The COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on business establishments: a study on challenges and strategic approaches

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) commissioned the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) to conduct a study aimed at understanding the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on various industry sectors and to draw possible policy measures for both government and private institutions to help the affected sectors deal with the pandemic’s negative effects and gradually return to stable business operations. An online survey of pre-selected thirty-three (33) representatives from key priority sectors which recorded sharp contractions in the first two quarters of 2020 and which had a share to GDP of above 1 percent was conducted. To validate the survey results, stakeholder interviews were also conducted with more than 10 firms via the zoom video conferencing platform. The survey results confirmed the negative impact of the pandemic at the firm-level (i.e., decrease in employee compensation, decline in headcount, loss of revenue and other liquidity crunches, prolonged collection periods, problems in logistics, delayed or cancelled projects and disrupted supply chains and access to labor; among others). Some have had to close branches or altogether cease operations. The sudden and likely permanent shift towards digitization of operations has disrupted operations and exerted pressure to digitally transform business operations in order to survive in the so-called “new normal.” Moreover, this requires investments in equipment and training. Additional costs and investments are also needed to meet health and safety standards and protocols. Thus, required assistance commonly cited by firms were loans, subsidies, and tax relief In the short term, the national government must restore consumer confidence and deploy its fiscal powers to stimulate aggregate demand. With assistance, business can invest in platforms and meeting health and safety protocols for workers and customers to return to work and patronize their business, whether on site or online. Resuscitating the economy is not solely the responsibility of government. It also requires solidarity and coordinated response from the private sector. Over the long term, both government and business must build more resilient organizations and strategies. This would include adopting digital transformation by both private and public sectors for a more nimble and agile economy. Business may also revisit the concept of “coopetition”. The interconnectedness of each industry calls for a more collaborative approach among businesses. When firms who have been negatively affected by the pandemic recover, this can also increase the rate at which the economy bounces back.

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The Impact of NTMs on Trade

International Journal of Finance & Banking Studies (2147-4486) ◽

10.20525/ijfbs.v8i1.280 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 37-47

Author(s):

Masoud Ali Khalid ◽

Narmen Ghafor

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

Developing Countries ◽

Food Safety ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Health And Safety ◽

Technical Standards ◽

Safety Standards ◽

Trade Sector ◽

Food Safety Standards ◽

The Impact

Non-tariff measures such as food safety and technical standards are used to achieve the non-trade objective of protecting consumers’ health and safety. On the other hand, they can also be deployed as a trade secure tool to drive a price wedge between foreign and domestic producers. This study investigates the protectionist tools of 34 developing countries food safety standards using a sample of developing countries food imported from developed and other developing countries with a specific focus on vegetables, Trunks, machinery, and tobacco. We employ theoretical framework of gravity equation by applying SGMM estimation. Our results indicate that vegetable and machinery variables are negative and statistically significant. Meaning that both variables have a negative impact on GDP, in other words, both variables are not support GDP and economic growth in the developing countries. Finally, Trunk variable is positive and statistically significant. It shows that, this variable leads to promote economic growth in the developing countries. While Tobacco is positive and statistically insignificant, meaning that this product is not play an important role in the trade sector in our sample countries.

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working Conditions, Employment, Career Development and Well-Being of Refugee Researchers

Societies ◽

10.3390/soc11030071 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 71

Author(s):

Ourania Tzoraki ◽

Svetlana Dimitrova ◽

Marin Barzakov ◽

Saad Yaseen ◽

Vasilis Gavalas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Appropriate Technology ◽

Public Authorities ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Home Setting ◽

The Public ◽

Work From Home ◽

The Impact

The ongoing ‘refugee crisis’ of the past years has led to the migration of refugee researchers (RRs) to European countries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RRs often had to work from home and/or to continue their social, cultural and economic integration process under new conditions. An online survey carried out to explore the impact of the pandemic on the refugee researchers showed that RRs found it difficult to adapt their everyday working life to the ‘home’ setting. The majority have had neither a suitable work environment at home nor the appropriate technology. Although they stated that they are rather pleased with the measures taken by the public authorities, they expressed concern about their vulnerability due to their precarious contracts and the bureaucratic asylum procedures, as the pandemic has had a negative impact on these major issues. The majority of RRs working in academia seem not to have been affected at all as far as their income is concerned, while the majority of those employed in other sectors became unemployed during the pandemic (58%). Recommendations are provided to the public authorities and policy makers to assist RRs to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on their life.

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Early Childhood Educators’ Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Early Childhood Education Journal ◽

10.1007/s10643-021-01203-3 ◽

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.

