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Article
Publication date: 21 October 2021

Mian M. Ajmal, Mehmood Khan, Muhammad Kashif Shad, Haseena AlKatheeri and Fauzia Jabeen

This paper reports an empirical examination of the societal, financial and technology-related challenges amid the ongoing pandemic (COVID-19) in the service supply chain network.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper reports an empirical examination of the societal, financial and technology-related challenges amid the ongoing pandemic (COVID-19) in the service supply chain network.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of qualitative approach (for items generation pertinent to the constructs involved) and quantitative approach (self-administered questionnaires from the top and middle management of the sampled companies) was used for data collection. In total, 272 complete responses were received and analyzed through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results provided empirical evidence that social and physical distancing, travel restrictions, work from home and lockdown practices have two conflicting effects: On one hand, these practices have contributed to the reduction of economic activities, including the low economic outlook, low productivity, high unemployment, poverty, fall in customer demands, dissatisfaction and mental health, that ultimately impacts rise financial and societal issues. On the other hand, the results revealed an insignificant influence of COVID-19 on creating technology-related challenges in the service sector. It shows that the organizations are doing well in combating the technology-related challenges amidst the current pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

Findings of the inquiry recommend implications for the services industry to harmonize a comprehensive strategy and revisit the global norms in sustainable supply chain management activities that have been the backdrop in their operations for a long time.

Practical implications

Findings of the inquiry recommend implications for the services industry to harmonize a comprehensive strategy and revisit the global norms in supply chain management activities that have been the backdrop in their operations for a long time.

Originality/value

Prior studies in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak and its implications have given more attention to the exploratory and theoretical discussion than to empirical evidence. This paper contributes to filling this knowledge gap by empirically exploring the societal, financial and technology-related challenges created by COVID-19. The analysis in this paper covers three dimensions of the PEST model, namely economic, societal and technological factors. This study also helps in laying out a platform for investigating the PEST (political, economic, social and technological) model for guiding the services industry in strategic decision-making in a new era due to COVID-19.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 November 2022

Inimbom Walter Isang and David Ojimaojo Ebiloma

Covid-19 pandemic have raised serious health concerns, work disruptions and job loss. Thus, Nigeria’s Covid-19 challenges can hinder project performance in the construction…

2758

Abstract

Purpose

Covid-19 pandemic have raised serious health concerns, work disruptions and job loss. Thus, Nigeria’s Covid-19 challenges can hinder project performance in the construction sector. By integrating the principle of sustainable construction, it can minimise the environmental and socio-economic impact of Covid-19. This research therefore aims at developing strategies to achieve sustainable project performance in the post-Covid era in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research method was used. Data was collected from 13 stakeholders in the built environment. Percentages and thematic analysis were used to analyse data from the interviews.

Findings

The study reveals that stakeholders are encountering operational and financial challenges: Increased price of materials, labour and material shortage and project delays were key operational challenges. The financial challenges were related to increased construction cost, reduced profit and payment delays. To address these challenges, the study developed managerial, contractual and governmental strategies: Market survey and bulk purchase, remote working and adherence to Covid-19 protocols were among the key managerial strategies. For the contractual strategies: contracts reviews, smart contracts, working overtime and night shift were developed, while governmental strategies included provision of funds, loans and incentives for workers.

Originality/value

The study deduced that while environmental sustainability was employed to address the Covid-19 challenges, the economic and social aspects were found to be under-utilized. Therefore, the study concluded that a holistic application of environmental, economic and social sustainability themes while incorporating managerial, contractual and governmental strategies is significant for achieving sustainable project performance in the post-Covid era in Nigeria.

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2022

Subhash C. Kundu, Prerna Tuteja and Purnima Chahar

The paper focuses on examining the relationship between challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic and employees' stress through the mediating role of family-life disturbance and…

1194

Abstract

Purpose

The paper focuses on examining the relationship between challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic and employees' stress through the mediating role of family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 1,556 respondents from 45 countries across all continents were included in this survey. Statistical techniques such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlations, multiple regression and bootstrapping were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results depicted that COVID-19 challenges induced stress among employees. In combination with this, family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance mediated the relationship between COVID-19 challenges and employees' stress individually as well as serially. The paper further suggests some recommendations to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 challenges on employees' stress.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the study was in the data collection process. As the data were collected during the time period of pandemic, so, limited respondents were approached. Also, the international and cross-sectional design of the study can limit the applicability of the results.

Practical implications

The study suggests organizations and HR managers to help in balancing family and work-life of employees, so that their mind can be kept stress free.

