Abstract Paper aims This study identifies fundamental characteristics for developing a paper-based thesis (PBT), providing some recommendations to researchers who decide for this academic research report. Originality This paper contributes to the literature by providing guidance to develop PBTs, which has been attracting researchers' interest because it demonstrates publication capacity and potential as a researcher. Additionally, it is still not entirely clear which issues and countermeasures researchers should address when choosing the paper-based structure. Research method The authors searched for articles of PBTs already published, institutional documents (e.g., regulations for conducting PBTs in Brazil and abroad) and journal papers concerning this subject. A content and document analysis were conducted in the papers and PBT internal regulations, respectively. Main findings Results indicate five main factors that impact the success of a PBT approach: (i) the initial planning for this academic model; (ii) alignment between the articles and the thesis/dissertation; (iii) research design construction; (iv) copyrights requirements; and (v) issues regarding co-authorship. Based on that, the study also builds some guidelines to structure a robust PBT. Implications for theory and practice Our recommendations might be meaningful to scholars and researchers bring more theoretical, empirical, and structural robustness when developing a PBT final document.

Resumo O processo de terceirização de serviços logísticos (TSL) é considerado incipiente na gestão das organizações, não só pelas suas questões operacionais como também pelas dificuldades de se criar elos com a estratégia da empresa. O presente estudo teórico, fundamentado na Teoria Baseada em Recursos, visa propor um framework que oriente o gestor a desenvolver estratégia em processos de TSL partindo da estrutura operacional, estabelecendo os recursos necessários, as capacidades centrais e as rotinas operacionais. Considera-se também a importância de analisar os riscos e a resiliência no ambiente, concomitantemente com a análise da estrutura operacional. Para isso foram desenvolvidos quatro questionamentos com o intuito de levar o gestor de operações a reflexões acerca do desenvolvimento da estratégia. O framework proposto para a TSL considera o departamento de gestão da cadeia de suprimentos como o principal interlocutor da estratégia. Esse framework pode ser adaptado conforme as necessidades da contratante e a sua principal intenção é possibilitar o estabelecimento de um projeto que contemple os recursos necessários, as capacidades centrais (critérios) e as rotinas operacionais (subcritérios) para a seleção, no mercado, de um operador logístico que atenda realmente as necessidades da organização. Vale ressaltar que, até o momento, nas aplicações tácitas desse framework, intrínseco às ações práticas propostas pelos autores desse artigo na extensa atividade consultiva desenvolvida nos últimos cinco anos em relação à TSL para operadores logísticos, nenhuma aplicação semelhante à outra ocorreu.

Abstract The process of Outsourcing Logistics Service (OLS) is deemed incipient in the management of organizations, not only because of the operational problems it presents, but also of its difficulties fitting into the company’s overall strategy. The present theoretical study, building on the resource-based view of the firm, aims to propose a framework that guides managers in developing strategies to OLS starting from the operational structure to establish the necessary resources, capabilities, and routines. In addition, taken into account is the importance of analyzing risks and resilience in the environment, concomitantly with the analysis of the operational structure. Thus, four questions were developed, aimed at leading operations managers to reflect on the development of the strategy. The framework proposed for OLS considers the supply chain management department as the main interlocutor of the strategy. This framework can be adapted according with the necessity of the contracting company, and its main intention is to enable the establishment of a project that contemplates the necessary resources, the capabilities (criteria), and the operational routines (subcriteria) for the selection of a logistics service provider in the market, one which truly addresses the needs of the organization. This framework is already intrinsic in the practical actions of the authors, because of their extensive advisory activity over the last five years in OLS to logistics service provider. In addition, it is worth mentioning that so far in the tacit applications of this framework there has been no application similar to another.

Abstract This paper aims at conducting an analysis the competences of production engineering graduates, building on an industry view. To this end, we conducted a survey addressing 103 medium and large companies within the Brazilian manufacturing industry. The results suggest that companies do recognize the importance of competences. Some gaps in the competences of graduates were also pointed out by respondents. This study suggests the need for the development of efforts for providing the production engineer with a better professional background. The links between university and industry are likely to contribute towards such direction, notably as a starting point for institutions and industries to foster their student’s competences, aiming their aptitude for an ever-competitive job market, which values the flexible, creative being, who is capable of creating innovative solutions.