Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics

COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts

Description

This cluster of papers explores the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economy, financial markets, consumer behavior, and food supply chains. It delves into the effects on business, stock market volatility, digital transformation, and the interconnectedness of global trade networks. The research also examines the pandemic's influence on household consumption, poverty, and the resilience of food systems.

Keywords

COVID-19; pandemic; financial markets; business impact; consumer behavior; stock market; food supply chain; economic effects; global trade networks; digital transformation

The outbreak of coronavirus named COVID-19 has disrupted the Chinese economy and is spreading globally. The evolution of the disease and its economic impact is highly uncertain which makes it … The outbreak of coronavirus named COVID-19 has disrupted the Chinese economy and is spreading globally. The evolution of the disease and its economic impact is highly uncertain which makes it difficult for policymakers to formulate an appropriate macroeconomic policy response. In order to better understand possible economic outcomes, this paper explores seven different scenarios of how COVID-19 might evolve in the coming year using a modelling technique developed by Lee and McKibbin (2003) and extended by McKibbin and Sidorenko (2006). It examines the impacts of different scenarios on macroeconomic outcomes and financial markets in a global hybrid DSGE/CGE general equilibrium model. The scenarios in this paper demonstrate that even a contained outbreak could significantly impact the global economy in the short run. These scenarios demonstrate the scale of costs that might be avoided by greater investment in public health systems in all economies but particularly in less developed economies where health care systems are less developed and popultion density is high.
Since the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the use of face masks has become ubiquitous in China and … Since the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the use of face masks has become ubiquitous in China and other Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan. Some provinces and municipalities in China have enforced compulsory face mask policies in public areas; however, China's national guideline has adopted a risk-based approach in offering recommendations for using face masks among health-care workers and the general public. We compared face mask use recommendations by different health authorities (panel). Despite the consistency in the recommendation that symptomatic individuals and those in health-care settings should use face masks, discrepancies were observed in the general public and community settings.1WHOCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: when and how to use masks.https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masksDate: 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar, 2State Council, ChinaGuidelines for the selection and use of different types of masks for preventing new coronavirus infection in different populations 2020 (in Chinese).http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2020-02/05/content_5474774.htmDate: Feb 5, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar, 3The Department of Health, Hong KongGuidelines on prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the general public.https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/nid_guideline_general_public_en.pdfDate: Mar 13, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar, 4Ministry of Health, SingaporeUpdates on COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) local situation.https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar, 5Ministry of HealthLabour and Wellfare, JapanQ & A on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): when should I wear a facemask?.https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/dengue_fever_qa_00014.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar, 6CDCCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): steps to prevent illness.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.htmlDate accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar, 7National Health ServiceAre face masks useful for preventing coronavirus?.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/Date: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar, 8Federal Ministry of Health, GermanyDaily updates on the coronavirus: is wearing a surgical mask, as protection against acute respiratory infections, useful for members of the general public?.https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar For example, the US Surgeon General advised against buying masks for use by healthy people. One important reason to discourage widespread use of face masks is to preserve limited supplies for professional use in health-care settings. Universal face mask use in the community has also been discouraged with the argument that face masks provide no effective protection against coronavirus infection.PanelRecommendations on face mask use in community settingsWHO1WHOCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: when and how to use masks.https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masksDate: 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar•If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.China2State Council, ChinaGuidelines for the selection and use of different types of masks for preventing new coronavirus infection in different populations 2020 (in Chinese).http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2020-02/05/content_5474774.htmDate: Feb 5, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar•People at moderate risk *People at moderate risk of infection include those working in areas of high population density (eg, hospitals, train stations), those have been or live with somebody who is quarantined, and administrative staff, police, security, and couriers whose work is related to COVID-19. of infection: surgical or disposable mask for medical use. *People at moderate risk of infection include those working in areas of high population density (eg, hospitals, train stations), those have been or live with somebody who is quarantined, and administrative staff, police, security, and couriers whose work is related to COVID-19.