scholarly journals Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19: What are firms doing and what they need to do?

SAGE Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824402110710
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
It Systems ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Study Methodology

The novel COVID-19 (coronavirus) has created havoc and massive disruption to firms’ business operations. While much literature has recently emerged on how this pandemic outbreak has affected the firms. Limited empirical studies to date exist on what actions firms are employing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and further ensure business continuity. Our study attempts to fill this gap in management literature. This study employs a multiple case study methodology. Overall, 36 semi-structured interviews with eight different based in China were undertaken. Results reveal that Chinese firms are employing six distinct actions to control the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring that the business continues to run to its maximum capacity. In particular, firms are educating employees on the symptoms of COVID-19, implementing strict screening protocols, applying agile IT systems, revising their cash flow policies and conducting global scenario planning to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This study concludes by discussing its implications for theory, alongside limitations and future research directions.

Training Needs for Teachers Teaching Children With Autism in Special Schools

2021 ◽  
pp. 83-100
Author(s):  
Nausheen Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Children With Autism ◽  
Training Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Special Schools ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenology ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Study Methodology

This chapter focuses on the training needs of teachers teaching children with autism in special schools in South Africa. It outlines the type of training, competencies, and perceptions of teachers teaching children with autism in special schools. A qualitative phenomenology multiple case study methodology was used. In-depth semi-structured interviews, observations, and field notes were conducted with eight teachers from four different schools in Gauteng Province. The study showed that the training received by teachers assisted them with a general overview of autism and how to use various strategies to teach children with autism. Evidence showed that there was a lack of additional training and monitoring of the training provided in some instances. It highlighted teachers' preferences on the sources of training with private providers being preferred over the training received by The Gauteng Department of Education due to reasons that include perceptions of expertise and training procedures.

Digital Employer Branding

2021 ◽  
pp. 261-283
Author(s):  
Zakaria Lissaneddine ◽  
Younès El Manzani ◽  
Mostapha El Idrissi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Employer Branding ◽  
Important Place ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Managerial Strategies ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Hr Function

Digital transformation has become a key concern for many enterprises that social media now occupy an important place more than ever in the managerial strategies. The human resources (HR) function is considered as one of the organizational dimensions that have taken advantage of these digital platforms, especially for the employer branding purposes. This chapter aims to explore the practices that enterprises in Morocco use to manage their employer brand through social media to attract potential candidates, retain recruits, and limit turnover. To achieve this research objective, a multiple case study was carried out with managers from four customer relation centers through semi-structured interviews. The findings highlight the existence of digital ambassadorship and e-reputation oversight practices. Finally, this chapter also provides some managerial recommendations and future research directions.

Strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions: a multiple case analysis of buyers and distributors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Supplier Risk ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper explores the steps/countermeasures taken by buying and distributing firms to address supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a multiple case study methodology and conducts 36 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of nine different firms producing, procuring or distributing products from China and other highly impacted South Asian regions (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India).FindingsResults reveal that buying firms are moving to agile production, focusing on tier-1 supplier risk, enhancing inbound material visibility and temporarily closing production facilities to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Furthermore, distribution centres are modifying their inventory policies, evaluating alternative outbound routes and sources of supply to manage disruptions caused to their business operations amid COVID-19 outbreak.Practical implicationsSupply chain firms can use the countermeasures provided in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and make the best out of this pandemic.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the supply chain literature by exploring the countermeasures taken by firms to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In particular, this study explores such countermeasures from the perspective of two different entities (buyers and distributors) along the supply chain. Firms can use the countermeasures highlighted in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain.

