Adaptive practices in SMEs: leveraging dynamic capabilities for strategic adaptation

PurposeA global pandemic, broken supply chains, workforce constraints, technological advancements in artificial intelligence, etc. illustrate the continual threats that SMEs face. Extending the dynamic capability concepts of sensing, seizing and transforming, this research investigates practices by which SMEs successfully adapt over time.Design/methodology/approachA comparative case study method was employed using a purposive sample of SMEs, consisting of three American firms and one Canadian firm.FindingsThree sets of organizational practices, termed adaptive practices, that underlie dynamic capabilities for successful adaptation were identified: (1) continuous learning and process improvement, (2) leveraging reciprocal relationships and (3) communicating effectively.Research limitations/implicationsThe selected cases are from two countries in North America. Using a qualitative, inductive process, the authors are able to identify patterns of actions within various organizations; however, they are not able to establish causality.Practical implicationsThis study provides practical guidance for leaders to take action to improve their SME's dynamic capabilities for adaptation through creating coherent bundles of specified adaptive practices.Social implicationsBetter understanding of how SMEs successfully adapt to high uncertainty and business viability threats can result in multidimensional (e.g. financial, emotional) and multi-level (individual, family, community), positive outcomes for societal stakeholders.Originality/valueThe findings of this study build on the literature of dynamic capabilities and organizational practices and provide a practical foundation for effective adaptation, labeled as adaptive practices.

Mobiluncus curtisii Bacteremia: Case Study and Literature Review

Background: There are few reports of bacteremia caused by Mobiluncus curtisii in the literature. We present a review of the literature in addition to a case study. Method: We describe the case of an 82-year-old patient who underwent gastrointestinal surgery and subsequently presented with dehydration, nausea, and hyperkalemia secondary to diarrhea. Further clinical work included blood cultures, and the patient was started empirically on piperacillin/tazobactam. Results: After five days, the blood culture bottle showed growth of a gram-variable, curved rod-shaped organism. After culture under anaerobic conditions on sheep blood agar, the organism was identified as Mobiluncus curtisii by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and enzymatic technology. A review of the literature reveals five additional cases of Mobiluncus curtisii bacteremia. Conclusions: This is the sixth case in the literature describing Mobiluncus species bacteremia. This organism is rarely identified in blood culture and is most often thought of in the context of bacterial vaginosis. However, the reported cases of bacteremia show gastrointestinal symptoms and presumed gastrointestinal source of infection. The pathogenesis of infection of this organism requires further investigation.

Analysis of the Evolution of E-Business in the Channel Enhancement Stage in Retail Companies in Indonesia (Case study at PT Indomarco Prismatama (Indomaret))

This study aims to find out how the evolution of e-business in the Channel Enhancement stage occurred in one of the largest retail companies in Indonesia. The sample of this research is PT Indomarco Prismatama (Indomaret). In this study, using a case study method with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were carried out using literature studies, observation and documentation studies. The results of this study indicate that the company PT Indomarco Prismatama or Indomaret has optimally utilized the development of information technology by implementing it into a website and digital application. Thus, the company has entered and implemented the Channel Enhancement evolution stage to the maximum extent.

Design Thinking to Reinvent Values in a Business Model: a 4-Step Approach Using Ideation Virtual Tools

The purpose of this paper is to create and test design thinking approach sequence, to redefine the value proposition. This paper suggests a 4-step systematic design thinking approach sequence to reinvent values in a business model, which was researched by a case study method. Based on the idea management approach the authors describe idea generation and evaluation processes by applying the design thinking approach and their possible moderation elements. Originality/value: a created approach could be applied by the organisations that would like to create new values or reinvent the existing ones in their business models value propositions.

What contributes to auditee satisfaction in external ISO 9001 audits?

PurposeThis study aims to explore factors that contribute to auditee satisfaction in external audit fieldwork of ISO 9001, and relationships between these factors.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose is addressed through a single case study and based upon data collected by a questionnaire. Data were analysed using probabilistic graphical models.FindingsAn auditor's knowledge of operations is shown to be the single most important factor contributing to auditee satisfaction in the study. Furthermore, establishing a co-operative audit atmosphere and focussing on business improvements support the co-creation of value in the interaction between auditor and auditee, while a focus on ISO compliance appears to be more of a hygiene factor.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is based on a study of one company and its interactions with one of the certification bodies for external auditing. Hence, the generalisability of the findings is limited by the case study method.Practical implicationsThis paper identifies that an auditor's knowledge of operations and a focus on improvements and co-creation of value can improve auditee satisfaction and appreciation of the audit process.Originality/valuePrevious research has concluded that audit fieldwork is a key attribute associated with auditee satisfaction. This paper adds to this body of knowledge by empirically examining the specific factors within audit fieldwork that contribute to auditee satisfaction and focuses on value-creation in the audit process. By understanding these factors and moving towards a service perspective on audits with value co-creation as focus, it is possible to enhance the value of external audits.