•People at low risk †People at low risk of infection include those staying in areas of high population density (eg, supermarket, shopping mall), who work indoors, who seek health care in medical institutions (other than fever clinics), and gatherings of children aged 3–6 years and school students. of infection: disposable mask for medical use. †People at low risk of infection include those staying in areas of high population density (eg, supermarket, shopping mall), who work indoors, who seek health care in medical institutions (other than fever clinics), and gatherings of children aged 3–6 years and school students.•People at very low risk ‡People at very low risk of infection include those who mostly stay at home, who do outdoor activities, and who work or study in well-ventilated areas. of infection: do not have to wear a mask or can wear non-medical mask (such as cloth mask). ‡People at very low risk of infection include those who mostly stay at home, who do outdoor activities, and who work or study in well-ventilated areas.Hong Kong3The Department of Health, Hong KongGuidelines on prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the general public.https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/nid_guideline_general_public_en.pdfDate: Mar 13, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar•Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from people who are ill. It is essential for people who are symptomatic (even if they have mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask.•Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly and practice good hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask.Singapore4Ministry of Health, SingaporeUpdates on COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) local situation.https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar•Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or runny nose.Japan5Ministry of HealthLabour and Wellfare, JapanQ & A on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): when should I wear a facemask?.https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/dengue_fever_qa_00014.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar•The effectiveness of wearing a face mask to protect yourself from contracting viruses is thought to be limited. If you wear a face mask in confined, badly ventilated spaces, it might help avoid catching droplets emitted from others but if you are in an open-air environment, the use of face mask is not very efficient.USA6CDCCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): steps to prevent illness.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.htmlDate accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar•Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask (including respirators) to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.•US Surgeon General urged people on Twitter to stop buying face masks.UK7National Health ServiceAre face masks useful for preventing coronavirus?.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/Date: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar•Face masks play a very important role in places such as hospitals, but there is very little evidence of widespread benefit for members of the public.Germany8Federal Ministry of Health, GermanyDaily updates on the coronavirus: is wearing a surgical mask, as protection against acute respiratory infections, useful for members of the general public?.https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar•There is not enough evidence to prove that wearing a surgical mask significantly reduces a healthy person's risk of becoming infected while wearing it. According to WHO, wearing a mask in situations where it is not recommended to do so can create a false sense of security because it might lead to neglecting fundamental hygiene measures, such as proper hand hygiene. WHO1WHOCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: when and how to use masks.https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masksDate: 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar •If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. China2State Council, ChinaGuidelines for the selection and use of different types of masks for preventing new coronavirus infection in different populations 2020 (in Chinese).http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2020-02/05/content_5474774.htmDate: Feb 5, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar •People at moderate risk *People at moderate risk of infection include those working in areas of high population density (eg, hospitals, train stations), those have been or live with somebody who is quarantined, and administrative staff, police, security, and couriers whose work is related to COVID-19. of infection: surgical or disposable mask for medical use. *People at moderate risk of infection include those working in areas of high population density (eg, hospitals, train stations), those have been or live with somebody who is quarantined, and administrative staff, police, security, and couriers whose work is related to COVID-19.