Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Durgesh Kumar Agrawal

COVID-19 pandemic endured for more than two years in many countries which caused higher levels of risk, crisis and vulnerability among people. The present study aims at justifying…

1327

Abstract

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic endured for more than two years in many countries which caused higher levels of risk, crisis and vulnerability among people. The present study aims at justifying the COVID-19 pandemic as the ‘defining moment’ for Z generational cohort (Gen Z) by examining their post-COVID-19 shopping behavioural shifts.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, two studies were conducted. Study 1 examined shifts in their shopping priorities from the pre to post-pandemic eras by using mean, standard deviation and difference t-tests. Study 2 investigated the role of the 18 items in their post-COVID-19 online shopping preference and the results were compared with a similar pre-COVID-19 study to identify online shopping behavioural shifts.

Findings

The study finds five key post-COVID-19 shopping behavioural shifts among Gen Z consumers. These are ‘an inevitable inner desire for mitigating social isolation, risk and vulnerability’, ‘rational purchase decisions based on an in-depth analysis of multiple digital contents related to products/brands’, ‘permanent frugality in the shopping habits’, ‘conscious and cautious consumption’ and ‘the sacrifice of personal grit, idealism and psychology’.

Practical implications

Since the post-COVID-19 shopping behavioural shifts have far-reaching implications and long-lasting effects on the psychological processes and mental health of Gen Z, marketers/retailers can use the findings of this study to develop more effective marketing strategies for serving these early-adulthood consumers better.

Originality/value

Based on their metamorphic shopping behavioural shifts by comparing their pre-pandemic and post-pandemic responses, the study justifies the severity and devastating effects of the pandemic crisis as the ‘defining moment’ for the youths of this COVID-19 generation.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 51 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2022

Michael Omotayo Alabi and Ojelanki Ngwenyama

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of the complex global food supply chains (GFSCs) which has drastically affected the essential flow of food from the farms and…

3712

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of the complex global food supply chains (GFSCs) which has drastically affected the essential flow of food from the farms and producers to the final consumers. The COVID-19 outbreak has served as a great lesson for the food businesses and companies to re-strategize toward the post-COVID-19 era. This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on food security and global food supply chains using the two countries (Canada and the United States) in North America as the case studies and provides appropriate strategy or framework to build smarter and resilience food supply chains for post-COVID-19 era.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a general review of the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on food security and disruptions of the GFSCs. This paper conducted a comprehensive literature review to have a complete understanding of the study, identify the research problem and missing gaps in literature and to formulate appropriate research questions. This study uses two countries from North America (Canada and the US) as case studies by analyzing the available open data from Statistics Canada and some recent studies conducted on food insecurity in the US. Finally, based on the findings, a proposed approach or framework was presented.

Findings

The findings from this study establishes that COVID-19 pandemic has greater impacts on the food security and GFSC due to disruption of the food supply chain leading to increase food insecurity in Canada and the US. The findings clearly show how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the GFSC in the following ways – poor economy, shortage of farm worker, limitation to food accessibility, restriction in the transportation of farm commodities, changes in demand of consumers, shutdown of food production facilities, uncertainty of food quality and safety, food trade policies restriction, delays in transportation of food products, etc. The main findings of this study show that food and beverages sector needs to re-strategize, re-shape and re-design their food supply chains with post-COVID-19 resilience approach in mind. As a result, this study presents a proposed approach or framework to build a smarter and resilience GFSCs in the post-COVID-19 era. The findings in this study highlights the way the proposed framework provide solutions to the identified problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic in affecting the GFSC.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study towards the existing body of knowledge in food security and GFSC is in the form of a proposed approach or framework for building smarter and resilience GFSC that would assist the key players in the food industry to respond better and faster to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including post-COVID-19 era.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 January 2023

Shafqat Ullah, Zhu Jianjun, Khizar Hayat, Dario Natale Palmucci and Pavol Durana

Open innovation has attracted the attention of experts and business entities for the sustainable survivability of firms, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. The food and beverage…

