The purpose of this study is to propose an integrative model for evaluating the effectiveness of performance management system (PMS). This model aims to systematize the dimensions and criteria used in the literature and provide clarity in terms of evaluation possibilities. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to identify the dimensions, criteria, and causal relationships used in evaluating PMS effectiveness. A sample of 57 articles was analyzed using content analysis. The study established dimensions and criteria that have been neglected in the literature. The review resulted in the proposal of an integrative model for evaluating PMS effectiveness, which incorporates individual and organizational dimensions and criteria identified in the literature. It sheds light on recurrently adopted dimensions, particularly those related to individual-level phenomena, and seeks to clarify current conceptual ambiguities. This study’s originality lies in its integrative approach, which diverges from the prevailing tendencies in the field. This study provides clarity regarding the conceptual confusion surrounding ambiguous concepts and generically applied measures that hinder the drawing of certain conclusions about the effectiveness of PMS.

The academic community has witnessed a notable increase in paper publications, whereby the rapid pace at which modern society seeks information underscores the critical need for literature mapping. This study introduces an innovative automatic model for categorizing articles by subject matter using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for classification and category labeling, alongside a proposed ranking method called SSS (Scientific Significance Score) and using Z-score to select the finest papers. This paper’s use case concerns industry productivity. The key findings include the following: (1) The Decision Tree model demonstrated superior performance with an accuracy rate of 75% in classifying articles within the productivity and industry theme. (2) Through a ranking methodology based on citation count and publication date, it identified the finest papers. (3) Recent publications with higher citation counts achieved better scores. (4) The model’s sensitivity to outliers underscores the importance of addressing database imbalances, necessitating caution during training by excluding biased categories. These findings not only advance the utilization of ML models for paper classification but also lay a foundation for further research into productivity within the industry, exploring themes such as artificial intelligence, efficiency, industry 4.0, innovation, and sustainability.

The use of biofuels represents a promising means of achieving a sustainable future and offers considerable economic and environmental benefits. Since they are derived from organic sources, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, biofuels can mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, support local agriculture, create employment opportunities, and enhance energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, introducing these alternative fuels to the aviation sector remains a significant challenge. Thus, it is vital to investigate the potential of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and discover how to overcome the technological obstacles to its integration into mainstream aviation to attain broader decarbonization objectives. This article seeks to contribute to a discussion about SAF by examining how it has evolved and its connections to related patents. This article is a comprehensive study of biofuel innovation, highlighting the complex relationships between academia, industry, and other stakeholders. It is hoped that the findings from this study will provide a clearer understanding of the catalysts involved in SAF innovation and provide valuable insights for policymakers, academics, and professionals in the field who are committed to shaping the trajectory of sustainable energy technologies in the future.

The global transition towards environmentally friendly energy sources plays a major role in addressing both energy security and climate change. Brazil is at the forefront of this transition due to its rich natural resources and increasing investments in biofuels. Therefore, this investigation examines the consumption patterns and interactions between ethanol, primarily sourced from sugarcane, and gasoline within Brazil’s energy framework. Ethanol’s renewability, reduced environmental impact, and superior combustion characteristics position it as a feasible substitute for traditional fossil fuels. Nonetheless, obstacles like competition for land use and inadequate distribution infrastructure impede its widespread acceptance. This study explores the economic interaction between ethanol and gasoline, focusing on pricing dynamics and regional influences. Using consumer preferences and the accessibility of ethanol, this research identifies a range of price ratios within which consumer preferences shift from gasoline to ethanol in various Brazilian regions. The study also classifies Brazilian states into three distinct ranges based on the ethanol-to-gasoline price ratio in 2023 for a granular analysis of the economic dynamics influencing fuel choice. The research identifies states with competitive and dominant ethanol markets by examining the interplay between ethanol market share, fuel prices, and the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) in the country. Lastly, the findings support the importance of regional economic conditions and the influence of price ratios on consumer behavior, highlighting that ethanol’s market share does not always correlate with favorable pricing.

Purpose: In today’s highly competitive global business environment, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess well-developed soft skills. Such abilities include flexibility, effective communication and other skills. Soft skills are personal attributes and qualities that are more closely related to the emotional side of human beings. Individuals must cultivate and hone soft skills during their undergraduate studies. These skills, also known as interpersonal or non-technical skills, are essential to complement hard skills and pave the way for a thriving career trajectory. Soft skills are developed over the course of one’s career and are indispensable in establishing a strong, professional presence in the corporate or academic realm. The field of engineering is no exception in this regard, and the business approach during the engineering course is of significant relevance. By acquiring soft skills, engineering graduates will become competitive and adaptable professionals capable of handling the current and future challenges of the job market. The purpose of this study is to investigate the soft skills that students perceive as being better developed during their business classrooms in the engineering course and identify areas for improvement in the business education process. Design/methodology/approach: The research method consisted in four different phases from variables identification to statistical analyses. Then, as part of this approach a structured questionnaire was administered at the end of the engineering course, where students rated their perception of the degree of development of each of the soft skills covered in the course on a scale of zero to ten. The collected data were analysed using multivariate analysis techniques, including factorial analysis. Findings: The results of the study demonstrate that the set of skills acquired by individuals in business classrooms pursuing a degree in industrial engineering is in high demand by potential employers. Such skills are deemed essential for the successful operation of businesses in modern-day industries. The findings of this research validate the significant role that industrial engineering students play in fulfilling the requirements of the job market and pave the way to meaningful insights on how to approach this topic during the business education process in engineering courses. Practical implications: The findings bring about significant insights for national educational councils and ministries, universities and educational stakeholders in the process of updating, rethinking and implementing new curricula criteria in higher education, particularly in the Latin American context. Originality/value: This paper enriches the literature by assessing the development of soft skills of engineering students in the Latin American context. The research reinforces the importance of developing soft skills aligned with those required for the context of current and future labour markets.