Originality/value

The study has added knowledge to the existing literature of stress created due to the COVID-19 pandemic by explaining the serial mediation of family-life disturbance and work-life imbalance between the relationship of COVID-19 challenges and employees' stress.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 44 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Daiga Kalniņa, Dita Nīmante, Sanita Baranova and Alise Oļesika

Covid-19 forced the entire global education system to adapt to the new circumstances. This chapter continues the worldwide discussion on how student learning on courses and…

Abstract

Covid-19 forced the entire global education system to adapt to the new circumstances. This chapter continues the worldwide discussion on how student learning on courses and programs that were moved partially online due to remote teaching and learning in higher education institutions (HEI) during the Covid-19 pandemic was assured and what opportunities this has brought to higher education. Although there is a tendency in the theoretical literature to focus on the problems, difficulties, and challenges associated with the transition to remote learning in higher education during the pandemic, this study suggests that, contrary to the common belief, students actually identify a great number of positive issues associated with remote learning. The findings of this study highlight that students see both personal benefits and challenges in remote learning. Overall, students are satisfied with the quality of the remote teaching and learning process, and students’ positive assessment of the quality of their studies’ organization increased with age. Stability and routine were important for the students in the study process. These ensure that the study process continues uninterrupted and thus that results can be achieved. The results of this study bring us to the conclusion that the Covid-19 pandemic could be used to speed up changes in HEIs around the globe to find better and more student-centered and innovative solutions in teaching and learning in the future.

Details

Moving Higher Education Beyond Covid-19: Innovative and Technology-Enhanced Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-518-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 February 2023

Yi Tong Kum, Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap, Yoke-Lian Lew and Wah Peng Lee

This study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural…

334

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate technology-based health and safety (H&S) management to control the spread of disease on construction sites using a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review is conducted to develop a conceptual framework. The variables identified from the literature review are included in a cross-sectional survey which gathered a total of 203 valid feedback. The variables for challenges are grouped under their relevant construct using exploratory factor analysis. Then, a hypothesized model is developed for PLS-SEM analysis using Smart PLS software. Later, the outcome of the model is further validated by nine construction experts using a semi-structured questionnaire survey.

Findings

The results rationalized the relationships between the COVID-19 H&S measures, challenges in implementing COVID-19 H&S measures on construction sites and the innovative technologies in transforming construction H&S management during the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible challenges that obstruct the implementation of H&S measures are highlighted. The potential technologies which can significantly transform H&S management by reducing the impact of challenges are presented.

Practical implications

The findings benefited the industry practitioners who are suffering disruption in construction operations due to the pneumonic plague.

Originality/value

By developing a conceptual model, this study reveals the contribution of technology-based H&S management for construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, which remains under-studied, especially in the context of the developing world.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Radka MacGregor Pelikanova, Eva Daniela Cvik and Robert Kenyon MacGregor

Emerging economies have to address positive challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, entrepreneurial readiness and planning and behavioral strategies and negative…

1012

Abstract

Purpose

Emerging economies have to address positive challenges such as sustainability, digitalization, entrepreneurial readiness and planning and behavioral strategies and negative challenges, such as corruption and bureaucracy. The COVID-19 pandemic hit all economies and arguably made hotel businesses that are from less typical emerging economies, such as the Czech Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to deal with similar challenges to that of their counterparts from typical emerging economies. How do Czech hotel SMEs address the COVID-19 challenges and what sustainability message can be extracted from that with the relevance for not only businesses from emerging economies? The purpose of this paper is to explore how Czech hotel SMEs address the COVID-19 challenges and what sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A consolidated parsing of the literature, legislative and analytical framework, along with an investigative case study of 11 Czech hotel SMEs was performed, based on the questionnaire survey and semi-structured in-depth direct interviews. The holistic thematic analysis processed this fresh data and allowed Socratic questioning and glossing while addressing both research questions.

Findings

The performed case study reveals that typical challenges faced by entrepreneurs in emerging economies became, via COVID-19, universal challenges, these challenges are a valuable impulse for digitalization and changes of entrepreneurial strategies, but not so much for sustainability, and the omnipresent negative impact of corruption and bureaucracy.

Originality/value

This paper presents a pioneering study regarding the addressing COVID-19 and sustainability concerns by SMEs in a less typical emerging economy and offering a universal, partially comparative and sadly not so sustainable, message which is not just limited to emerging economies.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 3 March 2022

Mirhiga Peter Okuwhere and Andrew Ehiabhi Tafamel

This chapter theoretically examined coronavirus (COVID-19) and entrepreneurship in Africa. Also, the challenges and opportunities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) innovation…

Abstract

This chapter theoretically examined coronavirus (COVID-19) and entrepreneurship in Africa. Also, the challenges and opportunities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) innovation were assessed. The researchers adopted a qualitative method to review secondary data, information from previous kinds of literature including pertinent internet sources and working papers. Similarly, the chapter considered an innovative-based perspective of entrepreneurship and explicates the emerging opportunities created by COVID-19. The chapter also analyzed the COVID-19 and its effect on entrepreneurship in Africa by identifying and discussing existing challenges caused by the pandemic. Furthermore, some information about the nature of COVID-19 and its effects in Africa were adequately evaluated. Gleaned evidence from literature revealed that there is a possibility that the unpremeditated damage to entrepreneurship in Africa as caused by the COVID-19 could be persistent. The chapter also showed that the emergence of the COVID-19 has threatened the survival of businesses especially SMEs, thereby increasing the level of unemployment across the African continent and has generated critical challenges for entrepreneurship development. Finally, the chapter will add to the evolving challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Africa. However, entrepreneurs can build on the strengths of innovative activities to develop a survival mindset, develop financial resilience and adjust business archetypes to the realities of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 era which in the short and long term can accentuate entrepreneurship development within African continent.