Abstract

Purpose

Open innovation has attracted the attention of experts and business entities for the sustainable survivability of firms, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. The food and beverage industry has been facing sustainable survivability problems. It is important to identify and evaluate the factors of open innovation from the perspectives of the food and beverage industry. This study serves that purpose by identifying and evaluating the factors of open innovation in the post-COVID-19 era with a special reference to Pakistan's economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study integrates the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM), Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) and Matrice d’ Impacts Croises Multiplication Applique a Classement (MICMAC) methods to analyze the factors involved in the adoption of open innovation in the food and beverage industry in Pakistan. Firstly, based on an extensive literature review of the most relevant studies, the factors affecting open innovation have been identified and finalized using FDM and experts' opinions. Secondly, the hierarchical framework has also been prepared by implementing the ISM approach. Thirdly, the MICMAC approach was employed to evaluate the factors to examine the driving and dependence powers of the factors of open innovation adoption.

Findings

The study identified 17 factors of open innovation adoption in Pakistan's food and beverage industry and 16 factors were finalized using FDM. The ISM-MICMAC matrix unveiled that awareness seminars and training, along with a lack of executive commitments, were strong factors with high driving power, but these factors proved to be weakly dependent powers regarding the other factors. Moreover, a lack of innovation strategy, R&D and non-supportive organizational culture exhibited low driving power but strong dependent power.

Practical implications

The findings of the study could help firms and business entities understand the driving and dependent factors involved in open innovation for the sustainable survivability of the food and beverage industry. The study provides strong reasons to believe that an open innovation strategy, along with stakeholder collaboration, the adoption of rules and regulations and managerial commitment, could stimulate open innovation. Moreover, governments should promote the business sector, especially the food and beverage industry, to facilitate the sector while also providing awareness seminars and training, creating environments conducive to reducing innovation costs.

Originality/value

Some previous studies have analyzed the factors involved in green innovation from the perspective of the manufacturing industry and environmental protection. The present study is a pioneer study to examine the factors involved in the adoption of open innovation in the food and beverage industry in Pakistan from the perspective of the post-COVID-19 era. For this purpose, the present study uses an integrated Fuzzy Delphi-ISM-MICMAC approach for the analysis.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Eli Sumarliah and Belal Al-hakeem

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and green entrepreneurial preference (GEP) have gained increasing attention from academicians; however, their impacts on…

Abstract

Purpose

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and green entrepreneurial preference (GEP) have gained increasing attention from academicians; however, their impacts on business' competitive performance (BCP) post-coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) remain unclear. Although SSCM is vital for supporting BCP, the previous publications indicate the absence of significant relationships among GEP, SSCM and BCP. This study tries to fill this literature gap by investigating if GEP and SSCM can shape BCP. This study also suggests the moderation effect of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics (AIBD) on those relationships from a COVID-19 viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 245 Halal food firms in Yemen, and the research framework was assessed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The empirical findings show that there are significant impacts of GEP on SSCM and subsequently on BCP. The findings also reveal that SSCM practice mediates GEP-BCP link. Besides, digital innovations such as AIBD positively moderate the link of GEP-SSCM.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt that advises Halal food firms to formally adopt GEP, SSCM and digital innovations to boost BCP, especially in uncertain times like post-COVID-19. Unlike earlier studies that observe SSCM usage as a direct predictor of firm performance, this study delivers an innovative insight that digital innovations can assist in GEP and SSCM incorporation in the in-house operations of the firms post-COVID-19.

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2023

Tam Bui Thi and Quyen Le Mai

This study aims to examine the effect of job insecurity and perceived work-social support on career optimism, organizational commitment and turnover intention in the hospitality…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of job insecurity and perceived work-social support on career optimism, organizational commitment and turnover intention in the hospitality industry in the post-COVID era.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was via an online survey of 428 hotel staff. Structural equation modeling techniques support the research model and hypothesis testing.