Achieving Financial Inclusion for Persons With Disabilities: Exploring Preparedness and Accessibility of Financial Services for Persons With Disabilities in Malawi

2021 ◽  
pp. 104420732110275
Author(s):  
Alex Nester Jiya ◽  
Maxwell Peprah Opoku ◽  
William Nketsia ◽  
Joslin Alexei Dogbe ◽  
Josephine Nkrumah Adusei
Keyword(s):  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Commercial Banks ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Persons With Disabilities

Deplorable living conditions among persons with disabilities and the need to improve their living conditions cannot be overemphasized. This has triggered international discussion on the need for deliberate social policies to bridge the poverty gap between persons with and without disabilities. In Malawi, expansion of financial services has been identified as an essential tool to accelerate economic and inclusive development. However, empirical studies are yet to explore the preparedness of financial institutions to extend their services to persons with disabilities. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with managers from commercial banks in Malawi to understand their perspectives on extending financial services to persons with disabilities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a descriptive thematic analysis was performed. Although participants reiterated the need to provide persons with disabilities with financial services to improve their well-being, few initiatives have been undertaken to improve their participation. Particularly, participants stated that barriers, such as a lack of financial literacy and adaptive technologies, communication barriers, and high rates of unemployment, explained the reluctance of commercial banks to extend financial services to persons with disabilities. The limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications of the study for policymaking have been highlighted.

scholarly journals Packaging Innovations to Reduce Food Loss and Waste: Are Italian Manufacturers Willing to Invest?

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1963
Author(s):  
Antonella Cammarelle ◽  
Mariarosaria Lombardi ◽  
Rosaria Viscecchia
Keyword(s):  
Technological Opportunity ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Food Loss ◽  
Latent Demand ◽  
2030 Agenda ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Per Capita ◽  
Global Food

The target 12.3 of the 2030 Agenda by the United Nations (UN) calls for halving per capita global food loss and waste. In this regard, the Food & Drink industry (F&D) could play a crucial role in reducing food waste and improving food safety by adopting healthy and eco-innovation packaging. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the F&D manufacturers’ willingness to invest in packaging innovations, such as active, intelligent, and compostable ones to achieve the UN target. In order to reach the stated objective, a multiple case study methodology was developed and administered to a sample of Italian micro and small-medium entrepreneurs located in the Apulia region. Results show that many firms were aware of their need for packaging innovation and of the available technological opportunity. However, only the F&D manufacturers who showed a Real demand, according to a taxonomy approach which also considers the Potential and Latent demand for the innovation, were effectively prompt to invest. Finally, most of the interviewed manufacturers were willing to invest in at least one packaging innovation, choosing mainly between the active packaging and the compostable one.

scholarly journals Manufacturing Pre-Decisions: A Comparative Analysis of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Reviews in Brazil and Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Fan Rocha ◽  
Tomás B. Ramos ◽  
Alberto Fonseca
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Environmental Impact Statements ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Environment Agency ◽  
Review Reports

The review of environmental impact statements (EIS), despite its relevance to impact assessment effectiveness, has received scarce scholarly attention. Few studies have gone beyond the realm of regulatory evaluations to understand the managerial meanders of the review process. This study evaluated the responsibilities, procedures, information inputs, and scope of EIS reviews within two environmental authorities: APA (Portuguese Environment Agency), in Portugal, and SEMAD (State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development), in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. Based on a qualitative multiple-case study methodology informed by participant observation, unstructured interviews, and content analysis of 12 EIS review reports, the study provided what is arguably one of the most detailed characterizations of EIS review to date. While following similar institutional arrangements and broad procedural steps, the EIS review has important differences in APA and SEMAD. Overall, the Portuguese agency was found to have a more structured, participative, interdisciplinary, detailed, and grounded review, thus meeting some of the good practices often cited in the literature. The EIS review reports prepared by APA reviewers were also found to provide a profoundly more complete and transparent account of the review process. The details of the review process revealed in the article can affect perceptions around the legitimacy and reliability of reviewers’ recommendations.

