The effects of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises: empirical evidence from Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tala Abuhussein ◽  
Husam Barham ◽  
Saheer Al-Jaghoub
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Factual Data

Purpose The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in sudden changes in the macro environment and market behaviour, making most enterprises urgently reconfigure their business models to cope with changes following the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper aims to present empirical data on the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the initial conclusions regarding their crisis management. It presents factual data on how SMEs in Jordan can use entrepreneurship to combat uncertainty and promote new opportunities. Design/methodology/approach This study involves an exploratory qualitative research design, drawing from 32 semi-structured interviews of key informants from Jordanian SMEs in different stages of the crisis. The different coping strategies of the SMEs and their effectiveness in the first six months of the pandemic are then compared. Findings The findings show how Jordanian SMEs have adapted to cope with the changes in the business environment because of COVID-19. These strategies include modifying their operations that is moving from an ordinary business model to more tentative digitalisation, improving internal communication and restructuring ad hoc organisational culture. Originality/value The study presents important and timely implications for managers of Jordanian SMEs and policymakers by increasing the sensitisation and awareness of SMEs’ coping mechanisms. It is the first study in management that empirically analyses the impact of COVID-19 on Jordanian SMEs.

Enhancing internal communication to build social capital amongst hospitality employees – the role of social media

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 2675-2695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ceridwyn King ◽  
Hyemi Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Hospitality Industry ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Current Practices

Purpose Adopting a social capital theoretical (SCT) lens, this study aims to propose a conceptual framework of effective internal communication (IC) for the hospitality industry. The study explores how to enhance current practices and the suitability of social media as an augmentation to traditional IC channels. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research methodology, consisting of 20 semi-structured interviews with hospitality employees, was adopted. Following a “reduction” and “interpretation” process, 16 themes related to effective IC were identified which informed a conceptual framework. Findings Characteristics of effective IC were identified in addition to IC benefits at both employee and organizational levels. Considering the limitations of current practices, the applicability of social media was explored. Requirements of effective IC suggest that new channels (e.g. social media) should be adopted to build social capital. Research limitations/implications The study informs SCT from a meso-level (process) perspective. The articulation of an IC framework informs how social capital can be built through effective IC, providing a foundation for further empirical examination as to the impact of various channels on the IC process. Adoption of a case study design suggests that results and implications can only be generalized to similar environments. Practical implications The study details the characteristics of effective IC and its subsequent benefits, highlighting how social media can augment current IC practices in a hospitality organization. Originality/value Being a 24/7 labor-intensive operation makes employee communication to ensure service excellence challenging in the hospitality industry. Through the application of SCT and the exploration of social media in a workplace setting to enhance IC, significant theoretical and practical insights are realized.

Use of 4.0 (I4.0) technology in HRM: a pathway toward SHRM 4.0 and HR performance

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajasshrie Pillai ◽  
Shilpi Yadav ◽  
Brijesh Sivathanu ◽  
Neeraj Kaushik ◽  
Pooja Goel
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Managers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Grounded Theory Approach

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology and its barriers in human resourcemanagement (HRM) for Smart HR 4.0 and its impact on HR performance. Design/methodology/approach The research has been conducted using the grounded theory approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 122 senior HR officers of national and multi-national companies in India after the extensive literature review. NVivo 8.0 software was used for the analysis of the interview data. Findings I4.0 technology is used for HRM functions by HR professionals. It is revealed that Smart HR 4.0 that emerged from the I4.0 technology has leveraged the HR performance. It is also found that usage barriers, traditional barriers and risk barriers affect the use of I4.0 technology in HRM. Originality/value A model is developed using the grounded theory approach for HR managers to understand the impact of I4.0 on HRM. This study reveals the barriers affecting the use of I4.0 technology in HRM. It also provides the model for HR performance that emerged through the use of I4.0 technology in HR and Smart HR 4.0. The research delivered key insights for the HR professionals, marketers of HR technology and technology developers.