Buyer–Supplier Role in Improving Ergonomics in Garment Supplier Factories: Empirical Evidence from the Garment Industry of Bangladesh

Ergonomics is a key concern of garment suppliers to improve their workers’ well-being and efficiency. However, suppliers’ isolated initiatives are not sufficient to improve ergonomics conditions. Thus, buyers’ cooperation and collaboration with suppliers are necessary to make the ergonomic initiatives successful and sustainable. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of buyer-assisted ergonomics intervention on suppliers’ performance and the role of buyers’ assistance and suppliers’ initiatives for improving ergonomics conditions in garment supplier factories. Following a qualitative research approach and multiple embedded case study method, this study intervened in supplier factories and collected qualitative and quantitative data from one Danish buyer and their four key suppliers on ergonomics and the role of buyers and suppliers in improving ergonomics conditions. Collected data were analysed by employing both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. This study demonstrates that buyer-assisted ergonomics intervention on the shop floor can improve ergonomics conditions in garment supplier factories. This study also shows that improving ergonomics in supplier factories need joint efforts of buyers and suppliers. The findings of this study will enrich the literature on ergonomics, sustainability, and buyer–supplier relationships by demonstrating how garment suppliers in developing countries can improve ergonomics to meet the expectations of lead buyers and their workers. This is a unique research attempt to understand ergonomics from a buyer–supplier relationship perspective and its impact on the social sustainability of garment suppliers.

Towards Enhancing Migrant Social Entrepreneurship Through Social Capital in Durban, South Africa

This chapter interrogates the notion of social capital and its potential impact on enhancing or undermining the socio-economic efforts by migrants in Durban, South Africa. Tshishonga argues that it is through entrepreneurship that entrepreneurs transform their innovative and creative ideas into business enterprises and job creation. This chapter is concerned about migrant social entrepreneurial endevours as a source of livelihoods within the informal economic sector. Informal businesses initiated by migrants have proven to be successful and sustainable compared to that of the locals. Despite the challenges faced by migrant entrepreneurs such as financial deficit, xenophobia, anti-foreign policies, victimization, violence, and harassment absence of police protection, etc., these enterprises thrive. This chapter employs a case study method where 15 African immigrant entrepreneurs were targeted to determine how social capital is used to expand and sustain their businesses.

Views of Academic Staff About the Assessment Processes of Online Courses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to determine views of academic staff about the assessment processes of online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the study, the case study method, one of qualitative research methods, was used. The participants of the study were 42 academic staff teaching in six faculties from nine universities in Turkey. The research data were collected using the semi-structured interview method, and content analysis was conducted on the collected data. According to the research results, most of the participants used more than one method for assessment, and the most common methods were homework, tests with multiple choice questions, tests with open-ended questions, projects, and reports. It was found that the most important problem reported by the participants in relation to assessment was the cheating done by students in online exams. In line with the opinions at the end of the research, suggestions were put forward regarding the academic staff's assessment processes of online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learner Perception of Using Case Study Method as a Teaching Method in Higher Education

The aim of the study is to explore learners' perception of case study method within the context of a Degree in Infant Education. The research is carried out at Salamanca University during the academic year 2017-2018. In order to achieve the goal of the research, a quantitative study is employed. The sample of the research is composed of 77 learners enrolled in the compulsory subject School Organization. To operationalize the variables and collect data researchers use a questionnaire. Analyzing the results, it is highlighted that most learners emphasize the benefits of case study method to be involved in the real context of a classroom setting, and to contribute to the development of different skills such as communication, problem solving, decision-making, organizing and planning, analytical thinking, conflict resolution, negotiation, coordination, cooperation, flexibility, tolerance, and respect. They state that it is a fantastic experience to put into practice the knowledge previously acquired. This research points out how the case study method maximizes the learning experience.