Value co-creation in the B2B context: a diagnosis of knowledge management based on multiple case studies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrei Bonamigo ◽  
Camila Guimarães Frech ◽  
Ana Carolina Custódio Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Multiple Case Studies ◽  
Knowledge Asymmetry ◽  
Business To Business ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to empirically investigate how organizations delivering services in business-to-business relations deal with the boundary paradox and knowledge asymmetry in value co-creation. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative multiple case study strategy. Datas were gathered through 13 semi-structured interviews that were then analyzed through the content analysis. Findings The authors identified three mechanisms that organizations use to deal with the boundary paradox and two strategies to handle the knowledge asymmetry. Research limitations/implications First, no opportunities were afforded to involve more participants. Second, owning to confidentiality reasons, not all organizations provided us documents to be analyzed. Practical implications The findings guide managers in balancing the use of contracts and trust in inter-firm collaborations and fostering the learning of customers. Also, insights to protect knowledge based on the paradox of openness in value co-creation. Originality/value This study’s findings address the gap in value co-creation literature concerning the lack of empirical studies.

Knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine Glavas ◽  
Shane Mathews ◽  
Rebekah Russell-Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
International Business ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Flow Of Information

Purpose Technology has profoundly transformed the international business environment, particularly regarding the flow of information and the way in which knowledge is acquired and shared. Yet, the extent of this transformation is still underappreciated. The purpose of this paper is to examine how small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner/founders acquire and utilize knowledge for internationalization via internet-enabled platforms. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis draws on multiple case study methodology to examine 13 Australian SME owner/founders and the knowledge they acquire from utilization of internet-enabled platforms. Findings The analysis reveals four differing types of internet-enabled experiences: “technical internet-enabled experiences,” “operational internet-enabled experiences,” “functional internet-enabled experiences,” and “immersive internet-enabled experiences.” The findings indicate that internet-enabled experiences can generate both explicit and tacit forms of knowledge for the pre, early and later phases of internationalization. Practical implications The findings provide a structured approach by allowing SMEs to “plot” themselves against the classification of internet-enabled experiences to denote their level of technological involvement, and for discerning the types of knowledge that can be acquired. The findings are particularly helpful for owner/founders, highlighting that internet-enabled platforms are affecting the ways in which knowledge can be acquired and applied to international businesses processes. Originality/value The findings extend the conventional notion of knowledge acquisition for international business by highlighting how information and knowledge can be acquired via internet-enabled platforms. The findings lay the necessary groundwork for building an evidence base and theoretically extending the concept of knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms.

Losing a Friend

2021 ◽  
pp. 1158-1174
Author(s):  
Tamara L. Wandel
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Media Consumption ◽  
Depth Information ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Study Methodology

This chapter focuses on the role of social media consumption on older children and adolescents during the bereavement process of a childhood friend. Using case study methodology surrounding an 11-year-old girl's tragic death, surveys were administered to peers and semi-structured interviews with peers, counselors, and the deceased's mother were conducted in order to collect in-depth information on the opinions and feelings of those utilizing social media as they cope with loss, specifically the loss of a friend. The idea of virtual mourning is significant to explore as social media is ubiquitous for most older children and adolescents.

The Compliance of IT Control and Governance

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-44
Author(s):  
Colin Lai ◽  
Hung-Lian Tang ◽  
J. Michael Tarn ◽  
Sock Chung
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Compliance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Gaming Industry ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Casino Gaming ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
The Status ◽  
Compliance Requirements ◽  
Multiple Case

This study used a multiple-case study methodology in exploring the status of IT control in the casino gaming industry. The observations of this research should very much represent the overall status of the concerned issues regarding the casino gaming industry of Macao. Having attained a more complete level of IT control not only helps the company in satisfying the concerned regulatory compliance requirements, but also makes IT works more effectively for the companies in helping them to gain the competitive advantage in the fierce competitive environment in the gaming industry. The findings of this research can help the gaming companies to identify the potential enhancement areas of IT control. This study has captured the IT control status of the gaming industry at an initial stage of development in Macao. Further, the results can serve as a solid foundation for future research on the casino gaming industry and extending similar research to be conducted on other industries and government agencies, which are promoting the awareness of the importance of IT control.

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