Comparative study on Vietnam’s and Philippines' COVID-19 response using historical institutionalism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Jerome B. Del Rosario ◽  
Francesca Mitchel Ofilada ◽  
Rose Ann D. Vicente
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Information Dissemination ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Healthcare Spending ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Historical Institutionalism ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThis paper analyzed the healthcare systems of the Philippines and Vietnam prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their strategies on mass testing, contact tracing, quarantine procedures and information dissemination about the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachSteinmo's (2008) historical institutionalism approach was used in this paper. Secondary data gathering, document analysis and comparative process tracing were employed.FindingsThe findings revealed that Vietnam's implementation of its Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in 2007, its relatively low-cost healthcare system, its efficient mass testing and contact tracing strategies and its science-based decisions are contributory to its success in handling the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Philippines failure to enact its Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act in 2013, its costly and dominantly private healthcare system, its heavy focus on strict, long lockdowns and its militarist methods to control the spread of the pandemic were found to be insufficient.Research limitations/implicationsDetailed study on the delivery of healthcare services in marginal areas, healthcare spending for COVID-19 positive individuals and information dissemination strategies about the pandemic were not explored.Practical implicationsHealth institutions can redesign their governance mechanisms by ensuring a cost-effective healthcare system and maximizing resource utilization to ensure efficient management of future pandemics. Moreover, national governments should not compromise their country's healthcare system over the economy during a pandemic.Originality/valueThis paper analyzed the countries' history of healthcare governance and its influence in handling COVID-19 compared to previous studies which only focused on the countries' strategies during the pandemic.

Older migrants’ access to healthcare: a thematic synthesis

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjana Arora ◽  
Astrid Bergland ◽  
Melanie Straiton ◽  
Bernd Rechel ◽  
Jonas Debesay
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Home Country ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Thematic Synthesis ◽  
Older Migrants ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Geographical Scope ◽  
Migrant Groups

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesise data from the existent literature on the experiences of non-western older migrants in Europe in accessing and using healthcare services. Design/methodology/approach In total, 1,606 records were reviewed and 12 studies were selected. A thematic synthesis using Thomas and Harden’s approach was conducted. Findings The findings resulted in the three overarching themes: traditional discourses under new circumstances; predisposed vulnerabilities of older migrants and the healthcare system; and the conceptualization of health and the roles of healthcare professionals. The authors found that older migrants’ experience of accessing healthcare is influenced by many factors, such as health literacy, differences in healthcare beliefs and language barriers, and is not limited to cultural and traditional discourses of care. Findings reveal that there is a limited body of knowledge on barriers experienced by older migrant women. Research limitations/implications The geographical scope of the study and subsequent type of healthcare systems should be taken into account while understanding barriers to care. Another limitation is that although we studied different migrant groups, the authors synthesised barriers experienced by all. Future research could study migrants as separate groups to better understand how previous experiences with healthcare in their home country and specific social, cultural and economic circumstances shape them. Originality/value This paper provides a synthesis of the experiences of migrants from non-western countries who moved to a host country with a very different language, culture and healthcare system.

Performance measurement and management for manufacturing SMEs: a financial statement-based system

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moujib Bahri ◽  
Josée St-Pierre ◽  
Ouafa Sakka
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Financial Statement ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Probabilistic Sample

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a performance measurement and management system (PMMS) for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on an analysis of the connections between the firm’s business practices and financial results as reported in the financial statements. Design/methodology/approach Secondary data on the business practices and financial statements of 108 Canadian manufacturing SMEs were taken from a private database. Items from financial statements were used to measure the firm’s performance in specific areas such as sales and current assets management, while net profit was used to measure the overall performance. Information about the level of adoption of more than 120 business practices by the sampled firms was also used. Step-wise regression was then performed for two consecutive years to identify the business practices that had significantly influenced the items in the financial statements. Findings The findings show that an understanding of the business practice/financial statement connection can be useful in managing SME performance. The regression analyses provide rich and interesting results. They indicate that some practices influence performance quickly, while others have a deferred effect. In addition, some practices have impacts that are significant in specific areas of the organization but insignificant in terms of overall performance, while others affect the firm’s overall performance but not the specific area they are intended to improve. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study is the non-probabilistic sample. However, the sampled SMEs vary widely in their characteristics, which should partially mitigate the negative impacts of a non-probabilistic sample. Practical implications The paper offers a useful and low-cost PMMS for SMEs, using information that is easily available to owner-managers. It shows that SME performance can be managed using a simple system built around the firm’s financial statements. Originality/value The study is one of the first to empirically test the connection between an extensive list of SME business practices and the financial results presented in the firms’ financial statements.

