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Objective: This study assessed predictors of stress, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic using a large number of demographic, COVID-19 context and psychological variables., Methods: Data from 741 adults were drawn from the Boston College daily sleep and well-being survey. Baseline demographics, the long version of the daily surveys and the round one assessment of the survey were utilized for the present study. A Gaussian graphical model (GGM) was estimated as a feature selection technique on a subset of ordinal/continuous variables. An ensemble Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithm was used for prediction., Results: GGM was found to be an efficient feature selection method and supported the findings derived from the RF machine learning model. Psychological variables were significant predictors of stress, anxiety and depression, while demographic and COVID-19-related factors had minimal predictive value. The outcome variables were mutually predictive of each other, and negative affect and subjective sleep quality were the common predictors of these outcomes of stress, anxiety, and depression., Conclusion: The study identifies risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes during the pandemic and informs interventions to mitigate the impact on mental health., (© 2024 British Psychological Society.)

Future global health security requires a health and care workforce (HCWF) that can respond effectively to health crises as well as to changing health needs with ageing populations, a rise in chronic conditions and growing inequality. COVID-19 has drawn attention to an impending HCWF crisis with a large projected shortfall in numbers against need. Addressing this requires countries to move beyond a focus on numbers of doctors, nurses and midwives to consider what kinds of healthcare workers can deliver the services needed; are more likely to stay in country, in rural and remote areas, and in health sector jobs; and what support they need to deliver high-quality services. In this paper, which draws on a Policy Brief prepared for the World Health Organization (WHO) Fifth Global Forum on Human Resources for Health, we review the global evidence on best practices in organising, training, deploying, and managing the HCWF to highlight areas for strategic investments. These include (1). Increasing HCWF diversity to improve the skill-mix and provide culturally competent care; (2). Introducing multidisciplinary teams in primary care; (3). Transforming health professional education with greater interprofessional education; (4). Re-thinking employment and deployment systems to address HCWF shortages; (5). Improving HCWF retention by supporting healthcare workers and addressing migration through destination country policies that limit draining resources from countries with greatest need. These approaches are departures from current norms and hold substantial potential for building a sustainable and responsive HCWF., (© 2024 The Authors. The International Journal of Health Planning and Management published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Problems: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have a notably poorer quality of life than the general population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the association between institutional support and family support on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with ASD during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2022 in a School for Special Needs in Malang City, East Java Province, Indonesia. The pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) and Institutional and Family Support questionnaire were used to measure the HRQoL and support perceived by parents of children with ASD. We analyzed each component of the PedsQL and the Institutional and Family Support questionnaire. The independent T-test was performed to analyze the association between HRQoL and perceived support by parents of children with ASD., Findings: The results showed that most participants (72.7%) were women aged 40. As many as 69.39% of participants had more than one child, and 16.33% declared they had other children who experienced the same problem (special needs children). This study indicated that the average health-related quality of life score in children with ASD was 57.41 (9.418). The finding of this study showed a significant mean difference in HRQoL scores in children with ASD who received high institutional and family support compared to those who had low (p = 0.028, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -11.071 to 0.664)., Conclusion: Institutional support positively impacts children with ASD's quality of life. Therefore, it is essential to improve the adequacy of support felt by families while caring for children with ASD., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The world has spent the first phase of the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which is powerful and invisible, threatening the lives of every person without discrimination, with the struggle in the field of health. The second stage, which we are still in, is the period in which the economic crisis that occurred as a result of the measures taken is tried to be overcome. The third stage is a new order that Covid-19 has begun to shape. The-sports world has been affected by the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the first two stages. It is clear, then, that it will be heavily affected by the third stage. The strategies it will have globally after the Covid-19 pandemic will determine the new role of sports in the global order. In this section, considering these three stages, the breaks, challenges and transformations that may take place in the world of sports after the Covid-19 pandemic are discussed and evaluated., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Introduction: Vaccines formed the core of Australia's National COVID-19 Plan in combination with other public health measures. Vaccine rates varied geographically, and lower uptake was seen in some regional and remote areas., Objective: Explore barriers and enablers to implementing COVID-19 vaccine programs and recommendations for improvement from a vaccine provider perspective in rural and regional Queensland (QLD)., Design: Participants included eleven healthcare personnel (HCP) from rural (45%) and regional (55%) settings in the Wide Bay region, QLD, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify barriers and enabling factors HCP experienced implementing COVID-19 programs, in addition to their recommendations to optimise ongoing implementation of vaccine programs. Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed, and over-arching themes were identified., Findings: Four barrier themes were identified: 1. operational barriers, 2. communication issues, 3. financial constraints, and 4. leadership and coordination. Four enabler themes were also identified: 1. adaptability; 2. prior experience and knowledge; 3. collaboration and teamwork; and 4. community engagement. Recommendations for optimising ongoing vaccine rollout included reducing the administrative burden on providers, increasing involvement of primary care and the private sector in planning and decision making, improving communication methods, reviewing financial remuneration for private providers, and decentralising decision-making., Discussion: There were multiple barriers and enablers to implementation of COVID-19 programs experienced by rural and regional HCP in the Wide Bay region of QLD which were consistent with existing literature., Conclusion: A range of actionable recommendations were identified that could optimise the COVID-19 vaccine program and future vaccine programs in rural and regional areas., (© 2023 The Authors. Australian Journal of Rural Health published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of National Rural Health Alliance Ltd.)

Objective: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptive effect on employers and workers, an interdisciplinary team launched the Carolina Promoting Safe Practices for Employees' Return study to assess the feasibility of providing tailored technical assistance to small and medium North Carolina businesses using a Total Worker Health (TWH) ® approach., Methods: Feasibility of the approach was assessed via surveys and interviews of business representatives from four participating businesses ranging in size from 3 to 110 employees., Results: The TWH approach is feasible, that is, in demand, practical, and acceptable to protect and promote worker safety, health, and well-being. Potential challenges include implementation cost, difficulty engaging all employees, and difficulty accessing tailored health and safety materials in a timely manner., Conclusions: Additional refinement and testing of the TWH approach postpandemic with more worksites is warranted., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: None declared., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.)

