva, cientificamente escorada; propõe modos de controle dos fatores tendentes a criar vieses prejudiciais para a objetividade da avaliação; define as condições de estrutura e de processo que condicionam aquela objetividade, e mostra que o grau de objetividade depende do uso de combinações adequadas de poder e informação, os dois componentes do processo avaliativo, enquanto processo decisório.

It is widely recognized that tourism is an essential factor in the economic development of the regions. However, the different socio-demographic characteristics of each region can contribute to attracting or not tourists and tourist investment. In this chapter, the regional characteristics that contribute to the attraction of tourism are analyzed and carried out through linear regression models. Likewise, the authors analyze the impact of tourism on the development of regions, in terms of unemployment and wealth creation. The authors also try to understand the degree of dependence of the regions on foreign tourism, given that the tourism sector was severely affected by the beginning of the pandemic. This analysis is made in Portugal, by NUTS II, comparing the different regions of the country. Keywords: Monetary income, Unemployment, National tourism, Foreign tourism, NUTS II.