Examining the impact of political candidates on hotel revenue

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-53
Author(s):  
Amanda Belarmino ◽  
Elizabeth A. Whalen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
The State ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Political Candidates ◽  
Bandwagon Effect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Candidate ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a charismatic political candidate on hotel revenue in the USA, particularly in their home states, through the lens of the bandwagon effect. Previous researchers have found that political primaries have a significant impact on hotel revenue due to travel to those states; however, there has yet to be an examination of the impact of popular political candidates on hotel revenue. Design/methodology/approach This research examined the impact of Bernie Sanders’ campaign on hotel revenue in the state Vermont due to the relatively stable demand experienced in that market. First, the researchers used forecasting methodology and t-tests to determine if there was a significant increase in hotel revenue during the time of the Sanders’ campaign for the state and for Burlington, Vermont, his campaign headquarters. Then, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with hoteliers in Vermont to determine if the Sanders’ campaign was responsible for the observed changes. Findings While the hotel revenue for the state was not significantly different than what would be expected, the hotel revenue in Burlington did see a significant increase. Hoteliers did attribute an increased awareness of the destination and some specific instances of travelers to Sanders’ campaign. Originality/value This is the first study to date to demonstrate the influence of a political candidate on hotel revenue and demonstrated that the bandwagon effect can impact hotel revenue. For hoteliers, it demonstrates that increased destination awareness can impact behavioral intentions on a small scale.

Organisational resilience: a qualitative study about how organisations handle trends and their effects on business models from experts’ views

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 525-544
Author(s):  
Peter Granig ◽  
Kathrin Hilgarter
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Qualitative Interview ◽  
Complex Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emerging Trends ◽  
Competing Demands ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Organisations need to tackle emerging trends that affect business models (BM) by modifying, changing or re‐designing their models. Attending this complex environment by understanding trends and the strategies actors use to handle these competing demands is strategically important for innovation management and sustaining organisations.. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how organisations assess and deal with these complex and relevant challenges. Design/methodology/approach A total of 18 higher management experts between the ages of 27 and 59 years participated in this four-month qualitative interview-based study. The interviews were analysed by using systematic, qualitative content analysis. Findings Results showed that all elements of a BM are influenced by emerged trends, and how organisations deal with them can decide whether the impact poses as risk or offers opportunities. Trends trigger two different strategies – reactive and proactive resilience strategies – which are closely related to the change sensitivity of the attributional resilience model, thereby presenting a crucial factor for enhancing resilience. Nevertheless, the proactive resilience strategy seems to be more promising for enhancing organisational resilience regarding the influence of trends on their BM. Moreover, this study found that the usage of foresight methods might be suitable as an important tool for proactive resilience strategy to modification, change or re-design of BM and consequently anticipate trends. Originality/value Overall, this study is one of the first that explains how BMs are influenced by trends and how organisations handle them by using organisational resilience strategies.

Making and measuring “good” HR practice in an SME: the case of a Yorkshire bakery

2013 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liz Doherty ◽  
Ann Norton
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Original Model ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Action Research Project ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand how “good” HR practice is characterised in SMEs and what the drivers are for adopting this good practice. The paper also explores methods for measuring the impact of HR practice which are helpful and realistic in the context of an SME. Design/methodology/approach – The research was carried out in one SME, a bakery based in South Yorkshire. It was an action research project which utilised semi-structured interviews, participant observation on the factory floor and analysis of company documentation in the diagnosis phase. In addition, reflections on action interventions have informed the findings, together with post-project, semi-structured interviews with key actors three years after the completion of the project. Findings – The drivers of good HR practice were found to be size, market position, external “coercive networks”, presenting issues, the ideology of the managing director and the energy of an HR champion. The findings demonstrate that the impact of “good” HR practice can be best evaluated in SMEs through one-shot, cost-based metrics or more strategic qualitative measures. Originality/value – The paper develops an original model to show the relationship between the drivers, the HR practices adopted and measurable outcomes. This makes an important contribution to the debate about HRM within SMEs and it has practical value for informing the development of good HR practice in SMEs.

scholarly journals The impact of accounting disturbances on organizational micro-practices in the schools' sector in England

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Green ◽  
Laurence Ferry
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Documentary Evidence ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Creative Transformation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThis paper considers the nature and effect of accounting disturbances on organizational micro-practices in three secondary schools in England. A close application of a developed model of Habermasian colonization provides a framing for both the ways in which accounting is implicated in organizational change and the effect of accounting disturbances on organizational micro-practices.Design/methodology/approachQualitative field studies at three secondary schools were used to gather empirical detail in the form of interview data and documentary evidence. A total of 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with teachers and bursars.FindingsAccounting disturbances that were constitutive-transactional in nature had the greatest influence on organizational micro-practices. Behavioural responses to accounting disturbances can be organizationally ambiguous, subtle and subject to change over time.Research limitations/implicationsMore field studies are needed, and there is scope to develop a longitudinal perspective to better understand the impact of accounting disturbances over time.Originality/valueBy framing the processes of accounting change using a developed model of Habermasian colonization, contributions are provided by illuminating aspects of both the processes of accounting colonization and the impact of accounting on organizational micro-practices. The findings also add to prior appreciations of reciprocal colonization, creative transformation of accounting disturbances and how accounting can be enabling.

