scholarly journals Strategy and Business Survival during Disruptive Times: A Survey of Passenger Transporters in Harare, Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-32
Author(s):  
Ruth T. Mugweni
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Formal Structure ◽  
Passenger Transport ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Business Survival ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Operating Environments

Business leaders must be strategic about their operations to ensure success in different operating environments. The COVID-19, which emerged as a public health pandemic that affected businesses in different sectors differently. Passenger transport businesses were directly affected after the movement of people was banned for extended periods, during the lockdowns. The lockdowns represented a disruption in the operating environments. The study sought to assess the effect of strategic management on the survival of passenger transport operators during the COVID-19 induced lockdown disruptions in Harare, Zimbabwe. Data were collected using survey questionnaires distributed to representatives of 100 passenger transporters in Harare, from which questionnaires were returned. Results showed that 84 percent of the passenger transport operators have formal organizational structures of which about 73 confirmed the practice of strategic planning. Therefore, there is high adoption of strategic management by passenger transport operators in Harare. The most effective strategies for enhancing business survival in disruptions are diversification and competitive strategies. The logistic regression model results showed that the existence of a formal structure minimized the negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown disruptions on the survival of passenger transport operators in Harare.

Accidental Sustainability

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Jones
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
The United States ◽  
Air Travel ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Natural Beauty ◽  
And Diffusion ◽  
Whole Foods

This chapter examines the scaling and diffusion of green entrepreneurship between 1980 and the present. It explores how entrepreneurs and business leaders promoted the idea that business and sustainability were compatible. It then examines the rapid growth of organic foods, natural beauty, ecological architecture, and eco-tourism. Green firms sometimes grew to a large scale, such as the retailer Whole Foods Market in the United States. The chapter explores how greater mainstreaming of these businesses resulted in a new set of challenges arising from scaling. Organic food was now transported across large distances causing a negative impact on carbon emissions. More eco-tourism resulted in more air travel and bigger airports. In other industries scaling had a more positive impact. Towns were major polluters, so more ecological buildings had a positive impact.

scholarly journals Early Childhood Educators’ Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Eadie ◽  
Penny Levickis ◽  
Lisa Murray ◽  
Jane Page ◽  
Catriona Elek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Student Teacher Relationship ◽  
Learning At Home ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe importance of Early Childhood (EC) educators’ wellbeing has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, as educators have navigated numerous additional stressors while providing education and care services for some children and ongoing support for many others learning at home. This study aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on EC educators’ wellbeing and educator-child relationships, as growing evidence shows the influence of these factors on children’s developmental outcomes.In July 2020, members of a Research Network of EC Professionals—who previously identified educator wellbeing as a priority issue—were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey included two published, validated scales: the Early Childhood Professional Wellbeing scale (ECPW) and the Student–Teacher Relationship Scale (modified). Survey items about educators’ experiences during the pandemic were also included. Two hundred and thirty-two EC educators from across Australia completed the survey, mostly from Victoria where lockdowns were most severe. Linear regression analysis demonstrated stronger professional wellbeing was associated with less conflict in educator-child relationships and lower risk of staff turnover. This was more likely to be experienced by senior or more experienced staff. Although a negative impact of COVID-19 was reported, ECPW scores were relatively high, and organizational structures supporting professional wellbeing were most strongly associated with lower risk of turnover (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). Findings highlight that supporting EC educators’ wellbeing is essential for workforce retention, and for promoting quality educator-child relationships which are central to young children’s learning and development.

The impact of corporate bankruptcy on strategic management: using a textual analysis approach to analyze executives’ opinions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raphael Nagel ◽  
Carmen Aviles
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Textual Analysis ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Analysis Approach ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Emergency Situations ◽  
The Impact

Purpose In the past decade, the development of the global economy, the change in organizational structures and the maturing of new technologies have led to considerable changes in business structures. Emergency situations, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, have led many companies to declare bankruptcy. In this context, the present study aims to analyze strategic opinions of company executives in a declaration of bankruptcy. Design/methodology/approach To this end, an innovative approach is applied to strategic management and business. First, the authors conducted 14 interviews with executives, and the interview data were transcribed. Second, using textual analysis and data mining techniques, the transcripts were analyzed to understand the importance of indicators identified as relevant in companies in a declaration of bankruptcy. Findings This resulted in identification of 10 relevant indicators perceived by executives to avoid or anticipate a state of bankruptcy, including innovation, business adaptability, room for improvement in production processes, time to react to situations of alarm, layoffs, support from public institutions, suppliers, international and national regulations, impact on the industry, credits and debts. Originality/value The paper concludes with a discussion of important theoretical and practical implications of these findings for the industry. Also, strategic management decision-making strategies are presented as a result of the innovative textual analysis approach used.