Details

Entrepreneurship and Post-Pandemic Future
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-902-7

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2021

Matteo Molinari and Charl de Villiers

COVID-19 restrictions have severely impacted access to the traditional data and data sources used by qualitative researchers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changes…

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 restrictions have severely impacted access to the traditional data and data sources used by qualitative researchers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the corresponding challenges and opportunities of conducting qualitative research in accounting.

Design/methodology/approach

This study highlights the opportunities opened up by the way the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting qualitative accounting research, discussing the most common qualitative accounting research methods, practices and techniques used during the different phases of research.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping some of the traditional research methods, practices and techniques in qualitative accounting research. Particularly, academic researchers who are reluctant to use the new technologies need to adapt their research approach, deal with the new challenges and exploit the opportunities to conduct research in a COVID-19 environment. Some changes in research methods, practices and techniques will affect accounting research in the long term.

Research limitations/implications

This paper could be a valuable resource for qualitative accounting researchers.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to focus on the changes, challenges and opportunities for conducting qualitative accounting research in a COVID-19 setting. As such, this paper could be a valuable resource for different types of qualitative accounting researchers, specifically the discussion of ways to deal with the changes and challenges, as well as the opportunities, as summarised in the table.

Details

Pacific Accounting Review, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0114-0582

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2021

Patricia Omega Kukoyi, Fredrick Simpeh, Oluseyi Julius Adebowale and Justus Ngala Agumba

The novel COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk in construction operations. New systems are, thus, required on construction sites to mitigate the risk and challenges associated…

Abstract

Purpose

The novel COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk in construction operations. New systems are, thus, required on construction sites to mitigate the risk and challenges associated with the pandemic. This paper aims to determine construction organisations risk control systems and the challenges of implementing safety measures on construction sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants, who were administered open-ended questionnaires designed to gather qualitative data. The contents of the data were analysed, presented and reported based on the objectives of the study.

Findings

Some of the construction organisations conducted COVID-19 related risk assessments, whilst a few organisations did not conduct a risk assessment. Inspections to ensure COVID-19 compliance was done by government officials, health organisations and client’s health and safety officers. The construction organisations demonstrated considerable competence in record keeping and some organisations further evolved a follow-up plan for sick workers. The study found that some construction practitioners had misconceptions about the disease, used COVID-19 personal protective equipment incorrectly and lack adequate information about the virus. It is required that construction stakeholders evolve policies and strategies that would promote risk control and foster compliance to COVID-19 safety measures.

Originality/value

COVID-19 is still new, therefore, the body of knowledge is still at the infancy stage. This paper provided insight into the COVID-19 related risk and challenges that may increase the rate of virus infection amongst construction practitioners.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2021

Sanjoy Kumar Paul, Priyabrata Chowdhury, Md. Tarek Chowdhury, Ripon Kumar Chakrabortty and Md. Abdul Moktadir

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses numerous challenges to supply chains. This pandemic is quite unique when compared to previous epidemic disruptions…

1385

Abstract

Purpose

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses numerous challenges to supply chains. This pandemic is quite unique when compared to previous epidemic disruptions and has had a severe impact on supply chains. As a result, the operational challenges (OCs) caused by COVID-19 are still unknown among practitioners and academics. It is critical to comprehensively document current OCs so that firms can plan and implement strategies to overcome them. Consequently, this study systematically identifies and ranks COVID-19-related OCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an integrated methodology combining expert interviews and the best-worst method (BWM) to analyze the results. The data have been collected from the electronics industry of Bangladesh, an emerging economy. This study also conducts a sensitivity analysis to check the robustness of the results.

Findings

The results reveal 23 COVID-19-related OCs under five categories: sourcing, production and inventory management, demand management and distribution, return management and after-sales service, and supply chain-wide challenges. The quantitative investigation reveals that overstock in finished goods inventory, low end-customer demands, order cancellations from dealers and retailers, high inventory holding costs and lack of transportation are the top five OCs.

Practical implications

The findings will help practitioners to understand the OCs and allow them to prepare for future major disruptions and formulate long-term strategies for operations during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on supply chain complexity and challenges by considering a major pandemic outbreak. Moreover, the study also contributes to the knowledge on emerging economies, which have been largely neglected in the current literature.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 27000