•People at low risk †People at low risk of infection include those staying in areas of high population density (eg, supermarket, shopping mall), who work indoors, who seek health care in medical institutions (other than fever clinics), and gatherings of children aged 3–6 years and school students. of infection: disposable mask for medical use. †People at low risk of infection include those staying in areas of high population density (eg, supermarket, shopping mall), who work indoors, who seek health care in medical institutions (other than fever clinics), and gatherings of children aged 3–6 years and school students.•People at very low risk ‡People at very low risk of infection include those who mostly stay at home, who do outdoor activities, and who work or study in well-ventilated areas. of infection: do not have to wear a mask or can wear non-medical mask (such as cloth mask). ‡People at very low risk of infection include those who mostly stay at home, who do outdoor activities, and who work or study in well-ventilated areas. Hong Kong3The Department of Health, Hong KongGuidelines on prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for the general public.https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/nid_guideline_general_public_en.pdfDate: Mar 13, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar •Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from people who are ill. It is essential for people who are symptomatic (even if they have mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask.•Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly and practice good hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask. Singapore4Ministry of Health, SingaporeUpdates on COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) local situation.https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar •Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or runny nose. Japan5Ministry of HealthLabour and Wellfare, JapanQ & A on coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19): when should I wear a facemask?.https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/dengue_fever_qa_00014.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar •The effectiveness of wearing a face mask to protect yourself from contracting viruses is thought to be limited. If you wear a face mask in confined, badly ventilated spaces, it might help avoid catching droplets emitted from others but if you are in an open-air environment, the use of face mask is not very efficient. USA6CDCCoronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): steps to prevent illness.https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.htmlDate accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar •Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask (including respirators) to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.•US Surgeon General urged people on Twitter to stop buying face masks. UK7National Health ServiceAre face masks useful for preventing coronavirus?.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/Date: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar •Face masks play a very important role in places such as hospitals, but there is very little evidence of widespread benefit for members of the public. Germany8Federal Ministry of Health, GermanyDaily updates on the coronavirus: is wearing a surgical mask, as protection against acute respiratory infections, useful for members of the general public?.https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar •There is not enough evidence to prove that wearing a surgical mask significantly reduces a healthy person's risk of becoming infected while wearing it. According to WHO, wearing a mask in situations where it is not recommended to do so can create a false sense of security because it might lead to neglecting fundamental hygiene measures, such as proper hand hygiene. However, there is an essential distinction between absence of evidence and evidence of absence. Evidence that face masks can provide effective protection against respiratory infections in the community is scarce, as acknowledged in recommendations from the UK and Germany.7National Health ServiceAre face masks useful for preventing coronavirus?.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/common-questions/Date: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar, 8Federal Ministry of Health, GermanyDaily updates on the coronavirus: is wearing a surgical mask, as protection against acute respiratory infections, useful for members of the general public?.https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/en/press/2020/coronavirus.htmlDate: 2020Date accessed: March 5, 2020Google Scholar However, face masks are widely used by medical workers as part of droplet precautions when caring for patients with respiratory infections. It would be reasonable to suggest vulnerable individuals avoid crowded areas and use surgical face masks rationally when exposed to high-risk areas. As evidence suggests COVID-19 could be transmitted before symptom onset, community transmission might be reduced if everyone, including people who have been infected but are asymptomatic and contagious, wear face masks. Recommendations on face masks vary across countries and we have seen that the use of masks increases substantially once local epidemics begin, including the use of N95 respirators (without any other protective equipment) in community settings. This increase in use of face masks by the general public exacerbates the global supply shortage of face masks, with prices soaring,9WHOShortage of personal protective equipment endangering health workers worldwide.https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/03-03-2020-shortage-of-personal-protective-equipment-endangering-health-workers-worldwideDate: March 3, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar and risks supply constraints to frontline health-care professionals. As a response, a few countries (eg, Germany and South Korea) banned exportation of face masks to prioritise local demand.10Tsang A EU seeks solidarity as nations restrict medical exports.