Background: Electronic cigarettes are increasing in popularity, but there is only little information on their biologic effects on the oral epithelium, the initial site exposed to electronic cigarette smoke., Methods: We assessed the oral epithelium response to electronic cigarettes by comparing the histology and RNA transcriptome (mRNA and miRNA) of healthy electronic cigarette vapers to nonsmokers. mRNA was assessed based on: (1) genome-wide; (2) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers versus nonsmokers; (3) immune and inflammatory-related genes previously identified as dysregulated in the nasal epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers compared to nonsmokers; (4) genes previously identified as dysregulated in the small airway epithelium of nonsmokers following an acute exposure to electronic cigarette; and (5) genes related to the initial steps of COVID-19 infection. In addition, miRNA was assessed genome-wide. Comparisons were performed using analysis of variance, and Benajmini-Hochberg corrected p < 0.05 was considered significant., Results: The histology of the epithelium, lamina propria and basal layer in electronic cigarette vapers appeared normal. Assessment of mRNA and miRNA, based on all gene lists, did not identify any genes significantly modified in the oral epithelium of electronic cigarette vapers in response to electronic cigarette use., Conclusion: An average history of 2 years of vaping results in no detectable histologic or transcriptome abnormalities in the buccal mucosa., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Organizational supported evidence-based practice (EBP) enables nurses to be change agents and impact patient outcomes. Globally, a multitude of barriers limits EBP implementation, evaluation, and dissemination, which include time constraints, staff, resource access, education, technology, and fiscal support. These barriers and other disenfranchising elements hinder nurses' ability to actualize EBP and change practice within their workplace., Aims: This study describes the EBP readiness, barriers, and facilitators reported by inpatient registered nurses (RNs) employed in a nationwide healthcare system before COVID-19., Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive survey design using the 2005 Nursing EBP Survey for RN EBP readiness. The setting included 14 hospitals in Southern California. The survey was deployed in November 2016 and closed after 23 weeks. Descriptive statistics analyzed demographics and EBP scores, with inferential statistics for associations between demographics and EBP scores. ANOVA examined differences between EBP scores, service lines, years of employment, and education level. A content approach synthesized open-ended barrier and facilitator questions into seven specific themes., Results: Seven hundred and twenty-four nurses completed the survey. Overall, the scores of inpatient RNs were highest scores for Practice Climate, suggesting the health system fosters a climate conducive to EBP. Scores were lowest for Data Collection and Implementation. Qualitative themes were: (1) Everyone Involved in EBP Implementation, (2) Fear and Resistance to Change, (3) Protected Release Time, (4) Knowing EBP Culture Outside of Current Organization, (5) Organizational Communication and Education, (6) Management and Leadership Support, and (7) Pragmatic Solutions to Facilitate EBP. Fear and Resistance to Change cut across all themes., Linking Evidence to Action: Nurses at all organizational levels from the C-suite to the bedside can create strategies to determine essential EBP readiness components, including EBP mentors to guide knowledge uptake activities. Pragmatic solutions for EBP capacity require frontline nurse feedback, commitment, and partnership with nursing leaders., (© 2022 Sigma Theta Tau International.)

The devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many repercussions for the tourism industry to preempt any future catastrophe of this nature. The research aims to propose recommendations for the post-COVID-19 business world to revitalize and reclaim their market space and win back their volumes without any fear of indefinite closures and continued lockdowns in the industry. Drawing from the literature, the study assumed revitalization through responsiveness, use of advanced technology, customers' and employees' willingness, enhanced skills, adherence to standard operating procedures and protective measures, and restructuring via a public-private partnership. For the purpose, survey method was employed to collect data from the industry. After confirmation of the reliability and validity, the regression analyses supported effective revitalization through government responsiveness, use of digital technology, psychological recouping of customers' willingness, enhancing technical skills through training, strict adherence to protective measures, and destination restructuring and reorganization through a public-private partnership. The study proclaimed that Pakistan's tourism and hospitality sector development has evolved through the COVID-19 situation, and is likely to revamp and revitalize into a sustainable business. Once achieving sustainability, the revamped industry will likely to increase revenue, generate employment, and alleviate poverty through thriving public-private partnerships, community involvement, and community well-being without compromising people's health., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This paper investigates volatility spillovers between the global crude oil market and the stock markets of the global oil stock markets (Russian, Canada, China, Kuwait, and the USA) pre and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We use wavelet Granger causality methods to study the volatility spillovers between global oil stock markets, mainly from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021. Our Results (1) shows that WTI and Brent oil prices had a negative mean return before COVID-19 but a positive mean return during the pandemic spread. Other Results (2) find the positive, significantly lowest, and highest frequency during the COVID-19 outbreak for all selected countries. The results also show that the link between oil WTI & Brent prices and stock markets return in the lowest (33-66 days) and highest frequency range (4-16) before the Covid-19 epidemic, especially in the first quarter of 2020. Before the COVID-19 period, the Russian oil stock market is seriously prejudiced with oil prices on a modest scale, but not after the pandemic's start. This study also perceives direction opposite between the COVID-19 period. The Canadian and United States America oil and stock markets influence the lowest scale in the previous COVID-19 sample for the U.S. market. Moreover, this paper exposed that oil marketing highest oil futures in their portfolios than stock shares for all times. We found that oil price shocks had a more significant impact on the stock markets of the United States and Canada than on the stock markets of other countries., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes community-acquired respiratory tract infections during winter. However, outbreaks in hospitals also occur repeatedly. In particular, patients with hematologic malignancies are at an increased risk for a severe and potentially fatal course of RSV infection. Here we present the investigation of an RSV outbreak in a hematology ward for adults following the ORION statement., Methods: An epidemiologic and molecular outbreak analysis was performed. We developed and employed a minimal oligonucleotide probe set in target capture probe sequencing that allows cost-effective RSV-A or -B capturing to reconstruct RSV genomes from clinical samples., Results: Four adult patients were involved in the outbreak caused by RSV-B in March 2019. The enforcement of the pre-existing infection control measures by effective training of hospital staff contributed to a successful containment. PCR-based RSV screening on the ward enabled early detection of new cases and rapid isolation measures. The molecular analysis demonstrated that the outbreak sequences were highly related and distinct to other RSV-B strains circulating at the same time., Conclusions: A multimodal infection control concept is essential for the timely detection and control of RSV outbreaks in patients with hematological disease. Among other measures, preventive screening for respiratory viruses is recommended. Furthermore, the integration of conventional and molecular epidemiology, such as whole-genome sequencing and variant calling, significantly contributes to the understanding of transmission pathways. Based on this, appropriate conclusions can be drawn for targeted prevention measures that have prepared us for the COVID-19 pandemic beyond the RSV approach described here., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