Air Asia India: competing for air space in an emerging economy

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 516-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tulsi Jayakumar
Keyword(s):  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Joint Venture ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Emerging Market ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Emerging Economy ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Specific

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the competitive landscape of emerging market economies (EMEs) and the implications of business models and strategies used by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to enter and operate in such landscapes. It does so by considering the aviation sector in an emerging economy – India, and by studying the strategies pursued by AirAsia India – the Indian joint venture of AirAsia Investment Limited and Tata Sons.. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a case study approach. Secondary data sources from the library, company website and newspaper articles have been used to build a case that would encourage students to discuss and analyze the competitive strategies followed by MNEs in EMEs. Findings Emerging markets offer attractive investment opportunities to MNEs across several industries. However, their markets for intermediate goods and services possess imperfections. Competitiveness in such markets will require going beyond country-specific and firm-specific advantages. MNEs will need to integrate location-specific advantages with internalization advantages of these market imperfections to operate successfully in the complex environments of EMEs. A one-size-fits-all approach of transposing successful strategies from home markets will fail to create value. Practical implications MNEs, such as AirAsia, will need to develop participatory skills to leverage the location-specific-advantages of EMEs and reduce their own curse of foreignness to be able to succeed in EMEs. Originality/value This paper contributes to extant literature by studying the competitive strategies pursued by a global leader in an EME. The case of the “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” – AirAsia’s India operations seeks to go beyond the Eclectic Paradigm and the country-specific and firm-specific advantages framework, to provide a location-internalization paradigm for operating in EMEs.

Improving energy efficiency of HVAC systems in buildings: a review of best practices

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Kwame Simpeh ◽  
Jon-Patrick George Pillay ◽  
Ruben Ndihokubwayo ◽  
Dorothy Julian Nalumu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Hvac Systems ◽  
Energy Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Improve Energy Efficiency ◽  
Smart Technologies

PurposeHeating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems account for approximately half of all energy usage in the operational phase of a building's lifecycle. The disproportionate amount of energy usage in HVAC systems against other utilities within buildings has proved a huge cause for alarm, as this practice contributes significantly to global warming and climate change. This paper reviews the status and current trends of energy consumption associated with HVAC systems with the aim of interrogating energy efficiency practices for improving HVAC systems' consumption in buildings in the context of developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study relied predominantly on secondary data by analysing the relevant body of literature and proposing conceptual insights regarding best practices for improving the energy efficiency of HVAC systems in buildings. The systematic review of the literature (SLR) was aided by the PRISMA guiding principle. Content analysis technique was adopted to examine germane scholarly articles and finally grouped them into themes.FindingsBased on the SLR, measures for enhancing the energy efficiency of HVAC systems in buildings were classified based on economic considerations ranging from low-cost measures such as the cost of tuning the system, installing zonal control systems, adopting building integrated greenery systems and passive solar designs to major approaches such as HVAC smart technologies for energy management which have multi-year pay-back periods. Further, it was established that practices to improve energy efficiency in buildings range from integrated greening system into buildings to HVAC system which are human-centred and controlled to meet human modalities.Practical implicationsThere is a need to incorporate these energy efficiency practices into building regulations or codes so that built environment professionals would have a framework within which to design their buildings to be energy efficient. This energy efficient solution may serve as a prerequisite for newly constructed buildings.Originality/valueTo this end, the authors develop an integrated optimization conceptual framework mimicking energy efficiency options that may complement HVAC systems operations in buildings.

