The effect of the COVID-19 crisis on the perception of digitisation in the purchasing process: customers and retailers perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiri Dvorak ◽  
Lenka Komarkova ◽  
Lukas Stehlik
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Models ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The World ◽  
The One ◽  
Internal And External Factors

Purpose The market for goods and services is a continually changing environment influenced by many internal and external factors. The majority of economies in the World were deeply hit by the coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) in the first half of 2020. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the role of a crisis, COVID-19 in this case, in moderating the market environment and its ability to accelerate or slow down ongoing processes. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was used to obtain the opinions of 100 customers and 100 local retailers on the digitisation of the shopping process in a medium-sized Czech town. After the first wave of crisis faded away, the respondents reflected on their opinions before, during and after the crisis. The data were processed using linear mixed models respecting repeated measures. Findings The crisis seems to have shifted the interest of both groups towards e-commerce but it did not change the disproportion in opinions between them. The interest of customers was significantly higher, even after the crisis. Research limitations/implications The credibility of the results is limited mainly by the one-time gathering of the data after the crisis. However, the results indicate a persistent challenge to which small retailers are exposed. Originality/value The originality of the results comes from the specific situation brought about by the COVID-19 crisis and the structure of respondents, enabling us to catch an immediate shift of opinions caused by the crisis and to compare the changes in both groups of respondents.

How Phillips saw the light

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (8) ◽  
pp. 29-31
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Business World ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Freak Show ◽  
The World ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The One ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints 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 problem with developing a reputation of being something of an oracle in the business world is that all of a sudden, everyone expects you to pull off the trick of interpreting the future on a daily basis. Like a freak show circus act or one-hit wonder pop singer, people expect you to perform when they see you, and they expect you to perform the thing that made you famous, even if it is the one thing in the world you don’t want to do. And when you fail to deliver on these heightened expectations, you are dismissed as a one trick pony, however good that trick is in the first place. 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.

scholarly journals Assessing the impact of libraries – the role of ISO 16439

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 87-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Creaser
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Standard ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Library Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Library impact and how to evaluate it has been debated for a number of years. While the activity – the busy-ness – of the library is now routinely measured and described, the difference the library makes is less tangible and harder to measure. Libraries in all sectors and worldwide are grappling with this issue, and the purpose of this paper is to summarise international standards available to support them. Design/methodology/approach The first international standard concerning library impact, ISO 16439 Information and documentation – methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries, was published in 2014 after several years in development. Findings The standard describes a range of methods for assessing library impact which have been used across the world in a variety of libraries in all sectors. Originality/value This paper summarises the key methods described in the standard, and gives references for further reading.

Study shows significant influence of HRD to shape and inspire CSR and sustainability initiatives

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 37-39
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Campbell Soup ◽  
Equity And Inclusion

Purpose The authors wrote their study in response to the pressures businesses face today to behave responsibly. More than 90% of the largest 250 MNCs in the world, they said, disclose information about various aspects of their CSR and sustainability. Meanwhile, HRD practices play a significant role in the design and effectiveness of these initiatives. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an analysis of the contents of CR reports to detect themes. They used a list of the top 100 CSR companies in the 2016 Global CSR Rep Trak 100. Overall, 55 reports were included from 23 large MNCs in 17 industries and 10 countries across Europe, Asia and North America. Household names included BMW, Campbell Soup, Dell, FedEx, Nike, Visa, Sony, Honda, Samsung, LEGO, Air Canada, Hilton Worldwide, and Fujifilm. Findings Initial analysis showed that seven areas of HRD work were the most important in supporting CSR and sustainability agendas. They were (1) Diversity, equity and inclusion. (2) Community engagement. (3) Work-life balance. (4) Employee long-term growth and development. (5) Performance management. (6) Business ethics and ethical culture and (7) Raising CSR awareness. Originality/value The study addressed two fundamental questions: First, what is the role of HRD in CSR and sustainability as portrayed in CR reports? Second, what areas of HRD work are highlighted in CR reports as important in the context of CSR and sustainability?