A critical part of the national economy is small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SME owners are vital contributors to the overall economy. Due to their limited capital and assets, they are more vulnerable. In comparison to their contribution, the value of assessing SME owner's depression, anxiety, and mental stress has been very minimal during the COVID-19 outbreak. Firms were forced to close due to lockdown, and they faced substantial business losses. Thus, this study aims to investigate SME owners' psychological distress due to business losses during this pandemic. The study used psychological parameters: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) to examine SME owners' psychological distress. A total number of 217 owners were surveyed through a judgmental sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed employing partial least square-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings showed that DASS-21 parameters and fear of business loss affected psychological distress. Besides, fear of business loss increases psychological distress, whereas government support lessens the distress. Theoretically, this study extended the scope of DASS-21 scale and contributed to the literature of psychology. In terms of policy implications, this study provides useful information for government, policymakers, and SME owners about the effects mentioned above., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The study's objective is to evaluate the impact of environmental sustainability rating, financial development, changes in the price level and carbon damages on the new COVID-19 cases in a cross-sectional panel of 17 countries. The study developed two broad models to analyse the relationship between the stated factors at the current level and forecast level. The results show that improvement in the environmental sustainability rating and financial efficiency reduces the COVID-19 cases, while continued economic growth and changes in price level likely to exacerbate the COVID-19 cases across countries. The forecast results suggest the U-shaped relationship between COVID-19 cases and carbon damages controlling financial development, price level and environmental sustainability rating. The variance decomposition analysis shows that carbon damages, environmental sustainability rating and price level changes will largely influence COVID-19 cases over the next year. The soundness of economic and ecological regulated policies would be helpful to contain coronavirus cases globally., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted on human lives, especially local economies. However, our understanding of the relationship between COVID-19 and local economies is still limited due to the lack of empirical evidence. The objective of this study is to explore COVID-19's impacts on sales volume of local commercial district by focusing on the city of Seoul, South Korea. To identify the spatial spillover effects among commercial districts, we conducted a spatial panel data analysis by employing spatial panel models. Our results show that the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected sales volume in commercial districts in Seoul. However, COVID-19's impact on sales volume varies by business type and district type. For example, among the restaurant, retail, and service sectors, the business most negatively affected by COVID-19 was retail, while restaurants were the least affected. Our spatial panel models also show that spatial spillover effects exist among commercial districts, indicating that neighboring commercial districts interact spatially. Particularly, negative spatial spillover effects have appeared in traditional markets during the pandemic. It is suggested that high priority for policy support should be given to the firms and districts that have experienced the most financial damage from COVID-19, and place-based policies that consider spatial spillover effects should be carefully designed and promptly implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical sickness presenteeism––the behaviour of going to work despite being ill––constitutes a threat to organizations because it puts the health of their members at risk. Herein, we shed light on potential antecedents of physical sickness presenteeism during COVID-19. Specifically, we test several pre-registered hypotheses suggesting relations of (inter-individual) personality dimensions (e.g. Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Empathy) and COVID-19-related situational perceptions (e.g. Perceived Risk, Trust in Government) with physical sickness presenteeism. To test our hypotheses, we use both panel (N = 660) and cross-sectional (N = 1,959) survey data collected between mid-2020 and early 2021 in Denmark. Results from logistic random effects regression analyses show that individuals with higher levels of Emotionality engaged more often in physical sickness presenteeism. Further, individuals with higher levels of Honesty-Humility engaged less often in physical sickness presenteeism in times with COVID-19-related workplace restrictions. In general, the findings provide insights into what organizations and policy makers should focus on in order to mitigate physical sickness presenteeism in pandemic times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Given the adversity of the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains an incomplete understanding of the gender disparities in the affectedness and recovery of micro-entrepreneurs from the crisis. Consequently, this paper aims to scrutinise gender disparities in the initial repercussions of the crisis and throughout the recovery phase. Design/methodology/approach: Acknowledging the interconnectedness of micro-entrepreneurs' professional and private spheres, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining a representative quantitative study with qualitative data from 36 semi-structured interviews with self-employed individuals in Germany amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Findings: The findings indicate a gender gap in the impact and recovery trajectory, particularly affecting female entrepreneurs in caregiving roles beyond immediate financial repercussions. These disparities did not result in more pronounced business measures for recovery but rather involved more experimentation and prosocial behaviours, with a preference for alternatives to state aid, such as personal reserves and social networks. Originality/value: Unveiling the dual influence of economic and social factors as essential for female entrepreneurs' recovery from the crisis adds to the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of gender-specifics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher concentrations of ambient air pollutants, including PM2.5 and NO2, and other pollutants have been found near active oil and gas wells and may be associated with adverse COVID‐19 outcomes. We assessed whether residential exposure to nearby oil and gas production was associated with higher rates of the respiratory infection COVID‐19 and related mortality using a population‐based ecological study in California. Using gridded population estimates, we estimated area‐level exposure to annual average oil and gas production volume from active wells within 1 kilometer (km) of populated areas within census block groups from 2018 to 2020. We geocoded confirmed cases and associated deaths to assess block group case and mortality rates from COVID‐19 from February 2020 to January 2021. We fit hierarchical Poisson models with individual and area covariates (e.g., age, sex, socioeconomic disadvantage), and included time and other interactions to assess additional variation (e.g., testing, reporting rates). In the first 4 months of the study period (February–May 2020), block groups in the highest tertile of oil and gas production exposure had 34% higher case rates (IRR: 1.34 95% CI: 1.20, 1.49) and 55% higher mortality rates (MRR: 1.52 95%: CI: 1.14, 2.03) than those with no estimated production, after accounting for area‐level covariates. Over the entire study period, we observed moderately higher mortality rates in the highest group (MRR: 1.16 95%: CI: 1.01, 1.33) and null associations for case rates. Plain Language Summary: Exposure to air, noise, light pollution and other localized stressors from active oil and gas drilling may affect the immune and cardiovascular systems and respiratory health, including diseases such as COVID‐19. This study reports on COVID‐19 case and death rates in communities within 10 km of active oil and gas production. We observed that California communities that were located less than 1 km from an actively producing oil and gas well were more likely to have higher COVID‐19 case and death rates in the first 4 months of the pandemic, especially when the level of production was high. Across our entire study time (February 2020–January 2021), we did not observe higher rates of cases or deaths in these communities, except for deaths in communities with the highest amount of production. These results