scholarly journals Business model patterns for 3D printer manufacturers

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1281-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Holzmann ◽  
Robert J. Breitenecker ◽  
Erich J. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Depth Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business models that 3D printer manufacturers apply to commercialize their technologies. The authors investigate these business models and analyze whether there are business model patterns. The paper describes the gestalt of the business model patterns and discusses differences and similarities. Design/methodology/approach The authors review the literatures on business models and 3D printing technology. The authors apply a componential business model approach and carry out an in-depth analysis of the business models of 48 3D printer manufacturers in Europe and North America. The authors develop a framework focusing on value proposition, value creation and value capture components. Cluster analysis is used to identify business model patterns. Findings The results indicate that there are two distinct business model patterns in the industry. The authors termed these patterns the “low-cost online business model” and the “technology expert business model.” The results demonstrate that there is a relationship between business model and technology. The identified patterns are independent of age, company size and country of origin. Research limitations/implications The empirical results complement and extend existing literature on business models. The authors contribute to the discussion on business models in the context of novel technology. The technology seems to influence the gestalt of the business model. The sample is limited to European and North American companies and the analysis is based on secondary data. Originality/value This is the first empirical study on the business models of 3D printer manufacturers. The authors apply an original mixed-methods approach and develop a framework that can function as a starting point for future research. 3D printer manufacturers can use the identified business model patterns as blueprints to reduce the risk of failure or as a starting point for business model innovation.

The Swiss mental healthcare system for people with intellectual disabilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 135-144
Author(s):  
Dan Georgescu ◽  
Anne Styp von Rekowski
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
National Level ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the mental healthcare system for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Switzerland. It covers the current provision of mental healthcare services as well as educational and research aspects, and summarises both the historical development and the current data on demography, health economics, legislation and national policy. Design/methodology/approach The authors performed an extensive literature research and evaluated the (very sparse) literature, conducted some interviews with recognised experts and carried out extensive internet-based research on the topic. Findings There are numerous, well-funded, well-staffed and well-equipped facilities for people with ID. These facilities have highly trained special education teachers and social education workers. Legislation, the insurance system as well as the policies and strategies on a national level are basically in line with people’s with ID needs. On the other hand, there are too few specialist physicians and psychologists, not enough training centres and too few specialist psychiatric services, both inpatient and outpatient. Medical and psychological research in this field is also insufficient. Practical implications In Switzerland, the development of treatment facilities typically does not start with a decision by a central authority to implement a policy in a top-down process. Usually, these organisations develop on the basis of some local initiatives and spread throughout the country. The process is likely to be similar in the case of services for people with mental health and intellectual disabilities (MHID), and the situation can be expected to be much better throughout the country within a few years. Furthermore, specific training programmes are expected to be created for physicians and psychologists of various disciplines, to promote an interdisciplinary approach. Originality/value This review fills a gap in that there are very few published reviews on the provision of MHID services in Switzerland.

scholarly journals Grand corruption scandals in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-86
Author(s):  
Eric Vincent C. Batalla
Keyword(s):  
Justice System ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Executive Branch ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Government Procurement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Project ◽  
Governance Institutions ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyse the weaknesses of governance institutions in constraining grand corruption arising from the government procurement of large foreign-funded infrastructure projects in the Philippines. The weaknesses are revealed in the description and analysis of two major scandals, namely, the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant during the Marcos era and the National Broadband Network project of the Arroyo presidency.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs a historical and comparative case approach to explore patterns of grand corruption and their resolution. Primary and secondary data sources including court decisions, congressional records, journal articles and newspaper reports are used to construct the narratives for each case.FindingsTop-level executive agreements that do not require competitive public bidding provide an opportunity for grand corruption. Such agreements encourage the formation of corrupt rent-seeking relationships involving the selling firm, brokers, politicians and top-level government executives. Closure of cases of grand corruption is a serious problem that involves an incoherent and politically vulnerable prosecutorial and justice system.Originality/valueThis paper aims to contribute to research on grand corruption involving the executive branch in the Philippines, particularly in the procurement of large, foreign-funded government projects. It examines allegations of improprieties in government project contracting and the politics of resolving corruption scandals through the justice system.