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/business/eu-exports-medical-equipment.htmlDate: March 7, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar WHO called for a 40% increase in the production of protective equipment, including face masks.9WHOShortage of personal protective equipment endangering health workers worldwide.https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/03-03-2020-shortage-of-personal-protective-equipment-endangering-health-workers-worldwideDate: March 3, 2020Date accessed: March 17, 2020Google Scholar Meanwhile, health authorities should optimise face mask distribution to prioritise the needs of frontline health-care workers and the most vulnerable populations in communities who are more susceptible to infection and mortality if infected, including older adults (particularly those older than 65 years) and people with underlying health conditions. People in some regions (eg, Thailand, China, and Japan) opted for makeshift alternatives or repeated usage of disposable surgical masks. Notably, improper use of face masks, such as not changing disposable masks, could jeopardise the protective effect and even increase the risk of infection. Consideration should also be given to variations in societal and cultural paradigms of mask usage. The contrast between face mask use as hygienic practice (ie, in many Asian countries) or as something only people who are unwell do (ie, in European and North American countries) has induced stigmatisation and racial aggravations, for which further public education is needed. One advantage of universal use of face masks is that it prevents discrimination of individuals who wear masks when unwell because everybody is wearing a mask. It is time for governments and public health agencies to make rational recommendations on appropriate face mask use to complement their recommendations on other preventive measures, such as hand hygiene. WHO currently recommends that people should wear face masks if they have respiratory symptoms or if they are caring for somebody with symptoms. Perhaps it would also be rational to recommend that people in quarantine wear face masks if they need to leave home for any reason, to prevent potential asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission. In addition, vulnerable populations, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions, should wear face masks if available. Universal use of face masks could be considered if supplies permit. In parallel, urgent research on the duration of protection of face masks, the measures to prolong life of disposable masks, and the invention on reusable masks should be encouraged. Taiwan had the foresight to create a large stockpile of face masks; other countries or regions might now consider this as part of future pandemic plans. We declare no competing interests. Editorial note: the Lancet Group takes a neutral position with respect to territorial claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Covid-19 and Health Care’s Digital Revolution In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans are waking up to the limitations of their analogue health care system. It seems clear that … Covid-19 and Health Care’s Digital Revolution In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Americans are waking up to the limitations of their analogue health care system. It seems clear that we need an i...
No previous infectious disease outbreak, including the Spanish Flu, has impacted the stock market as forcefully as the COVID-19 pandemic.In fact, previous pandemics left only mild traces on the U.S. … No previous infectious disease outbreak, including the Spanish Flu, has impacted the stock market as forcefully as the COVID-19 pandemic.In fact, previous pandemics left only mild traces on the U.S. stock market.We use text-based methods to develop these points with respect to large daily stock market moves back to 1900 and with respect to overall stock market volatility back to 1985.We also evaluate potential explanations for the unprecedented stock market reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.The evidence we amass suggests that government restrictions on commercial activity and voluntary social distancing, operating with powerful effects in a serviceoriented economy, are the main reasons the U.S. stock market reacted so much more forcefully to COVID-19 than to previous pandemics in 1918-19, 1957-58 and 1968.
COVID-19 (the new strain of coronavirus) has been declared a global pandemic. Measures announced over recent weeks to tackle it have seen people's day-to-day life drastically altered. These changes are … COVID-19 (the new strain of coronavirus) has been declared a global pandemic. Measures announced over recent weeks to tackle it have seen people's day-to-day life drastically altered. These changes are essential to beat coronavirus and protect health systems (UK Home Office, 2020). However, there are unintended, negative consequences. As the virus continues to spread across the world, it brings with it multiple new stresses, including physical and psychological health risks, isolation and loneliness, the closure of many schools and businesses, economic vulnerability and job losses. Through all of that, children and their mothers are particularly vulnerable (End Violence against Children, 2020) to the risk of domestic violence. Domestic violence refers to a range of violations that happen within a domestic space. It is a broad term that encompasses intimate partner violence (IPV), a form of abuse that is perpetrated by a current or ex-partner. In this editorial, we talk about "domestic violence" because this is the term used most often in the media. It is important to clarify though that we are mainly referring to IPV and its impact on children who live with or are exposed to IPV between adults. We also focus mainly on women, because they are disproportionately affected by