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The Impact of the Business Environment on the Formalization of Informal Firms. The Case of Kosovo

Südosteuropa ◽

10.1515/soeu-2020-0035 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 68 (4) ◽

pp. 505-529

Author(s):

Kujtim Zylfijaj ◽

Dimitar Nikoloski ◽

Nadine Tournois

Keyword(s):

Negative Impact ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Business Environment ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Tax Reforms ◽

Firm Level ◽

Characteristics Analysis ◽

Significant Negative Impact ◽

The Impact

AbstractThe research presented here investigates the impact of the business environment on the formalization of informal firms, using firm-level data for 243 informal firms in Kosovo. The findings indicate that business-environment variables such as limited access to financing, the cost of financing, the unavailability of subsidies, tax rates, and corruption have a significant negative impact on the formalization of informal firms. In addition, firm-level characteristics analysis suggests that the age of the firm also exercises a significant negative impact, whereas sales volume exerts a significant positive impact on the formalization of informal firms. These findings have important policy implications and suggest that the abolition of barriers preventing access to financing, as well as tax reforms and a consistent struggle against corruption may have a positive influence on the formalization of informal firms. On the other hand, firm owners should consider formalization to be a means to help them have greater opportunities for survival and growth.

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Head and Neck Surgery Training: A Brazilian National Survey

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1730019 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Kober Leite ◽

Leandro Luongo Matos ◽

Claudio R. Cernea ◽

Luiz Paulo Kowalski

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

Head And Neck Surgery ◽

Educational Activities ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Surgery Training ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a high impact on surgical training around the world due to required measures regarding the suspension of elective procedures and the dismissal of nonessential personnel. Objectives To understand the impact the pandemic had on head and neck surgery training in Brazil. Methods We conducted a 29-question online survey with head and neck surgery residents in Brazil, assessing the impact the pandemic had on their training. Results Forty-six residents responded to the survey, and 91.3% of them reported that their residency was affected by the pandemic, but most residents were not assigned to work directly with patients infected with the new coronavirus (71.4%). All residents reported decrease in clinic visits and in surgical procedures, mostly an important reduction of ∼ 75%. A total of 56.5% of the residents described that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental, health and only 4 (8.7%) do not have any symptoms of burnout. The majority (78.3%) of the residents reported that educational activities were successfully adapted to online platforms, and 37% were personally infected with the virus. Conclusion Most surgical residencies were greatly affected by the pandemic, and residents had an important decrease in surgical training. Educational activities were successfully adapted to online modalities, but the residency programs should search for ways of trying to compensate for the loss of practical activities.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Patient’s Decision about Bariatric Surgery: Results of a National Survey

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57080756 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (8) ◽

pp. 756

Author(s):

Maciej Walędziak ◽

Anna Różańska-Walędziak ◽

Paweł Bartnik ◽

Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik ◽

Andrzej Kwiatkowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bariatric Surgery ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Weight Loss Surgery ◽

General Information ◽

Open Questions ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Bariatric Patients ◽

The Moment ◽

The Impact

Background: the COVID-19 pandemic and the implemented restrictions have changed the functioning of healthcare systems worldwide. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of the present epidemiological situation on patients’ decisions about undergoing weight loss surgery. Methods: data were collected from 906 bariatric patients by the means of a national online survey, the majority of whom were women (87.9%). The survey started on 9 April 2020 and was open until 28 April 2020. The questionnaire included multiple choice and open questions, divided into three chapters: general information about the patient, life during the COVID-19 pandemic, and bariatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: despite the pandemic and the associated risk of COVID-19 infection, 443 responders (48.9%) would have decided to undergo bariatric surgery. Awareness of the negative impact of obesity on the course of COVID-19 illness had only marginable impact on patients’ decision-making (76.6% vs. 75.3%; p < 0.80). Contact with COVID-19 prior to the survey had a negative impact on the willingness to undergo bariatric surgery (3.0% vs. 4.4%; p < 0.55). There was a positive correlation between the BMI and preference for bariatric surgery in the time of the pandemic (37.4 ± 9.0 vs. 34.9 ± 8.7; p < 0.001). Conclusions: the level of awareness about the advantages of operative treatment of obesity is high among bariatric patients. The majority of patients awaiting bariatric surgery at the moment of the survey were positive about undergoing bariatric surgery despite the increased risk of a serious course of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, a large proportion of patients was determined to have bariatric treatment even during the pandemic, being aware of the increased risk of worse pace of COVID-19 disease in case of obesity and related diseases.