Evaluating the success of markerspace in a public library

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 587-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Lille
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Recent Trend ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
City Government ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Arising from the modern IT-driven society, libraries in Estonia face tremendous challenges. They are no longer viewed as collection facilities but rather as knowledge enhancers and creators. Libraries carry a significant potential to make a greater impact on communities by enabling informal ways of learning new skills and technologies. This paper aims to evaluate a pilot project at Narva Library MakerLab launched by the Narva City Government to motivate the citizens of Narva to learn new skills and improve their employment prospects. Design/methodology/approach The focus of the study was on understanding how a library makerspace makes an impact on users’ skills, knowledge and attitudes. Quantitative measures for indicators were designed to evaluate the new skills and knowledge that participants learn during the workshops. Semi-structured interviews aimed to show values, behaviour, perception and aims for the future. Findings As an outcome of the study, it was found that the MakerLab project was successful; the participants learned new skills, felt an increase in self-confidence and improved their teamwork abilities. Many users engaged with prototyping and initiated new projects. Originality/value Setting up a makerspace in a public library is a recent trend and not much research has been done in this area. The study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the impact of makerspaces in a library environment.

scholarly journals Experiences and reflections of Somali unaccompanied girls on their first years in Sweden: a follow-up study after two decades

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Bjerneld ◽  
Nima Ismail ◽  
Soorej Jose Puthoopparambil
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Group Homes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Need Support ◽  
Swedish Society

Purpose Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) from Somalia are one of the largest groups of UASC in Europe and Sweden. The current study is a follow-up of a Swedish study conducted in 1999, where unaccompanied asylum-seeking girls (UASG) from Somalia were interviewed. In 2013, UASG from the 1999 study were interviewed again, as adults who have settled and found a new life in Sweden. The purpose of this paper is to explore how these women experienced their transition into the Swedish society. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was adopted for this descriptive study. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings UASG need support from different groups of adults, ranging from the staff at the group homes to community members, including countrymen, to establish a good life in their new country. The UASG need understanding and knowledgeable staff that can support them through the initial period, when they do not have their parents close to them. All actors in the supporter network need more knowledge about the difficulties in war situations. Former UASC can assist newcomers as well as being informants to authorities in a new country. Both parties involved need to be open and willing to learn from each other. Research limitations/implications UASG who consider themselves successful in being integrated into the Swedish society were interviewed and, therefore, the study mainly describes aspects that promote integration. Originality/value There are limited follow-up studies on how UASG have experienced their life after almost two decades in the new country.

Do you have a naïve forecasting model of the future?

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-269
Author(s):  
Larry Wofford ◽  
David Wyman ◽  
Christopher W. Starr
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Technology Innovation ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Commercial Real Estate ◽  
Disruptive Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper addresses the increasingly rapid and disruptive changes caused by technology innovations impacting commercial real estate (CRE) and how leaders in today's CRE business environment can better anticipate, and even experiment with, disruptive technologies while maintaining current business assets and practices.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative research is based in systems theory, through which the impact of disruptive technology innovation cycles on business models is described for tactical and strategic utility.FindingsThe advent of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is characterized by a convergence of multiple technological innovations including artificial intelligence, the Internet of things, smart buildings, autonomous agents, and automated decision-making. Industry 4.0 promises a future of discontinuities and disruptive innovation superseding the deployment of digital technologies enabled by Industry 3.0. Ambidextrous leaders need to maintain two concurrent foci: one on the current CRE business environment for incremental improvements and one on new opportunities made possible by the next technology innovation cycle.Practical implicationsBy anticipating the inflection points of nonlinear technology adoption cycles, CRE leaders can reduce risks and increase innovative opportunities as participants in the next disruptive cycle rather than falling victim to it.Originality/valueThis work examines CRE market disruptions caused by technology innovation cycles through the lens of systems theory. A connection is made between the nonlinear nature of technology disruption cycles within the CRE business environment and how CRE leadership can better anticipate and prepare for change through ambidextrous thinking.

When physical and digital worlds collide

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Retail Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The impact of digitalization on the retail sector has prompted firms to modify existing business models to create a hybrid that focuses on both physical and online channels. Involving the entire company in the development of suitable approaches to revenue distribution, supply chain operations and communication activities can help ensure a successful transformation. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format

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