Social and Academic Impact

Social and Academic Impact of Extension Projects from the Graduate Program in Administration at Universidade Positivo (PPGA UP)

Inclusion of Autistic Individuals in Curitiba’s Job Market
This project aims to include adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the job market. Given that 85% of adult autistic individuals in Brazil are unemployed, the initiative seeks to raise awareness among companies about the benefits of including autistic individuals in the workplace. The project’s methodology involved three main stages: awareness-raising, problematization, and sensitization. These stages allowed students to interact directly with the community and companies, fostering dialogues that resulted in greater understanding and acceptance of autistic inclusion. The results were positive, with 85% of managers and employees participating in the project reporting a significant increase in knowledge about autistic inclusion.

Employability of Young Offenders as a Socio-Educational Action
This project addresses the reintegration of young offenders into the job market through socio-educational actions. Utilizing Habermas’s Theory of Communicative Action, the project promoted dialogical interaction between academics and young offenders to foster reflexivity and emancipation. Through workshops and career planning sessions, the youths were equipped to face the job market with enhanced interpersonal skills and a customized career plan. This project has been running since 2021 and has significantly contributed to reducing prejudice against young offenders and improving their employability.

Entrepreneurial Dialogue: Strengthening Local Businesses
Focused on strengthening local businesses, this project aimed to reduce the mortality rate of small businesses and increase their survival through business plan development. The methodology included Design Thinking workshops, prototyping sessions with Lego Serious Play, and regular meetings with local entrepreneurs to develop business strategies. The project provided a rich practical learning experience for students and fostered strong collaboration between academia and the local entrepreneurial community. The results indicate a significant improvement in the local business environment and an increase in student interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Projects with Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Administration
AI Labs (https://www.ailabs.info/palestras)
AI Labs focuses on disseminating knowledge about artificial intelligence (AI) through lectures and events. This type of initiative has a significant social impact by promoting education and facilitating the understanding of emerging technologies among different audiences, including students, professionals, and AI enthusiasts. Moreover, it democratizes knowledge by providing access to high-quality educational content, often for free, thus expanding the reach of AI knowledge and its applications. This dissemination of knowledge stimulates social innovation by sharing technological advances and their potential practical applications, potentially inspiring new projects and solutions that benefit society at large. The academic impact of AI Labs is also notable. Through lectures and workshops, AI Labs creates a space for the exchange of knowledge and ideas among researchers, academics, and AI professionals. It facilitates the dissemination of recent research and technological advancements, contributing to the continuous updating of knowledge in the AI field. Additionally, it promotes interdisciplinarity by integrating AI with other areas of knowledge, which can lead to new perspectives and academic collaborations.

Events Led by PPGA Professors
I Research and Social Change Symposium (https://www.mudancasocial.org/i-simp%C3%B3sio-de-pesquisa-e-mudan%C3%A7a-social)
The I Research and Social Change Symposium is an event that promotes discussions and reflections on social changes, addressing relevant issues for different communities. Led by professors and professionals in the field, the symposium aims to mobilize resources and promote solutions that generate significant transformations in the social contexts where problems emerge. This community engagement is one of the main social impacts of the event, creating opportunities for participants to build and strengthen collaboration networks, facilitating the implementation of effective social projects. Additionally, the symposium raises awareness about critical social issues, educating the public on the importance of policies and actions that promote social well-being. In terms of academic impact, the symposium encourages the production and dissemination of academic research on social changes, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in this area. It introduces and debates participatory and collaborative research methodologies, such as autoethnography, which are relevant for studying social dynamics. Furthermore, it facilitates the interaction between academic theory and social practice, promoting the application of academic knowledge in practical contexts and vice versa. This event plays a crucial role in both social transformation and academic development, strengthening the connection between academia and the community in the pursuit of positive and lasting impact.

I3E 2023 (https://www.i3e2023.com/)
I3E 2023 is an important international event that brings together academics, professionals, and students to discuss innovations and applications of artificial intelligence in the digital economy and business. This event provides a platform for exchanging ideas, presenting research, and developing interdisciplinary collaborations. In terms of social impact, I3E 2023 facilitates the dissemination of technological innovations and emerging practices that can benefit society, stimulating the creation of innovative solutions applicable in different sectors, promoting economic and social development. In terms of academic impact, it promotes interaction among researchers from various parts of the world, strengthening collaboration networks and knowledge exchange. The papers presented at the event contribute to the body of scientific knowledge, often being published in conference proceedings and renowned academic journals.

ENAJUS 2022 (https://enajus.org.br/2022/)
The National Meeting on Administration of Justice (ENAJUS) is an event that aims to discuss and improve the administration of justice in Brazil. Led by professors and professionals in the field, the event addresses relevant topics for judicial management and promotes the exchange of experiences and best practices. In terms of social impact, ENAJUS significantly contributes to improving judicial management, promoting efficiency and transparency in judicial processes, and benefiting society by making justice more accessible and effective. Additionally, it facilitates professional engagement by promoting networking and collaboration among legal professionals, encouraging the development of joint initiatives aimed at the continuous improvement of the justice system. In terms of academic impact, ENAJUS stimulates the production and dissemination of research in the area of justice administration, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the implementation of innovative practices in the judiciary system. The discussions and results of the event often influence the formulation of public policies, promoting significant improvements in the Brazilian justice system. Thus, ENAJUS plays a crucial role in both social transformation and academic development, strengthening the administration of justice in the country.