domestic violence; however, we recognise that domestic abuse happens to men and occurs within same-sex relationships. It is a matter of just about a week ago where one of us (Bradbury-Jones) was writing another editorial about COVID-19 for the Journal of Clinical Nursing, reflecting on life in the pandemic (Jackson et al., 2020). Within that editorial, we raised the emerging concern as to whether domestic violence rates would rise as a result of the "lockdown" that is being imposed by many countries across the globe. Although these measures vary, to some degree, in their timing and severity, they generally require that people stay at home and only leave for an essential reason such as buying food, collecting medication or carrying out a key worker role. At the time of writing this first editorial, the concern was expressed as speculation, a questioning as to whether it might happen. Within such a short time span, there is clear evidence that we need to speculate no more. Domestic violence rates are rising, and they are rising fast. Experience in New Zealand and internationally has shown that family violence (including IPV, child abuse and elder abuse) and sexual violence can escalate during and after large-scale disasters or crises (NZFVC, 2020). Around the world, as communities have gone into lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, the mass efforts to save lives have put women in abusive relationships more at risk. A very recent article published in The Guardian (2020) reported on how the surge of domestic violence cases is a pattern being repeated globally. Reporting from several different countries, the article highlighted alarming figures, for example a rise of 40% or 50% in Brazil. In one region of Spain, the government claimed that calls to its helpline had risen by 20% in the first few days of the confinement period and in Cyprus, calls to a similar hotline rose 30% in the week after the country confirmed its first case of coronavirus. In the UK, Refuge, one of the leading domestic abuse organisations reported that calls to the UK Domestic Violence Helpline increased by 25% in the seven days following the announcement of tighter social distancing and lockdown measures by the government. During the same period, there was a 150% increase in visits to the Refuge website (BBC, 2020). Governments across the globe are imposing necessary draconian measures to try to level the curve of the virus and to delay its peak. In the UK where we both live and work, we have listened to what has become a well-rehearsed mantra: Stay Home; Protect the National Health Service (NHS); Save Lives. We use this editorial to propose the pandemic paradox, to unravel and problematise these measures in terms of what they mean for those who are living and surviving abusive relationships. Let us start with staying at home. Home is not always a safe place to live; in fact, for adults and children living in situations of domestic and familial violence, home is often the space where physical, psychological and sexual abuse occurs. This is because home can be a place where dynamics of power can be distorted and subverted by those who abuse, often without scrutiny from anyone "outside" the couple, or the family unit. In the COVID-19 crisis, the exhortation to "stay at home" therefore has major implications for those adults and children already living with someone who is abusive or controlling. Stringent restrictions on movement shut off avenues of escape, help-seeking and ways of coping for victim–survivors. Restrictive measures are also likely to play into the hands of people who abuse through tactics of control, surveillance and coercion. This is partly because what goes in within people's homes—and, critically, within their family and intimate relationships—take place "behind closed doors" and out of the view, in a literal sense, of other people. Unintentionally, lockdown measures may therefore grant people who abuse greater freedom to act without scrutiny or consequence. Social norms and attitudes that suggest there is a "sanctity" to family life—to home, in a social rather than physical sense—can also make it difficult for people to speak out about, let alone leave, abusive situations as a result of feelings of shame and embarrassment. During the COVID-19 crisis, it is therefore important to think critically about idealised representations of home and family and to make it possible for people to talk about, and where possible take action to counter abusive and controlling family life. Asking people directly, on repeated occasions, about whether they consistently feel safe at home is one way of doing this; however, it is also important that people asking this question have the time and emotional resources to listen and respond to the often-subtle ways that people indicate they are scared and unsafe. As regards protecting health, social and therapeutic services, of course there has been considerable focus on front-line staff, directly relevant to dealing with the novel coronavirus. Nurses and health professionals are clearly at the forefront of the response to COVID-19 and we stand with those underlining the need to meet, as a basic requirement, health professionals' physical, practical and emotional needs during and after the immediate impact of the pandemic. It is vital that health services are protected and resourced. It is also vital, however, that we continue and where necessary increase support to the services who work alongside health and avoid tendencies to pit services against one another in practical or moral terms. Services working alongside health include the advocates, therapists and helpline practitioners working in specialist domestic and sexual violence services in the voluntary sector. These organisations provide an array of services, including but not limited to refuge accommodation, independent advocacy and peer support and mentoring