Findings

This study reveals that the perception of job insecurity has a strong effect on turnover intention but no significant influence on career optimism and organizational commitment. Perceived work social support plays a vital role in employees’ coping strategies in difficult work circumstances. It has positive effects on career optimism and organizational commitment.

Originality/value

The study is considered timely in verifying how the perception of job insecurity and work social support influence hospitality employees’ career optimism, organizational commitment and turnover intention as we transition to the post-pandemic era. The findings enrich the literature on job insecurity and career management through a crisis.

目的

本研究旨在研究后COVID-19时期工作不稳定(JI)和工作支持(PS)的认识对酒店业职业乐观OP)、组织承诺(OC)与离职意向(TI)的影响。

设计

数据是通过对428名酒店员工进行在线调查收集的。结构方程模型分析技术用于检验模型及研究假设。

结果

本研究表明JI的认识对TI的影响具有统计意义, 但对OP和OC并没有显著影响。PS的认识对员工在困难工作环境中的应付策略起着重要作用。PS对员工的OP及OC有着积极的影响。

原创性

该研究可以说是非常及时地阐明了JI和PS的认识对后疫情时期的酒店业员工的OP、OC与TI的影响。研究结果有助于丰富人们对危机中的JI以及职业管理的知识。

Propósito

Este estudio examina el efecto de la inseguridad laboral y el apoyo social percibido en el trabajo sobre el optimismo profesional, compromiso organizativo y la intención de rotación en la industria hotelera en la era post-COVID.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

La recogida de datos se realizó mediante una encuesta en línea a 428 empleados de hostelería. El modelo de investigación y la comprobación de hipótesis se ha realizado mediante la modelización de ecuaciones estructurales.

Conclusiones

Este estudio revela que la percepción de inseguridad laboral tiene un fuerte efecto en la intención de rotación, pero no influye significativamente en el optimismo profesional y el compromiso organizativo. El apoyo social percibido en el trabajo desempeña un papel vital en las estrategias de afrontamiento de los empleados en circunstancias laborales difíciles. Tiene efectos positivos sobre el optimismo profesional y el compromiso organizativo.

Originalidad/valor

El estudio se considera oportuno para verificar cómo la percepción de la inseguridad laboral y el apoyo social en el trabajo influyen en el optimismo profesional, el compromiso organizativo y la intención de cambio de los empleados de hostelería en la transición a la era pospandémica. Los resultados enriquecen la literatura sobre la inseguridad laboral y la gestión de la carrera profesional en situaciones de crisis.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 June 2022

Deepak Ram Asokan, Fahian Anisul Huq, Christopher M. Smith and Mark Stevenson

As focal firms in supply networks reflect on their experiences of the pandemic and begin to rethink their operations and supply chains, there is a significant opportunity to…

7290

Abstract

Purpose

As focal firms in supply networks reflect on their experiences of the pandemic and begin to rethink their operations and supply chains, there is a significant opportunity to leverage digital technological advances to enhance socially responsible operations performance (SROP). This paper develops a novel framework for exploring the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies for improving SROP. It highlights current best-practice examples and presents future research pathways.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint paper argues how Industry 4.0 technology adoption can enable effective SROP in the post-COVID-19 era. Academic articles, relevant grey literature, and insights from industry experts are used to support the development of the framework.

Findings

Seven technologies are identified that bring transformational capabilities to SROP, i.e. big data analytics, digital twins, augmented reality, blockchain, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. It is demonstrated how these technologies can help to improve three sub-themes of organisational social performance (employment practices, health and safety, and business practices) and three sub-themes of community social performance (quality of life and social welfare, social governance, and economic welfare and growth).