scholarly journals Chronic health conditions, healthcare experience and life satisfaction among immigrant and native-born women in Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiyan Li ◽  
Siyu Ru
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Immigrant Women ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Healthy Immigrant Effect ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Content Type

PurposeTo compare chronic health status, utilization of healthcare services and life satisfaction among immigrant women and their Canadian counterparts.Design/methodology/approachA secondary analysis of national data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), 2015–2016 was conducted. The survey data included 109,659 cases. Given the research question, only female cases were selected, which resulted in a final sample of 52,560 cases. Data analysis was conducted using multiple methods, including logistic regression and linear regression.FindingsRecent and established immigrant women were healthier than native-born Canadian women. While the Healthy Immigrant Effect (HIE) was evident among immigrant women, some characteristics related to ethnic origin and/or unhealthy dietary habits may deteriorate immigrant women's health in the long term. Immigrant women and non-immigrant women with chronic illnesses were both more likely to increase their use of the healthcare system. Notably, the present study did not find evidence that immigrant women under-utilized Canada's healthcare system. However, the findings showed that chronic health issues were more likely to decrease women's life satisfaction.Originality/valueThis analysis contributes to the understanding of immigrant women's acculturation by comparing types of chronic illnesses, healthcare visits, and life satisfaction between immigrant women and their Canadian counterparts.

A scheme to increase profitability in entrepreneurial SMEs

2006 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul L. Reynolds ◽  
Geoff Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Firm Growth ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Entrepreneurial Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results

PurposeThis article aims to demonstrate how small entrepreneurial firms can employ low cost market research techniques in the area of service evaluation to prioritise the sales effort, increase sales and improve margins.Design/methodology/approach“Triangulation” has been used. Secondary data included academic sources and internal company records. Primary data included exploratory depth interviews and group discussions, a questionnaire‐based survey and the construction of case studies.FindingsIt can be seen from the case study results presented that a customer service appreciation survey can yield useful and actionable information, which can be used creatively by entrepreneurs to bring about significant improvements in business performance in a short space of time.Research limitations/implicationsIt would have been better if more extensive data were available on customers to allow for more sophisticated quota sampling controls.Practical implicationsA model of small firm growth is discussed and the concept of crisis points in the early stages of the life cycle of small entrepreneurial firms is examined. The paper demonstrates how a low risk growth strategy, which minimises the possibility of the firm encountering a “crisis point”, can be chosen.Originality/valueThe content of the article is original in the sense that particular emphasis is placed on the concept of “leveraging.” The study shows that such a “leveraged”‐based scheme is particularly relevant in a customer multiple sourcing purchasing situation.

Infrastructure debt fund policy framework in India – issues and challenges

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Khandelwal ◽  
Vivekanand Khanapuri
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Context ◽  
The Government

Purpose – This paper aims to identify gaps and critical issues in policy framework for infrastructure debt fund (IDF) to become financially viable in the Indian context. Growth of any economy is dependent on successful implementation of infrastructure projects. However, infrastructure development is linked to availability of equity and debt funds to finance these projects. IDF is an instrument which aims at enabling financing of infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach – The exploratory research adopted is qualitative and based on secondary data related to infrastructure needs, challenges, factors influencing infrastructure financing and options available for infrastructure financing in the Indian context. It investigates the relationship between external factors, internal factors and viability of IDF and provides recommendations to policy makers to roll-out an enabling policy and regulatory environment. Findings – Findings show that issues such as entry barriers for banks, insufficient tax incentives, restrictions on type of projects to be considered for funding and meeting the expectation of low-cost funds need to be addressed so that IDFs can contribute toward funding requirement of the infrastructure sector. Research limitations/implications – IDFs have been recently introduced in India and the use of primary and secondary data has been limited. Comparison of IDF guidelines in India with guidelines for similar instruments in developed countries has been left for a later stage. Originality/value – Value of this study is that it identifies the issues in current guidelines of IDF through the understanding of the policy and regulatory framework that governs IDF. The study also makes recommendations to the government and regulators which would enable IDF to become a viable instrument.

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