services. Their independence is often highly valued by victim–survivors, many of whom may have had difficult experiences with institutions such as the police or social services. During the COVID-19 crisis, these services are more crucial than ever. They provide support and care to victim–survivors experiencing immediate danger and distress. Thus, it is critical that governments across the world enable these services to remain open. This means ensuring that voluntary sector practitioners can access personal protective equipment, be paid in full and be supported to care for their own families whilst working. It also means finding new solutions, including increasing capacity for helpline services and running targeted campaigns, alongside specialist services, about discrete ways that victim–survivors can contact the emergency services without alerting their abuser (Independent Office for Police Conduct, 2019). For people already accessing crisis and therapeutics services, the use of phone support and online technologies to provide advice and counselling is welcomed. However, it is also important to recognise that victim–survivors may not have access to these mechanisms because of control tactics used by an abusive partner, or more simply, because they cannot afford them. This underlines the need to provide different types of support and to recognise that many people will simply not be able to access help or care whilst social restrictions are in place and this will have an impact on their safety, health and well-being now and in the longer term. In terms of saving lives, one of the most serious manifestations of intimate partner and familial abuse is domestic homicide. In the UK, approximately two women are killed every week by their current or ex-partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reports have emerged of an apparent increase in domestic homicides in a number of affected countries. In March 2020, Spain (a country that has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic) saw its first domestic violence fatality just 5 days following lockdown; a woman was murdered by her husband in front of their children in Valencia. There is also emerging evidence of an increased number of domestic homicides in the UK since the lockdown restrictions were enacted (Ingala Smith, 2020). At this early stage of the pandemic, it is too early to verify whether the increased reporting of these deaths represents an actual rise in domestic homicide rates or increased media attention. However, it is important to highlight that reported cases are of violence are known to be a small percentage of actual incidents. Moreover, the emerging homicide numbers underline the serious and potentially devastating unintended consequences of the pandemic for victim–survivors of abuse. At the time of writing, we are grappling, like everyone else, with the myriad, often deeply worrying effects of this novel coronavirus. Seeking to stem its spread, safeguard our health systems and, critically, best protect those with health vulnerabilities that put them at risk of life-limiting or life-ending illness, it has been necessary to alter social behaviours like never before and for governments to alter radically, the extent to which they intervene into our private lives and behaviours. We raise concerns about the needs and experiences of victim–survivors of domestic violence as a way of drawing attention to some of the unfortunate and troubling paradoxes of social distancing and isolation measures, not in opposition to them. We do so because the voices and needs of victim–survivors are too often over-looked and under-represented in some parts of the media and within policy and political spheres. We also raise these issues because there are actions that may help to mitigate the additional risks that COVID-19, and its attendant social and economic effects, may have on victim–survivors. National and local governments can, for example, take action now in terms of protecting and supporting services that provide crisis and therapeutic support to victim-survivors. However, it is also by being aware of and, where possible, reaching out to those who may be affected by domestic violence that we can support one another, whether in our personal or professional lives. This pandemic creates a paradox as regards staying safe at home and it is one to which we should all pay attention. Governments across the globe have called upon us all to play our individual part in tackling COVID-19 by staying at home, but a critical mindfulness of what this means for many women and children is also important.
In this paper we make estimates of the potential short-term economic impact of COVID-19 on global monetary poverty through contractions in per capita household income or consumption.Our estimates are based … In this paper we make estimates of the potential short-term economic impact of COVID-19 on global monetary poverty through contractions in per capita household income or consumption.Our estimates are based on three scenarios: low, medium, and high global contractions of 5, 10, and 20 per cent; we calculate the impact of each of these scenarios on the poverty headcount using the international poverty lines of US$1.90, US$3.20 and US$5.50 per day.Our estimates show that COVID-19 poses a real challenge to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty by 2030 because global poverty could increase for the first time since 1990 and, depending on the poverty line, such increase could represent a reversal of approximately a decade in the world's progress in reducing poverty.In some regions the adverse impacts could result in poverty levels similar to those recorded 30 years ago.Under the most extreme scenario of a 20 per cent income or consumption contraction, the number of people living in poverty could increase by 420-580 million, relative to the latest official recorded figures for 2018.