Mnemonics in the Mouseion

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Olesen-Bagneux
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Book History ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Core ◽  
The One

Purpose – Mnemonics was a tool in classification and information seeking processes in pre-print libraries. The purpose of this paper is to study the role of spatial mnemonics in Hellenistic libraries, including the one in Alexandria. Design/methodology/approach – Since library- and information science has not explored this subject in depth, philology, rhetoric, book-history and archeology constitute the core literature. From this literature, the role of mnemonics in the libraries is discussed. Findings – A new description of the practice of classification and retrieval in Hellenistic libraries, based on spatial mnemonics. Originality/value – This paper is a new analysis of spatial mnemonics in the Hellenistic libraries. As will become clear, they blend easily and logically with each other.

The greatest show on earth: organising and the performance of society

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Blantern
Keyword(s):  
Social Norms ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Organisational Learning ◽  
Individual Identity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical View ◽  
Goods And Services ◽  
The World ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to draw attention to the significance of “acculturation” in organisations and organising and how learning occurs as micro-practices (organisational poetics). Design/methodology/approach The recognition of the ontological significance of organisational acculturation invites a more critical view of the effects of organisational practices on individual identity, social norms and the accountability of organisations to society. Findings Organising and organisations are cast as nurseries of cultural practices that are so normalised we regard them as “unremarkable”, as “just the way things are” – yet “schooling” of identity and social norms. Practical implications If we want a better world, we should, as citizens, expect more from our organisations and their learning. Social implications The significance here is, from a post-structural, relational stance, that organising and organisations are significant agents in the performance of what it is to be human and our social conditions. As well as goods and services organisations produce “humans”. Originality/value As distinct from the canon of organisational learning literature which is primarily concerned with learning for the effectiveness and resilience of organisations for their own benefit, this paper asserts that what we learn and normalise in organisations structures society – the world we live.

Potential of blockchain technology in supply chain management: a literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (9) ◽  
pp. 881-900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amulya Gurtu ◽  
Jestin Johny
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
The World ◽  
Innovation And Technology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on blockchain technology, present some trends and consider its potential value in supply chain management (SCM). Design/methodology/approach Papers that contained the word “blockchain” in their titles, keywords or abstracts were selected for conducting trend analyses. Findings The blockchain technology is rapidly making inroads in many industries and there is tremendous potential to eliminate intermediaries and to make SCM more efficient. Research limitations/implications This analysis is limited to 299 papers from the EBSCO database through December 2018. Practical implications This paper highlights the imperative role of blockchain technology that has created a discourse in the world of innovation and technology. This work will help academics to further the understanding of blockchain technology. Social implications Blockchain technology will provide transparency to consumers. Originality/value This paper presents the first review of blockchain technology and delves into its value in SCM. This work will help researchers in identifying the areas where blockchain is the most desirable and can be implemented.

Concepts and effects: ordering and practice in foresight

foresight ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Bussey
Keyword(s):  
First Principles ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Social Goal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
The World ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This article seeks to reflect on the role of key concepts in foresight and futures work. The goal is to explore a set of concepts and link them to the effects they have in the world of foresight practice. It is argued that concepts order foresight practice and that though each foresight context and practitioner is unique, concepts bring a sense of order and coherence to foresight work and futures thinking. This reflection is placed in the context of a set of first principles the author acknowledges as his starting place for futures thinking and foresight practice. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of conceptual analysis. Findings – Concepts have effects and these can be assessed based on their ability to increase social and personal resilience in contexts characterised by change, complexity and uncertainty. Research limitations/implications – Foresight practitioners clarify their own values and ethics through reflection on the concepts they use and the processes they deploy when working with clients. Practical implications – More reflective foresight practice; greater conceptual clarity when reflecting on and communicating/teaching foresight and futures thinking. Originality/value – This paper offers a basis for orienting foresight work towards the broader social goal of resilience through a deepened appreciation of how concepts inform process and structure meaning.