suggest that if there is an effect of oil and gas production on COVID‐19 rates, it may be on the number of people that become severely ill; overall, it suggests that more research may help to understand why different communities had different levels of COVID‐19. Key Points: Using gridded population estimates, we estimated exposure to oil and gas production in areas within 1 km of an active wellWe observed higher reported case and mortality rates in areas with higher estimated oil and gas production from February to May 2020We geocoded COVID‐19 cases and deaths to census block groups and estimated age and sex‐specific mortality rates from February 2020 to January 2021 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of job satisfaction on life satisfaction, focusing on the mediating effect of positive affect moderated by COVID-19. The participants were 287 wage-earning graduates under 35 years of age who had graduated from culinary arts programmes and participated in the 2017–2019 Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey conducted by the Korea Employment Information Service. Hypotheses were tested using Hayes' MACRO process models 4 and 8. The results are summarised as follows. First, higher extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction among culinary graduates was associated with increased positive affect and life satisfaction. Second, positive affect partially mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. Finally, the indirect effect of positive affect on the relationship between extrinsic job satisfaction and life satisfaction decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. Therefore, the industry should develop systems and programmes to enhance both extrinsic job satisfaction (such as wages and working hours) and intrinsic job satisfaction (such as personal growth, development potential, and a sense of accomplishment) among young chefs. Furthermore, industries and government agencies should prepare sustainable measures to maintain job satisfaction, positive affect, and life satisfaction among employees during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing literature on the implications of Covid-19 for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is a lack of knowledge on the relationship between Covid-19 and the business model (BM) challenges faced by SMEs engaged in responsible value creation, that is, striving to create economic, social, and environmental value through innovative services and products. The aim of this article is to provide insights into how Covid-19 triggered transformative responses in the BMs of such SMEs by focusing on SMEs producing responsible innovation in health and social care. Drawing on the multilevel model of BM challenges to responsible value creation, which identifies eight interconnected challenges at the micro, meso and macro levels, our qualitative case study examines 16 SMEs in Brazil and Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants of each organization and supplemented with public documents and information shared on their websites and social media. Our findings show that Covid-19 prompted diverse BM challenges (e.g., upholding a responsible mission, achieving financial sustainability) that exacerbated pre-existing entrepreneurial vulnerabilities but also boosted organizational capacities. Many transformative responses to these challenges were observed. Covid-related market opportunities led SMEs to re-examine their entrepreneurial identity (micro level), supply chain disruptions and rising production costs triggered substantial organizational transformations (meso level), and the fulfillment of ethical, legal, and social requirements required extra time and efforts in a period of high institutional uncertainty (macro level). A multilevel approach to BM challenges can help practitioners engaged in responsible value creation draw lessons from the pandemic and be better prepared for what may remain a challenging entrepreneurial journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined how SME's particularly in emerging economies should choose and implement marketing innovation strategies based on external factors, internal advantages, and their own characteristics, enriching crisis management literature and providing new scenarios for research on marketing innovations, consumer behavior and patterns during and after the global crises. The survey included 217 SME's in Nigeria. The 'A' priori sample size calculator for structural equation models determines the sample size. Data was analyzed using PLS-SEM to appropriately estimate study latent construct relationships. The findings of the study indicated that the global health crisis has affected organizational innovation, consumption, and behavior. Due to technological adoption and complexity, market innovation methods have not been severely impacted by the epidemic. This study also examines how organizations might develop and execute pandemic strategies and concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical consequences that may guide future research. Using the global health crisis to understand shifts in the culture of innovation, consumer behaviors, and market innovation strategies in an organization to improve performance and ensure firm continuity, this study identified several business performance options, a suitable path to explore, and the impact of using it to retain market space in line with consumption patterns. This research examines how the global health crisis affects organizational cultures of innovation and performance. This is accomplished in light of the significance of SMEs' creative efforts in Nigeria in achieving the goals of idea-driven enterprises. Finally, the study recommended four marketing innovation strategies for SME's and organizations to choose from for crisis management and control in the pandemic and post pandemic crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in an emerging country located in Latin America and identifies service innovation strategies adopted by these firms to survive a prolonged crisis. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative investigation was conducted drawing on a framework of imposed service innovation. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with owners/managers of 20 SMEs in the hospitality and tourism sector in Chile. Findings: Findings show that the effect of COVID-19 on SMEs includes a decline in demand due to lockdowns and restrictions, with minimal government support. Tourism and hospitality SMEs developed different service innovation strategies to confront the crisis, and several businesses were even able to exploit new opportunities for future growth. Originality/value: The effect of COVID-19 and SMEs' service innovation strategies to confront a prolonged crisis is a topic that is largely unexplored, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector. The findings contribute to the literature on emerging markets, crisis management and SME innovation in tourism and hospitality. The findings provide managerial implications for SME managers, governments and policymakers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim is to understand how goal orientation may help entrepreneurs maintain life satisfaction when faced with multiple crisis episodes. To do so, the authors study the early impact of COVID-19 on the life satisfaction of entrepreneurs who were previously faced with venture distress. Design/methodology/approach: Data on 164 Belgian entrepreneurs, who were faced with previous venture distress, are used. The analysis is quantitative, and uses survey data, in combination with databases. The survey was administered in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (June 2020). Findings: Entrepreneurs high in learning goal orientation are less likely, and those high in performance-avoidance orientation are more likely to experience a decline in life satisfaction. Additionally, the time span between the two crises moderates the relationship between learning goal orientation and life satisfaction. Particularly, entrepreneurs high in learning goal orientation are less likely to experience a decline in life satisfaction if more time has passed between venture distress and the COVID-19 crisis. Practical implications: Often, entrepreneurs are faced with multiple episodes of distress. The authors study entrepreneurs who have been in venture distress before and are then confronted with the COVID-19 crisis. The study shows that goal orientation, which is a type of self-regulation, plays an important role in how entrepreneurs' life satisfaction is affected. Also, the authors find that the time between distress events matters. These are important insights for practitioners, including entrepreneurs and support providers. Originality/value: The study adds to the emerging discussion on the impact of crises on entrepreneurs. It studies life satisfaction (a measure of well-being) and complements studies that examine the