Formal Structure and Efficiency of Self-Help Groups: An Economic Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
Mudaser Ahad Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Logical Structure ◽  
Bank Loans ◽  
Formal Structure ◽  
Income Generation ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Long Run ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Self Help Groups ◽  
The Impact

Self-help groups are generally seen as instruments for goals including empowering women, poverty alleviation, developing leadership qualities among poor and needy people. SHGs bridge the gap between haves and have-nots. These groups have become basic sources of village capital. Self-help group’s (SHGs) have had a record of success, but they are gradually losing their significance as an instrument of micro-finance and financial inclusion. The persistence of poverty and gender inequality on the scale at which they still exist are not acceptable. This reflects that SHGs face the issues of declining efficiency and quality, although their quantity is alright. Further, the natures of formal structure within which SHGs operate and function have a fundamental effect on their functioning and efficiency and on the efficiency of micro-finance and inclusion programmes. If the problems of these groups are addressed efficiently and are provided with sufficient institutional and financial support, the efficiency of these groups will improve and “efficient and viable self-help groups could do wonders”. Due to enhancement in efficiency and sustainability, self-help could improve the social capital base not only of members but also of non-members. It is in this background that this paper attempts to identify the particular parameters/elements that must be present uniquely in the formal structure of all SHGs so that all SGHs may follow a unique logical architecture in their functioning. This study also attempts to analyze the relationship between the formal structure of SHGs and their total savings, their lending capacity, total amount left after disbursements and number of beneficiaries. Finally, this study also attempts to analyze the impact of their formal structure, bank loans received the ability to repay received bank loans, regularity/irregularity towards savings on their frequency of using the bank. From the obtained data and statistical analysis, the study found that the majority of SHGs function independently of their organizational structures. This mars their overall efficiency because the formal structure has its significance in achieving group goals and thereby, increases the level of work quality. Working of SHGS according to a well-established structure positively and significantly impacts their savings, borrowing capacity, lending capacity and a number of beneficiaries. Referred to the data, we can conclude that those SHGs use their operational bank accounts frequently that have a well-established logical structure, received and repaid banks loan since their inception, maintained regularity in group savings and participated in income generation activities than those which lack a formal structure, were unable either to receive or repay bank loans, faced irregularities towards group savings and not participated in income generation activities. So SHGs should pay specific attention towards the formulation of logical structures to work on, maintain regularity in their savings and should participate in income generation activities. Further, banks should provide sufficient loans to these voluntary saving groups and should increase the loan repayment period for them so that these group may become able to maintain their sustainability in the long-run.

Do innovation attributes really drive the diffusion of management accounting innovations? Examination of factors determining usage intensity of strategic management accounting

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Babajide Oyewo
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Management Accounting ◽  
Environmental Uncertainty ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Strategic Management Accounting ◽  
Innovation Attributes

PurposeThis study investigates the usage of modern management accounting techniques popularly referred to as “strategic management accounting” (SMA), and the extent to which innovation attributes (namely relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) determine SMA usage intensity.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data was obtained through a structured questionnaire from 45 out of 56 publicly listed manufacturing companies on the Mainboard of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling were used to analyse data.FindingsWhereas the overall usage rate of SMA as an innovation is generally moderate, there is significant difference in SMA usage intensity across industries in the manufacturing sector due to environmental uncertainty. Compatibility emerged as the strongest determinant of SMA usage intensity, implying that commercial enterprises would intensely apply SMA to remain innovative, to continuously improve and to incorporate strategy in accounting practice in a bid to survive competition. SMA will witness extensive usage if it aligns with the competitive strategies of an organisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe attributes of innovation measured treat all SMA techniques as one, but did not measure relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability for each of the techniques. Future studies may consider investigating how innovation attributes specifically affect each SMA technique. The dimension of compatibility investigated in the study lean towards the alignment of SMA with competitive strategies. Taking into account the multidimensionality of compatibility as an innovation attribute, future studies may examine how past experience of implementing new ideas, as well as compatibility of SMA with corporate culture and value system, affect the dissemination and diffusion of management accounting innovations.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes that although innovation attributes may partly explain SMA usage, coercive factors such as competition and environmental uncertainty may also be responsible for the decision to adopt innovative management accounting practices. The study therefore calls for a critical appraisal of how coercive institutional factors such as competition, regulation and actions of key stakeholders influence the decision of organisations to adopt an innovation.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to knowledge by challenging existing knowledge and presenting evidence that innovation attributes acclaimed to determine the spread of an innovation may be inapplicable in certain settings due to some environmental challenges. The study also contributes to knowledge by developing a composite scale for measuring innovation attributes specifically adapted to management accounting innovation, which can be used in future studies.