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Day-Care Standards: Need and Impact

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.91.1.234 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 91 (1) ◽

pp. 234-236

Author(s):

Sue Bredekamp

Keyword(s):

Health And Safety ◽

Point Of View ◽

Professional Organization ◽

Accreditation System ◽

Safety Standards ◽

System 2 ◽

Quality Programs ◽

Eligibility Requirements ◽

The Impact ◽

Licensing Standards

Any discussion of standards, no matter how brief, must first acknowledge that there are different types of standards established for different purposes. As the director of the national voluntary accreditation system for child care centers and schools established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), I am most familiar with the need and impact of accreditation standards, which are, by definition, standards for distinguishing high-quality programs established by a professional organization. In any case the implementation of a national accreditation system is heavily influenced by local and state licensing standards, which are mandatory government regulations that establish a baseline of protection. Accreditation and licensing standards are both influenced by model standards such as the health and safety standards of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association.1 These standards establish a model, based on the best professional evidence, that serves as a reference for the other two systems but does not carry an enforcement system of its own. This paper will discuss the need for and impact of all three types of standards from the point of view of my experience in operating NAEYC's accreditation system.2 Because our accreditation process is nationally administered, we have the opportunity to observe the impact of diverse licensing standards on quality. In order to maintain accessibility we have relatively few eligibility requirements, and because we do not require 100% compliance with our criteria, we also have the opportunity to observe the interrelationships among standards and other effects. One caveat must be offered at the outset.

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic adults – a survey

Advances in Autism ◽

10.1108/aia-10-2020-0057 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Conor James Davidson ◽

Keri Lodge ◽

Alwyn Kam

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Design Methodology ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Significant Deterioration ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Autistic People ◽

Autistic Adults ◽

The Impact

Purpose To date there has been limited research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic people. This study aims to present the results of a survey of autistic people (n = 51) conducted by a UK specialist autism team. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey. Findings A total of 72% respondents reported either some or significant deterioration in mental health during the pandemic. The issues that caused most negative impact were uncertainty over what will happen next and disruption of normal routine. Respondents reported a variety of coping strategies to help them through the pandemic. Originality/value To date there has been little research looking specifically at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic people. This paper adds weight to the evidence that the pandemic has had a particularly severe impact on autistic adults and includes useful information on potential coping strategies for this population.

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ENERGY IN A MODEL OF FIRM ENTRY

Macroeconomic Dynamics ◽

10.1017/s1365100518000159 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 24 (2) ◽

pp. 231-254

Author(s):

Soma Patra

Keyword(s):

Negative Impact ◽

The United States ◽

Energy Price ◽

Firm Entry ◽

Energy Prices ◽

Dsge Model ◽

Price Shocks ◽

Firm Level ◽

Dynamic Stochastic ◽

The Impact

Nine out of the last ten recessions in the United States have been preceded by an increase in the price of oil as noted by Hamilton [Palgrave Dictionary of Economics]. Given the small share of energy in gross domestic product this phenomenon is difficult to explain using standard models. In this paper, I show that firm entry can be an important transmission and amplifying channel for energy price shocks. The results from the baseline dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model predict a drop in output that is two times the impact in a model without entry. The model also predicts an increase in energy prices would lead to a decline in real wages, investment, consumption, and return on investment. Additionally, using US firm level data, I demonstrate that a rise in energy prices has a negative impact on firm entry as predicted by the DSGE model. This lends further support toward endogenizing firm entry when analyzing the effects of energy price shocks.

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Validating the technology-assisted supplemental work scale (TASW)

Corporate Ownership and Control ◽

10.22495/cocv12i2c4p7 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 475-481

Author(s):

Kajal Kotecha ◽

Wilfred Isioma Ukpere ◽

Madelyn Geldenhuys

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Working Hours ◽

Communication Technologies ◽

Research Approach ◽

Information Communication Technologies ◽

Information Communication ◽

The Impact

The traditional advantage of using Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enhance work flexibility also has a drawback of enabling academics to continue working even after regular working hours. This phenomenon has been referred to as technology-assisted supplemental work (TASW). Although TASW enhances academics’ work productively, they also have a negative impact on their family-life. The impact TASW has on academics and on higher education institutions can be understood by measuring the phenomenon properly by using a reliable and valid scale. The aim of this study is too validate a newly developed TASW scale by Fenner and Renn (2010). This study adopted a quantitative research approach and used an online survey to gather data. The sample included academic from a higher education in South Africa (n = 216). The results indicate that the TASW is a valid and reliable measure of technology among the sample of South African academics.

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