impact of crises, on entrepreneurs' actions and firm performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Entrepreneurial spirit is considered a vital resource for the economy in various countries where entrepreneurs found businesses. It is thus crucial to analyze the relationship between entrepreneurship and global crises, as entrepreneurial initiatives can be affected by the economic instability that crises generate. This study uses bibliometric analysis to explore the topic of entrepreneurship in situations of global crisis. Theoretical framework: Starting from the structure of bibliometric analysis, we analyzed 1111 documents retrieved from the Scopus and WoS databases for the years 2000–2023. Methodology: We characterized the documents studied and analyzed citations, co-citations, co-words, and co-authorship using VOSviewer software. Results/implications: Our analysis produced results on networks among authors and countries. We also obtained significant results on the structure of the field studied and its projection for the future. Finally, we propose implications and opportunities for future lines of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the globe have carried on strict lockdown measures affecting millions of jobs, public life, and the well-being of people. This study examines people's subjective well-being, such as the perception of the economic situation and mental well-being, who made adjustments to cope with the earning losses. We estimate the well-being cost, which is the money required to compensate people because of the reduction in earnings or employment loss and the coping strategy followed to bring their well-being to the levels of those who have not adopted any coping strategy. We examine two outcomes; the perception of the economic situation and a mental well-being index. We employ data from the ERF COVID-19 MENA Monitor Surveys for Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The results show that coping strategies with earning losses impact well-being and are associated with high costs. In most cases, the coping strategies of borrowing from banks and selling assets present the highest well-being costs. Furthermore, the estimates highlight significant discrepancies across gender and types of workers, such as those employed in the informal sector and temporary contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on transactional stress theory, this article provides an empirical glimpse into how entrepreneurs in Sweden have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors investigated the impact of two crisis-induced stressors (unpredictability, loneliness) on two aspects of entrepreneurial success (business and personal success) through the indirect effect of eudaimonic well-being. They examined the role of crisis-related entrepreneurial actions (applying for government financial support, engaging in online business activities). Results from a sample of entrepreneurs operating in Sweden in the summer of 2020 revealed that unpredictability and loneliness were negatively related to business and personal success via eudaimonic well-being. Results for the moderating effects of the crisis-related entrepreneurial actions revealed mixed findings. The results provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that tie entrepreneurial stressors and opportunities for action to eudaimonic well-being, and in turn, entrepreneurial success in the early days of the crisis caused by the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exploration and exploitation have long been documented as prominent approaches to business management and organizational adaptation to external environment. Maintaining balance between these activities is a key to survival and prosperity. However, there is little direct evidence of the effect of such combined usage of both approaches on firm performance in times of crisis, especially within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to reveal the role of balanced ambidexterity in shaping firm performance during COVID-19 recession. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a survey of 333 Russian SMEs, the authors test the proposed theoretical framework linking innovative ambidexterity to firm performance level and variability taking into account technological uncertainty. Findings: The results show that innovative ambidexterity tends to increase level and decrease variability of performance outcomes, whereas technological uncertainty acts as a positive contingency for this impact. Originality/value: The results provide an improved understanding of ambidexterity and organizational literatures by clarifying the contingent nature of the ambidexterity–firm performance relationship during COVID-19 recession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the influence exerted by certain factors related to management control, integrated information systems (enterprise resource planning [ERP]), information and communication technology (ICT) systems, and financial resources. For this purpose, leveraging from the dynamic capability theory, in late spring 2020, a questionnaire was sent to limited-liability SMEs in Verona and Vicenza provinces in Italy operating in the manufacturing, construction, and distribution sectors. Respondents were asked to answer a set of questions and to evaluate the resilience of their firms as of January 1, 2020; May 1, 2020; and one year later, as of July 2021. Using a multivariate regression model to analyze data from the 143 questionnaires received, we found a positive influence of budgeting, business continuity tools, availability of supplementary financial resources, and resilience of the entrepreneur on both COVID-19 resilience and the organizational resilience of SMEs. SMEs with a high intention to use ERP systems also had high resilience levels. ICT use for smart working was not statistically significant. Despite the limitations concerning the sample and period considered, we believe that this study contributes to both academic debate, by illustrating the influence of certain managerial and organizational factors on the resilience of SMEs, and practice, by supporting a greater empirical use of management control tools, such as budgets and contingency plans, and integrated information systems (ERP). Our study supports the creation of financial buffers and strengthening the entrepreneur's resilience for improving SME resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the validity of exploitation and exploration when small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate a highly uncertain time. Although balancing the two strategies has been thought to lead to improved firm performance in general, a combined approach appears to be problematic for SMEs due to a lack of feasibility. We theorise that the effectiveness may vary depending on a fit between the strategies and the environmental contingencies. In doing so, we considered two potential environmental contingencies of a crisis for SMEs: loss of demand and loss of supply. To put our theory to the test, we gathered 224 responses from business leaders and key individuals from Korean start-ups and tested the effectiveness of crisis management strategies. Our findings support the validity of both exploitation and exploration when firms face a loss of demand, but not a loss of supply. It implies that the effectiveness of exploration and exploitation is contingent upon a specific form of crisis experienced at the firm level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study explores the impacts of Covid-19 on the performance of firms operating in different industries, and further discovers suspected impacting channels through which Covid-19 is significantly associated with firm performance. Design/methodology/approach: A dataset of 402 listed firms from 2017Q1 to 2021Q4 is proceeded with high dimensional fixed effect (firm-quarter fixed effects) models and difference-in-difference models supported by propensity score matching. A thorough robustness testing procedure with a falsification test with a hypothetical event is applied. Findings: The study asserts that the pandemic has remarkably hurt the businesses in industries that are more vulnerable to the coronavirus and governmental response policies. Adding to the confirmation of sales and expense channels, new channels – competition and short-term receivables –through which the negative impact of the pandemic is passed on firms is also examined. Originality/value: First, this study is to be the first comprehensively investigate and affirm the varying impact of Covid-19 on the business performance of listed firms from different industries in Vietnam, providing additional insight into this research field in Vietnam and emerging economies. Second, the authors examine possible channels paving the way for the impact of Covid-19 on firms' performance and especially explore new channels associated with competition and short receivables. Third, the findings help to form the recommendations for Vietnamese firms, and the study could be replicated for other emerging countries under other similar infectious diseases-driven crises. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2023-0072 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 has created tensions across different sectors of the society, but the impact has been unequal. Vulnerable people have been most affected, especially those with insecure employment and who have experienced economic hardships due to unemployment and lost wages. The combination of social change and economic hardships due to the pandemic increases the risk of poor mental health. Some countries have utilized financial assistance to alleviate economic hardships caused by COVID-19, and in South Korea, the central and local governments have implemented COVID-19 financial assistance. This study analysed the impact of financial assistance on mental health associated with working status during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. Methods: The participants of this study were randomly selected from residents of Gyeonggi-do after being proportionally allocated by resident registration population status. A total of 1,000 adult males and females aged 19 years or older in Gyeonggi-do who received financial assistance from the central and local governments were selected. A retrospective pre–post-study design was applied, and mental health surveys including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) were applied. Results: The results show that depression scores averaged 5.5 and anxiety scores averaged 4.4 before COVID-19 Financial Assistance. It is similar to the national average of 5.1 and 4.5 respectively at that time. After the assistance, depression scores dropped to 4.5, and anxiety scores dropped to 3.2. Before the assistance, depression and anxiety were higher among temporary day labourers with less job security, and they showed the most significant improvement in mental health. For full-time workers, there was no significant change in anxiety or depression after receiving the assistance. Conclusions: Financial assistance can provide material resources and also positively affect mental health. In particular, it had a greater impact on the relatively vulnerable groups, such as those in unstable employment. Key messages: • Those who are particularly socially and economically vulnerable when in dangerous situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have a greater risk of mental health deterioration. • Public financial assistance for these individuals is essential and can have a direct effect on alleviating economic difficulties and helping them feel more financially stable in difficult economic conditions. • Public financial assistance can greatly improve an individual's resilience and capacity to overcome economically difficult situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected employment globally, especially in the private sector. This study aims to identify the effects of the pandemic on the employment statuses such as lower wages and lack of jobs in the Kurdistan Region Government (KRG). The research questions guiding the study are the following: How has the COVID-19 crisis affected livelihoods in the KRG? How have these changes affected the association among income loss, working status, business closure, and gender? We have conducted a survey in May 2021 to examine changes in the work situation; the empirical cases cover a sample of 72 people aged between 20 and 60 years old in the Kurdistan Region in Iraq. In addition, we perform a chi-square test to check whether the relationships between losing salary and working status, and business shutdown and gender are significant or not. The findings revealed 37.5% of salary cut and about 50% of employees' businesses shut down and 51% of working hours get shorter due to the COVID-19 crisis in the KRG. Our result shows no association between losing salary and working status, while there is an association between gender and business shutdown. Beyond this, the study seeks to highlight new and essential information about position reduction related to age class, difficulty to find a job related to the level of education, and working hours related to gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this article is to explore the determinants of export resilience, considering the interactions of firm capabilities with prior export commitment and environmental hostility. Research Design & Methods: We integrated insights from the organisational capabilities perspective, internationalisation process theory, and literature on environmental hostility to create a conceptual framework exploring how and under which boundary conditions firm capabilities drive export resilience. We proposed that this relationship is moderated by prior export commitment and environmental hostility. We tested the propositions on a sample of 500 Polish exporters in a COVID-19 environment. Findings: We found empirical support for the positive interaction of firm capabilities with environmental hostility on export resilience. Implications & Recommendations: Among others, we observed that firms facing higher environmental hostility must rely on their capabilities to a larger extent, leading to increased export resilience in terms of maintaining or expanding export operations and building up export-specific capabilities. Contribution & Value Added: While economic crises have reinforced interest in organisational resilience, less attention has been paid to the resilience of exporting under crisis conditions. Export resilience has preferably been addressed from the point of view of its continuity or survival, rather than accounting for a more proactive view of the firms' approach to exports under conditions of environmental hostility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were particularly hard hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some performed relatively well, maintaining or increasing employment growth. We study these differences in performance through the lens of dynamic capabilities (DCs) theory, which we extend by incorporating the moderating effect of government support during COVID-19. We analyse responses from 1421 UK SMEs and find that government support and DCs positively impact employment. We also show that government support moderates the link between DCs and employment with a negative effect after the first COVID-19 lockdown. The findings highlight the role of government policy intervention in discouraging SMEs from effectively exercising DCs during a crisis and the general importance of DCs and government support in enabling SMEs to cope with shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research paper highlights the economic impact on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) due to Coronavirus outbreaks. It proposes factors that influence the strengthening and survival of SMEs. Design/methodology/approach: In this research, resilience is reflected in the following aspects hope, problem resolution and persistence. This quantitative study analyses a purposive sample of 120 small and medium-sized firms in India. The study's primary data are the responses to questionnaires issued to respondents, analyzed and hypotheses formed and tested using the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique. Findings: The study results show that all the variables significantly reduce the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The presented model is expected to help researchers, business modelers, analysts and real professionals with further studies in the SME context. Originality/value: This new approach adds to the business resilience knowledge of SMEs and has practical implications for manufacturing organizations seeking to become robust during and after COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by the unique opportunity that a crisis period provides for capturing and reassessing specific entrepreneurial behaviors, this paper takes on the debate about the entrepreneurial attributes of informal ventures "IVent" and their endeavor to formalize. In doing so, Cronbach's alpha rationales and contingency analysis are applied to quantitative data from street vendors of the main markets of Cameroon to investigate informal entrepreneurial behavioral dynamics and their impact on a hypothetical willingness for change during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was uncovered that IVent have activated entrepreneurial attributes of resilience, intention and orientation. Also, specific composites or variables of entrepreneurial orientation and resilience have been found more supportive of IVent's endeavor to formalize than others. The novelties in that regard are: (1) While most of the variables related to the composite of innovativeness reinforce the desire to formalize, the variable of "routine" plays a hindering role. (2) The composite of proactiveness is not significantly related