Universities in Small Brazilian Cities: Analysis of the Impact of Covid 19 Using Value-Focused Thinking

Abstract

This paper aims to support decision-making for the return of classes to determine actions to reduce the problems arising from the pandemic through a multi-methodological approach using Valuefocused thinking (VFT) and Rich Picture (RP). The case study includes a Brazilian small university, in a region with social and economic vulnerability. Six stakeholders representing the students, the municipality community and the university were interviewed from which the hierarchy of fundamental objectives and an objectives' network unfolded in education, health, and community were created. Even though health concerns were shared by all stakeholders, these networks revealed a variety of perspectives not typically discussed in large universities, such as access to information and communication technologies; awareness of biosafety measures; and real estate vacancy. These findings indicate that future research should address the specific needs of small universities in vulnerable cities, particularly those in developing and underdeveloped countries, where universities' presence fosters the economy.

Clustering Members of Project Teams According Their Perceptions About the Impact of Remote Work on Project Success: A Comparative Analysis

“…It is important to consider that during the analyzed period, schools and kindergartens were not operational (Pontarolo et al, 2023), the elderly population was at a higher risk, and vaccines and medicines were not readily available.…”