Abstract This paper provides an early assessment of the implications of the COVID‐19 pandemic for food supply chains and supply chain resilience. The effects of demand‐side shocks on food supply … Abstract This paper provides an early assessment of the implications of the COVID‐19 pandemic for food supply chains and supply chain resilience. The effects of demand‐side shocks on food supply chains are discussed, including consumer panic buying behaviors with respect to key items, and the sudden change in consumption patterns away from the food service sector to meals prepared and consumed at home. Potential supply‐side disruptions to food supply chains are assessed, including labor shortages, disruptions to transportation networks, and “thickening” of the Canada–U.S. border with respect to the movement of goods. Finally, the paper considers whether the COVID‐19 pandemic will have longer‐lasting effects on the nature of food supply chains, including the growth of the online grocery delivery sector, and the extent to which consumers will prioritize “local” food supply chains.
This paper evaluates the short-term impact of the coronavirus outbreak on 21 leading stock market indices in major affected countries including Japan, Korea, Singapore, the USA, Germany, Italy, and the … This paper evaluates the short-term impact of the coronavirus outbreak on 21 leading stock market indices in major affected countries including Japan, Korea, Singapore, the USA, Germany, Italy, and the UK etc. The consequences of infectious disease are considerable and have been directly affecting stock markets worldwide. Using an event study method, our results indicate that the stock markets in major affected countries and areas fell quickly after the virus outbreak. Countries in Asia experienced more negative abnormal returns as compared to other countries. Further panel fixed effect regressions also support the adverse effect of COVID-19 confirmed cases on stock indices abnormal returns through an effective channel by adding up investors’ pessimistic sentiment on future returns and fears of uncertainties.
The discovery of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the spread of COVID-19 have led many governments to take drastic measures. The lockdown of large parts of society and economic life has … The discovery of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the spread of COVID-19 have led many governments to take drastic measures. The lockdown of large parts of society and economic life has come as an exogenous shock to many economic actors, not least innovative startups. This rapid response research combines a qualitative research design informed by entrepreneurial ecosystem actors with an analysis of policy measures called for, announced, and reportedly implemented in the international press. Interviews from an entrepreneurial ecosystem offer a first-hand account of the adversity startups face during a crisis and how by utilizing bricolage responses they cope, and the analysis of policy measures can serve as an inspiration to design support initiatives to protect startups from the consequences of the current lockdown and to alleviate the effects of future crises. The lockdown measures as a response to the spread of the new coronavirus threaten the existence of many innovative startups. Our rapid response research first illustrates the challenges entrepreneurs face as a consequence of the crisis. Second, we illustrate how entrepreneurs are dealing with the effects of the crisis and what they are doing to protect their ventures. Finally, we present measures that could be utilized by policymakers to assist entrepreneurs facing challenges. The research conducted suggests that while startups are successfully leveraging their available resources as a first response to the crisis, their growth and innovation potential are at risk. Therefore, policy measures should not only provide first aid to startups by alleviating the pressure caused by constrained cashflow, but also involve long-term measures embedded in and supported by the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem to ensure rapid recovery and growth.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19, broadly referred to as “coronavirus”) a global pandemic, while thousands of infections and deaths are reported daily. The … The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19, broadly referred to as “coronavirus”) a global pandemic, while thousands of infections and deaths are reported daily. The current article explores the food systems in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. It provides insights about the properties of bioactive ingredients of foods and herbs for the support of the human immune system against infections before discussing the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through the food chain. It also highlights the global food security issues arising from the fact that one-third of the world’s population is on lockdown. Finally, it underlines the importance of sustainability in the food chain in order to avoid or reduce the frequency of relevant food and health crises in the future.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is challenging the world. With no vaccine and limited medical capacity to treat the disease, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) are the main strategy to contain the pandemic. … The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is challenging the world. With no vaccine and limited medical capacity to treat the disease, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) are the main strategy to contain the pandemic. Unprecedented global travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders are causing the most severe disruption of the global economy since World War II. With international travel bans affecting over 90% of the world population and wide-spread restrictions on public gatherings and community mobility, tourism largely ceased in March 2020. Early evidence on impacts on air travel, cruises, and accommodations have been devastating. While highly uncertain, early projections from UNWTO for 2020 suggest international arrivals could decline by 20 to 30% relative to 2019. Tourism is especially susceptible to measures to counteract pandemics because of restricted mobility and social distancing. The paper compares the impacts of COVID-19 to previous epidemic/pandemics and other types of global crises and explores how the pandemic may change society, the economy, and tourism. It discusses why COVID-19 is an analogue to the ongoing climate crisis, and why there is a need to question the volume growth tourism model advocated by UNWTO, ICAO, CLIA, WTTC and other tourism organizations.
