The 1st episode of the 2nd season of the podNECE discusses a study that explores the detrimental impacts and operational risks that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face when integrating generative AI chatbots. Utilizing expert group discussions and Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), the study identifies five primary areas of concern: clients, strategic orientation, employees, productivity, and technology. The resulting framework maps cause-and-effect relationships, revealing that issues like biased AI models and increased competition serve as root drivers for broader organizational failures. By prioritizing these factors, the authors provide a structured roadmap for managers to mitigate the "dark side" of AI adoption. The work emphasizes that while chatbots enhance efficiency, they can also lead to cognitive changes, trust erosion, and diminished critical thinking in resource-constrained environments. This proactive diagnostic tool ultimately helps smaller firms navigate technological transitions without sacrificing their long-term competitiveness or accountability.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 10th episode of podNECE discusses a research article titled "Hedonic and eudaimonic personal goals as drivers to attend a religious mega event," published in Tourism Recreation Research. The study investigates the importance of both hedonic goals (seeking pleasure and enjoyment) and eudaimonic goals (seeking personal growth and a meaningful life) as motivations for pilgrims attending the World Youth Day (WYD) religious mega event. Through a face-to-face survey of 171 pilgrims, the authors confirm that both types of personal goals influence the decision-making process for participation. Furthermore, the research finds that socio-demographic variables such as sex, age, and country of residence produce variations in the importance placed on these goals, with hedonic goals being slightly more prevalent overall. The overall aim is to contribute to a new theoretical approach in religious event motivation beyond general tourism motivations.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.

The 9th podNECE episode discusses a study that presents a cross-cultural comparative analysis examining the impact of consumption values on the intention to purchase vegan food in India and Portugal. Utilizing the Theory of Consumption Values (TCV), the researchers analyze how factors like functional, emotional, social, epistemic, conditional, and ecological values predict purchasing decisions in these two culturally distinct markets. The study employs a dual analytical approach, combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA), which is used to test the assumption of TCV’s additive logic by identifying which values are essential minimum requirements for purchase intention. Key findings reveal that while ecological value is a necessary condition in both countries, Indian consumers are primarily driven by price and conditional values, whereas Portuguese consumers rely more on quality and epistemic (curiosity) values. Overall, the research extends the TCV by incorporating ecological value and challenges its universal applicability by showing that value necessity patterns are culturally dependent.

podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.