to the willingness to formalize. (3) The composite of risk-taking has proven significant to IVent's transformation aims. And (4) contrary to all other variables of the attribute of resilience and self-efficacy, the variable of behavior control appears to hamper the aim to move out of the shadows. It is argued that facilitating Ivent's dynamics and aspiration to formalize necessitates policymakers to advance policies that support the development of the uncovered determining composites. Furthermore, academia should undertake an extensive investigation into the role that the captured non-significant variables, attributes, and composites may play in fostering IVent's shadowed business lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational health is one of the aspects significantly affected during crisis periods. It is essential to learn about the factors that improve organizational capacity in coping with such shocks. This study investigates how the working environment of a family business influences job satisfaction during crises. Conducting a survey with 516 employees at the peak of the pandemic, the research utilizes structural equation analysis, revealing that family business environments can mitigate burnout, enhance affective commitment, and consequently, boost job satisfaction. The study highlights the need to manage burnout and utilize resources, such as employee commitment, for family firms to sustain job satisfaction amidst disruptions. It deepens the comprehension of family businesses' crisis response, emphasizing the significance of human resource commitment and management. The investigation illuminates the dynamic interplay between the work environment, employee well-being, and organizational resilience, providing valuable insights for both theoretical understanding and practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 has delivered an enormous shock to the global economy, triggering the deepest recession in eight decades, almost three times as deep as the 2009 global recession. Of all the nations in Africa, Nigeria remains one of the nations with a huge and significant impact on the human capital. Methods: Hence, here we employed the recent nationally representative data from Nigeria - the COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey 2020-World Bank Living Standards Measurement Study Integrated Agriculture Survey (LSMS-ISA), a harmonized dataset to explore how the COVID-19 induced shocks affected households' human capital development (using health and education outcomes). Results: The results indicate that the COVID-19 induced shocks impact on both health and education in Nigeria. Interestingly, access to social safety nets had a positive association with the health and education outcomes. The study concludes that households' access to social safety nets, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic aids in the development of the nation's human capital. Therefore, effectively enhancing household's resilience and strengthening human capital development require positive and considerable innovation, maybe over a period of years. Hence, just an access to the national social safety nets programs or social programs may not be as effective as expected. Therefore, it may not be as successful as intended to just have access to national social safety net programs or social programs that contribute or transfer negligible amounts to the vulnerable recipients over short time frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to present and test a model of small business owners' adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the lenses of the resource-based view of the firm, upper echelon theory (UET) and positive psychology. Specifically, it examined the relationships between personal characteristics and strategic pivot behavior in a sample of small business owners during a peak period of the crisis in Israel. Design/methodology/approach: A sample (N = 202) of small business owners provided information on their business and demographics, and responded to questionnaires assessing their personality (Big Five personality traits), emotional intelligence (EI) and reported the extent to which they implemented strategic changes during the pandemic. These changes were categorized as "positive" (e.g. shifting to new markets, adding partners or investors) or "negative' (e.g. letting employees go). Findings: The results partially support an association between personality traits and "positive" strategic change behavior, mediated by EI. Research limitations/implications: The results suggest that business owners' personality traits, and chief among them – EI may play a key role in enabling flexibility when dealing with a long-term crisis or threat. However, market and legislative differences between markets may limit the generalizability to other sectors or countries. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is among the first to address small businesses' COVID-19-related challenges from a personal-resource perspective by applying a theoretical lens integrating the RBV of the firm, UET and positive psychology. The findings provide a better understanding of the ways in which business owners' personal resources account for business pivot behavior in times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare and support services, creating challenges for disabled people. New Zealand implemented a range of policies to prevent and limit viral transmission of COVID-19. This study investigates disabled people's experiences accessing healthcare and disability support services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and based on this analysis, the implications of public health policy decisions on disabled people's experiences during the pandemic in New Zealand are explicated. A qualitative design underpinned by interpretive description methodology guided this study. A total of 64 disabled people or parents of disabled children participated in semi-structured interviews. The team of health services and disability researchers then engaged in an iterative thematic approach to analysis, which led to three key themes: (1) protective personal factors, which assisted disabled people to access healthcare and support services, (2) immediate pandemic policy impacts, including policy and legislative changes, which created additional access barriers for disabled people, and (3) exacerbating factors, including compounding vulnerabilities, overstretched systems, and the impact of the vaccine mandate, which worsened the already limited access to healthcare and disability services for disabled people. The pandemic overwhelmed an already stretched healthcare and disability support system, resulting in service disruptions with negative consequences for disabled people's health and wellbeing. Future policy development needs to be disability-centred in its inclusion of people with lived experience and consideration of the support needs of disabled populations. A first step in this process could include pandemic planning and policy co-design to ensure a continuum of healthcare services and support availability for individuals when services are disrupted. In addition, access to formal and informal support for disabled people should be recognised as a fundamental human right when accessing healthcare and disability support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial stability in Vietnam, a developing country characterized by a bank-based financial system. Design/methodology/approach: Using a sample of daily data from January 23, 2020 to June 30, 2022, the VECM and NARDL models are employed to study Vietnam's financial stability in face of the COVID-19 disaster. Following the literature on COVID-19, the authors measure the impact of the pandemic by the number of daily infected cases and the national lockdown. Given the reliance of the Vietnamese government on the banking system to regulate the economy, the authors evaluate financial stability from the interbank market and stock market perspectives. Findings: The authors find that the pandemic imposes a destructive effect on financial stability during the early time of the pandemic; however, the analysis with an extended period indicates that this effect gradually fades in the long term. In addition, from the NARDL results, the authors reveal an asymmetric relationship between the financial market and the COVID-19 pandemic in both short term and long term. Research limitations/implications: An implication drawn from this study is that unprecedented health disasters should be resolved by unprecedented stringent countermeasures when conventional methods are ineffective. Although rigorous remedies may increase short-term liabilities, their implementation quickly ceases disease diffusion and helps an economy enter the recovery stage in a timelier manner. Originality/value: The study is the first to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial stability, via the interbank market lens, in a developing