A Complex Responsive Process Approach to Strategic Management

2013 ◽  
pp. 39-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon E. Norris
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Competitive Strategies ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Performance Achievement ◽  
Strategic Behaviors ◽  
Complex Responsive Processes

Traditional strategic management focuses on securing organizational assets and maximizing resources through top-down leadership and the formation of competitive strategies to advance market position, meet performance objectives, and gain competitive advantage. Top-down bureaucratic paradigms are not well suited for gaining an edge in the knowledge economy, and in many cases, these strategic behaviors are counterproductive. There is a growing need for alternative ways of thinking about strategic management and human resource development. Complexity science provides a new framework for 21st century strategic management. The complex responsive processes approach to strategic management strengthens employee engagement, knowledge creation, and organizational learning, and it improves performance, achievement of long-term competitive advantage, and strengthens intellectual capital.

Psychological Factors: Avoid DUMB Values

2021 ◽  
pp. 214-224
Author(s):  
Jason Brennan ◽  
William English ◽  
John Hasnas ◽  
Peter Jaworski
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Business Leaders ◽  
Management Techniques

SMART objectives are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. DUMB values are Disconnected, Unincentivized, Measureless, and Boilerplate. Effective ethical and strategic management techniques promote SMART objectives and avoid DUMB values. However, business leaders often fall into the trap of pursuing DUMB values in part because it allows them to look good without putting much constraints on their actual choices.

scholarly journals Strategy for the achievement of an effective life cycle of real property erection and operation

2020 ◽  
Vol 164 ◽  
pp. 10044
Author(s):  
Lyubov Manukhina ◽  
Larisa Prykina
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Financial Industry ◽  
Real Property ◽  
Internal Resources ◽  
Construction Organizations ◽  
Project Risks

Strategic management of construction systems is a process of making decisions that combine goals setting, determination of long-term milestones and their improvement, determination of activity models, redistribution of external and internal resources of construction organizations to achieve the maximum effects of the life cycle of real property erection and operation [1]. Experts from various industries simultaneously participate in the strategic management of the real property life cycle: engineers, financial industry experts, economists, politicians and other participants in investment and construction activities capable of achieving goals and meeting requirements at all stages of real property erection and operation. A special role is played by indicators of the degree of project risks that arise in the course of external changes and can have a negative impact in the form of possible losses on the final results of project implementation. Risks in one form or another are manifested as changes in financial, technical, organizational and other aspects. Therefore, in the process of construction systems strategic management special attention should be paid to the state of risks.

scholarly journals A Study on Psychological Well-Being among Employees of I.T Companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 59 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rajeswari ◽  
R. Magesh
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Project Work ◽  
Organizational Environment ◽  
Financial Policies ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Government ◽  
And Function

Liberalization of the Indian organizational environment through modification in the industrial, trade and financial policies by the government has brought in change and competition of a magnitude that was previously unknown to Indian business. In the present scenario, where multinationals and other global players are competing in the domestic market with the monopoly players, the management of organizations is expected to be more productive and efficient for survival in India. More than a decade ago, the western countries faced similar conditions. A flow of changing organizational structures and changing expectations has forced various departments of the organization to alter their perspectives on their role and function overnight. In this context, it would be important to identify the factors in the organizational environment that have the most positive as well as negative impact on their performance in the organization in order to facilitate the positive and impede negative factors at job setting. Hence, the present research was undertaken to find out, how occupational stress and human resource practices can contribute to psychological well-being among employees of I.T companies.The main factors affecting the job satisfaction of the I.T. employees are based on Age, Gender, Educational qualification, Marital status, Experience, Salary, Nature of employment. The data collected will be analyzed with the usage of the statistical tools like one way ANOVA, factor analysis and independent t- test. The major findings are reported at the completion of the project work and on the basis of the study, suitable suggestions will be given to the company.

scholarly journals Oncologic pain relief: strategies told by adolescents with cancer

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 96-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda de Fatima Portugal Rocha ◽  
Amanda Mota Pacciulio Sposito ◽  
Paula Saud de Bortoli ◽  
Fernanda Machado Silva-Rodrigues ◽  
Regina Aparecida Garcia de Lima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Professional Experience ◽  
Positive Thinking ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

In view of the negative impact of pain on the quality of life of cancer patients, identifying and stimulating the use of effective strategies to minimize these painful feelings is highly relevant for care. The aim of this study was to identify painful experiences of adolescents with cancer and to get to know their strategies for pain relief. This is an exploratory research, using qualitative data analysis. Semistructured interviews were held with nine adolescents with cancer, who reported on acute, recurring and chronic, physical and emotional painful experiences. To relieve these pains, they described pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, including: distraction, presence of relatives, bed positioning, cooperation to accomplish procedures and keeping up positive thinking. Therefore, it is essential for health professionals to know available evidence for pain relief and to develop skills to articulate this knowledge with their professional experience and with the patients' own strategies.

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