Examining knowledge audit for structured and unstructured business processes: a comparative study in two Hong Kong companies

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 514-529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Y.T. Yip ◽  
Rongbin W.B. Lee ◽  
Eric Tsui
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Procedural Knowledge ◽  
Experiential Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Knowledge Requirements ◽  
The One ◽  
Knowledge Audit

Purpose – This study/paper aims to study the knowledge audit methodologies needed in structured business processes (SBP) and unstructured business processes (UBP) respectively. The knowledge audit methodology used for SBP aims to identify and capture procedural knowledge, while the one for UBP aims to facilitate the sharing of experiential knowledge. The designs of audit methodologies, including elements of knowledge elicitation (KE), knowledge representation (KR), and role of researcher (RR) for SBP and UBP, are proposed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach – Two knowledge audit cases studies were conducted. The first case was conducted in an SBP, and the second one in an UBP. The first case provides a view of a typical knowledge audit in SBP, the limitations are identified. The second case pinpoints the development of a new knowledge audit methodology applicable for UBP. Findings – A significant differentiation between knowledge audits in SBP and UBP is that the knowledge to be captured in the former is procedural knowledge, whereas that to be elicited in the latter is experiential knowledge. The deliverables in the former include lists of knowledge workers, knowledge assets and knowledge inventories, and in the latter include the interplay of interaction between activities, stakeholders and knowledge displayed in the form of a knowledge activity network. Originality/value – This research clarifies and strengthens the position of the knowledge audit by illustrating two knowledge audit methodologies for respective use in SBP and UBP. It points out that the fundamental difference of knowledge audit approaches is attributed to the different knowledge requirements. To cater to the different knowledge requirements, the authors asserted that three basic components of the knowledge audit, namely, KE, KR and the role of the researcher, should be customized.

Implementing self-service technologies: not without competition!

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-185
Author(s):  
Bertrand Audrin
Keyword(s):  
Technological Change ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Western European Country ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Process Of Change ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Service

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of self-service technologies (SST) in two competitors and unravel the process of change in two related setups, offering a comparison as well as an association of cases. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on two extensive case studies of SST adoption by leading retailers in a Western European country. The analysis is based on a material-discursive approach using Greimas actantial model to identify actors’ roles in the implementation process. Findings Results highlight the key role of technology and organizational identity as legitimizers of the change process. The findings also emphasize the role of competition in justifying change. Research limitations/implications Due to the specific situation of the market in the country of study (both retailers share 70 percent of the grocery market), this research offers a textbook example of the role of competition in technological change. This helps to understand the role of competition in technological change. Originality/value This study explores the implementation of SST in two competitors and unravels the process of change in two related setups, offering a comparison as well as an association of cases.

The role of non-governmental organizations in vaccine development and delivery

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Walton
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Vaccine Candidates ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
The World

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to define the role non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play across the vaccine development and delivery spectrum within the vaccine enterprise. As demonstrated in this paper, NGOs can play a critical role in prioritizing and accelerating the development and introduction of new vaccines against diseases that disproportionally burden children, women, and communities in the poorest countries around the world. Design/methodology/approach The author has used case studies from decades of work by PATH, an international NGO, to help develop and implement vaccines, to illustrate the roles of NGOs can play during each of the stages along the development and delivery spectrum. Findings There are four key considerations that can help determine the ability of a given vaccine to be introduced and scaled within a health system: accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and availability. As more vaccine candidates are identified and move along the development and delivery pathway, there will be increased demand for NGOs to continue playing a pivotal role to address these considerations. Originality/value This paper aims to highlight a few of the lessons learned from PATH's four decades of experience in the hope they will contribute and be applied to the evolving environment of vaccine enterprise.

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