country that relies on the bank-based financial system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of digital platforms on the implementation of the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the business sustainability of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), under different containment policies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been studied in detail. Using detailed administrative data from Alibaba Group's online on-demand food delivery platform, we found that the digital platform contributed to the food security, wellbeing, employment and business sustainability of MSMEs both during and after the pandemic. We uncovered merchants' heterogeneous responses to the COVID-19 pandemic during and after the implementation of different containment policies in China. On the extensive margin, the period of complete lockdown left long-term scarring on online merchants by decreasing the number of entrants, especially in the cooked food industry. In contrast, on the intensive margin, chain stores, especially those with large chain networks or multiapp stores, exhibited stronger resilience than their counterparts during and after lockdown. Thus, specialization (at the outlet level) and wider coverage (at the network level) emerged as key factors that enable business sustainability under challenging economic circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper assesses empirically the COVID-19 effect on businesses and the potential dynamic changes regarding post-COVID-19 automation and technology penetration using various logistic regression models. A field survey was used to collect the necessary data for testing various hypotheses. This study demonstrates the severity of the pandemic on businesses and how it has changed their perspectives on technology as a critical aspect of survival and future success. The results showed that capital-intensive firms are more resilient to the crisis. In addition, the firms that were affected severely in terms of employment due to the pandemic believe that technology will significantly impact hiring, investment, and value added. This paper investigates a unique phenomenon represented by COVID-19, its impact on businesses in a resource-rich context and their responsiveness concerning technology deployment and automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore and gain a greater understanding of women's entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic. How have women entrepreneurs changed their entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic? What dimensions are highlighted by women entrepreneurs for a sustainable entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic? Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted with a qualitative design where multiple case studies were conducted with 30 women. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with the women entrepreneurs in Asia and Europe. Findings: The results from this study show that women entrepreneurs have mainly focused on financial resources. Economic sustainability is required for companies to survive a crisis in the form of a pandemic. This study has shown what lessons women have from the pandemic where the four D's model constitute a first step to a theoretical contribution. For women, it is about dollars (e g economic sustainability), demand from customers, the role that digitization has played and distribution both to customers and from suppliers. Practical implications: Practical implications from this study are that women entrepreneurs need to be prepared for economic crises to a larger extent. The economic sustainability plays a key role in sustainable businesses for women entrepreneurs in any kind of context. Social implications: Women's entrepreneurship looks different, and more knowledge is needed about their conditions. It contributes to increased social sustainability. Originality/value: This study contributes to an increased understanding of how women's entrepreneurship has been affected during a global crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Scholars have highlighted the pivotal role that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in fostering economic sustainable development across nations. However, the SME sector has been significantly challenged by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in the global competitive landscape, resulting in decreased profits. This study explores the mediating role of innovation capacity in the relationship between strategic sensitivity, strategic response, and the performance of SMEs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 405 participants and analyzed using Path Analysis - Structured Equation Modeling (PA-SEM). The findings confirm that strategic sensitivity significantly and positively affects SME performance and innovation capacity. Similarly, strategic response shows a positive and significant correlation with SME performance. Among the studied variables, innovation capacity has the most robust positive impact on SME performance. The research also indicates that innovation capacity serves as a partial mediator in the relationships between strategic sensitivity and SME performance, as well as between strategic response and SME performance. This implies that the beneficial effects of strategic sensitivity and strategic response on SME performance are partly due to their impact on innovation capacity. The study recommends that SMEs invest in research and development, foster creativity, and adopt new technologies as crucial strategies for achieving long-term success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The strict lockdown during COVID-19 has suspended construction, procurement and logistics in construction industry and affected the entire Supply Chain Management (SCM). The COVID-19 has been universally observed in all sectors, but a limited study has been done in construction industry and also the ways to mitigate it. Hence, the current study aims to identify the impact of COVID-19 in Construction Supply Chain (CSC) and to analyse the influence of factors on Supply Chain (SC) performance during uncertainty in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: From previous studies, the factors enhancing the SCM performance are taken. The research follows a qualitative in-depth interview to identify the factors and quantitative study to collect data using a questionnaire. Samples for the study were chosen using purposing sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed using "Statistical Package for Social Science" (SPSS V 20). Findings: Effect of COVID-19 is more on medium sized builders and developers. A positive impact is found between SC agility, SC resilience and information technology (IT) capabilities on SC performance. Research limitations/implications: Firstly, the study adopted cross-sectional data to test the hypothesis. The study results on the combined effect of the factors SC agility, SC resilience and IT capability during uncertainty were found to have a positive influence. The longitudinal study would enrich the understanding of the research. Secondly, the study was focussed on the perspective of the dynamic capability view. Further studies can adopt a multi-method approach to develop a theoretical framework using in-depth study and empirical validation. It will help in a better understanding of the current situation and young discipline in SC. Thirdly, the study has considered only Kerala construction companies; hence, the data were less. More data with better results will be obtained if the study has included construction companies from other states. Fourthly, the study can be extended to understand the interdependent effects of SC agility, SC resilience and information technology capability on performance. Presently, the interdependent effect in the study is limited. Practical implications: The study helps the construction professionals to understand the preventive measures needed for the industry during any uncertainty. Also, the study is expected to help the construction managers and leaders with better performance in SCM and other business activities by adopting IT connectivity and being agile in all situations. Moreover, the study also helps policymakers take active solutions by providing awareness and incentives to the construction industry professionals. The literature and the factors will also help the academicians in further research progress. Originality/value: The research is important for construction professionals to comprehend the impact of COVID-19 and to analyse the influence of factors such as SC agility, SC resilience and IT capabilities on improving the SC performance. This research can assist private and public construction firms to enhance SC performance during times of uncertainty. The result is likely to help construction companies with better SC performance and helps academicians' further progress in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]