Research limitations/implications

A research agenda is outlined at the intersection of Industry 4.0 and SROP through the six sub-themes of organisational and community social performance. Further, these are connected through three overarching research agendas: “Trust through Technology”, “Responsible Relationships” and “Freedom through Flexibility”.

Practical implications

Organisational agendas for Industry 4.0 and social responsibility can be complementary. The framework provides insights into how Industry 4.0 technologies can help firms achieve long-term post-COVID-19 recovery, with an emphasis on SROP. This can offer firms competitive advantage in the “new normal” by helping them build back better.

Social implications

People and communities should be at the heart of decisions about rethinking operations and supply chains. This paper expresses a view on what it entails for organisations to be responsible for the supply chain-wide social wellbeing of employees and the wider community they operate in, and how they can use technology to embed social responsibility in their operations and supply chains.

Originality/value

Contributes to the limited understanding of how Industry 4.0 technologies can lead to socially responsible transformations. A novel framework integrating SROP and Industry 4.0 is presented.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 42 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2023

Adesola Victoria Alade, Alexis Isioma Ureki and Clement Ola Adekoya

Year 2020 recorded an unprecedented bewilderment of the world with novel COVID-19, thereby threatening global food security. As such, there is need for academic libraries in…

Abstract

Purpose

Year 2020 recorded an unprecedented bewilderment of the world with novel COVID-19, thereby threatening global food security. As such, there is need for academic libraries in Nigeria to provide information regarding food security to users to ensure post-COVID-19 food security. This study, therefore, aims to reflect on the role of academic libraries in facilitating post-COVID-19 food security in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive research design of survey type was used for the study. Librarians and library officers in academic libraries in south-west Nigeria were considered for the study. Self-structured online questionnaire was sent to the respondents via social media. The data generated were analysed using frequency count and simple percentage.

Findings

It was found that academic libraries performed significant role during the COVID-19 period by disseminating online information on preventive measures, and supporting research team with information on the pandemic. The study further found that the services of academic libraries are strongly required in facilitating post-COVID-19 food security, even in the face of some challenges.

Practical implications

In the face of the looming COVID-19-induced food shortage, it becomes evident that academic libraries have to support individuals, farmers, research teams and organisations with information and information resources that can help in accomplishing global food security.

Social implications

Failure of academic libraries to offer the required support in terms of provision of necessary information resources on agriculture may make the attainment of COVID-19 food security difficult.

Originality/value

Ensuring post-COVID-19 food security is an issue of global concern. This study encourages academic libraries to expedite action to contribute towards ensuring post-COVID-19 global food security.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 51 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2022

Piyal Sarkar, Mohamed Wahab Mohamed Ismail and Timur Tkachev

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all business sectors have critical needs. They face multiple challenges to restructuring their operations to build a resilient, cost-effective…

1916

Abstract

Purpose

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all business sectors have critical needs. They face multiple challenges to restructuring their operations to build a resilient, cost-effective and sustainable supply chain. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the practice and the research gaps related to supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

This research paper is influenced by a literature review of the past decade. This review paper incorporates industry challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including future steps toward developing resilient supply chains in the new normal economy. The research provides a detailed framework for designing cost-effective survivable supply chains that withstand disruptions for the long term.

Findings

The proposed research focuses on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains and attempts to bridge pre and post COVID-19 research and practice gaps. Post-COVID-19 resilient supply chains need to be transformed into survivable supply chains. The survivability of the supply chain can be achieved by combining both supply chain resilience and supply chain viability measures. To the best of the authors’ belief, this is the first study that grounds a theory to provide interconnection of five critical supply chain concepts to manage supply chain risk. This study is uniquely positioned to develop a theoretical framework to design a cost-effective, resilient and sustainable supply chain by establishing the interconnection among these concepts in supply chains. This framework helps practitioners to implement the key strategies at the operational, tactical and strategic levels that enhance maturity in supply chains.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are based on secondary reports such as industry reports, cases, research papers and expert opinions. The authors tried to consult with many companies. However, they were reluctant to share the recovery plan information from COVID. Also, as COVID still exists in many places in Canada, the authors could not gather every intended information from the companies. However, the authors have successfully shared the outcomes of this research with a reputed retail company in Canada. They recognized the importance of survivability in supply chains. Going forward, business organizations need to design cost-effective, sustainable and survivable supply chains.

Originality/value

The study attempts to unify current research dealing with supply chain resilience. The study concludes with the limitations of the current research. It highlights the prospects of future research and bridges the supply chain practice gaps from the challenges faced by industries due to COVID-19. The study contributes to the literature by identifying gaps to bridge the supply chain practice and reiterating new research directions to develop a cost-effective, survivable and sustainable supply chain.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Shaolong Sun, Fuxin Jiang, Gengzhong Feng, Shouyang Wang and Chengyuan Zhang

The purpose of this study is to provide better service to hotel customers during the COVID-19 era. Specifically, this study focuses on understanding the changes in hotel customer…

3648

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide better service to hotel customers during the COVID-19 era. Specifically, this study focuses on understanding the changes in hotel customer satisfaction during the epidemic and formulating effective marketing strategies to satisfy and attract guests.

Design/methodology/approach

As the first victim of the COVID-19 virus, China’s hotel industry has been profoundly affected and customer satisfaction and needs have also changed. Taking 105,635 hotel reviews obtained from Tripadvisor.com in Beijing and Shanghai as samples, this study explores the changes in consumer satisfaction by using text-mining methods.

Findings

The results suggest that there are significant differences in overall ratings, spatial distribution and ratings of different traveller types before and after the epidemic. Generally, customers have higher “tolerance” and are more inclined to give higher ratings and pay more attention to hotel prevention and control measures to reduce health risks after the COVID-19.

Research limitations/implications

This paper proves the changes in customer satisfaction before and after the COVID-19 at the theoretical level and reveals the changes in customer attention through the topic model and provides a basis for guiding hotel managers to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Practical implications

Empirical findings would provide useful insights into tourism management and improve hotel service quality during the COVID-19 epidemic era.

Originality/value

This research explores the hotel customer satisfaction in the field of hotel management before COVID-19 and after COVID-19, by using text mining to analyse mandarin online reviews. The results of this study will suggest that the hotel industry should continuously adjust its products and services based on the effective information obtained from customer reviews, so as to realize the activation and revitalization of the hotel industry in the epidemic era.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

Laura Zapata, Gerardo Ibarra and Pierre-Henri Blancher

New ways of working have rapidly increased in organizations, promising employees a better control over their work time, space, and more autonomy. The present study analyzes the…

Abstract

Purpose

New ways of working have rapidly increased in organizations, promising employees a better control over their work time, space, and more autonomy. The present study analyzes the relationship between new ways of working and employee engagement and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to evaluate organizational practices developed based on flexible schemes and the relevance of employee engagement for better productivity based on digital tools. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

New ways of work requires an integration of workspaces' design, social interaction, and individual wellness. Organizations need to recognize how employees' trust, commitment, and passion are fundamental to face current and future changes. Flexibility in time and space and digital tools for work are critical.

Practical implications

A personalization of organizational practices to support individual well-being and flexible and hybrid schemes of work are needed. Developing policies collaboratively to work together respectfully in a hybrid environment is necessary.

Social implications

Hybrid work format is allowing women to balance career and childcare, reducing the wage gap with men. The green imperative has also played a role reducing the amount of carbon monoxide produced via commuter.

Originality/value

The present study exposes how organizational practices must ensure employee well-being and autonomy to perform their tasks. In this regard, employees need to be recognized as individuals, physically and mentally. Attempting to force a one-size-fit-all solution can have detrimental effects on the workforce, particularly on women, people of lower socioeconomic status, and people in less advanced economies. Personalization requests empowerment and democratization at work.

Details

Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2051-6614

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000