COVID-19 is not only a global pandemic and public health crisis but it has also severely affected the global economy and financial markets. Significant reductions in income, rise of unemployment … COVID-19 is not only a global pandemic and public health crisis but it has also severely affected the global economy and financial markets. Significant reductions in income, rise of unemployment and disruptions in transportation, service and manufacturing industries are among the consequences of disease mitigation measures implemented in many countries. It has become clear that most governments in the world have underestimated the risks of rapid COVID-19 spread and were mostly reactive in their crisis response. As disease outbreaks are not likely to disappear in the near future, proactive international actions are required to not only save lives but also protect economic prosperity.
Significance Drawing on a survey of more than 5,800 small businesses, this paper provides insight into the economic impact of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on small businesses. The results shed light … Significance Drawing on a survey of more than 5,800 small businesses, this paper provides insight into the economic impact of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on small businesses. The results shed light on both the financial fragility of many small businesses, and the significant impact COVID-19 had on these businesses in the weeks after the COVID-19–related disruptions began. The results also provide evidence on businesses’ expectations about the longer-term impact of COVID-19, as well as their perceptions of relief programs offered by the government.
We report the results of a nationally-representative sample of the US population during the COVID-19 pandemic.The survey ran in two waves from April 1-5, 2020 and May 2-8, 2020.Of those … We report the results of a nationally-representative sample of the US population during the COVID-19 pandemic.The survey ran in two waves from April 1-5, 2020 and May 2-8, 2020.Of those employed pre-COVID-19, we find that about half are now working from home, including 35.2% who report they were commuting and recently switched to working from home.In addition, 10.1% report being laid-off or furloughed since the start of COVID-19.There is a strong negative relationship between the fraction in a state still commuting to work and the fraction working from home.We find that the share of people switching to remote work can be predicted by the incidence of COVID-19 and that younger people were more likely to switch to remote work.Furthermore, states with a higher share of employment in information work including management, professional and related occupations were more likely to shift toward working from home and had fewer people laid off or furloughed.We find no substantial change in results between the two waves, suggesting that most changes to remote work manifested by early April.
Abstract This paper brings together evidence from various data sources and the most recent studies to describe what we know so far about the impacts of the COVID‐19 crisis on … Abstract This paper brings together evidence from various data sources and the most recent studies to describe what we know so far about the impacts of the COVID‐19 crisis on inequalities across several key domains of life, including employment and ability to earn, family life and health. We show how these new fissures interact with existing inequalities along various key dimensions, including socio‐economic status, education, age, gender, ethnicity and geography. We find that the deep underlying inequalities and policy challenges that we already had are crucial in understanding the complex impacts of the pandemic itself and our response to it, and that the crisis does in itself have the potential to exacerbate some of these pre‐existing inequalities fairly directly. Moreover, it seems likely that the current crisis will leave legacies that will impact inequalities in the long term. These possibilities are not all disequalising, but many are.
Abstract No previous infectious disease outbreak, including the Spanish Flu, has affected the stock market as forcefully as the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, previous pandemics left only mild traces on … Abstract No previous infectious disease outbreak, including the Spanish Flu, has affected the stock market as forcefully as the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, previous pandemics left only mild traces on the U.S. stock market. We use text-based methods to develop these points with respect to large daily stock market moves back to 1900 and with respect to overall stock market volatility back to 1985. We also evaluate potential explanations for the unprecedented stock market reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence we amass suggests that government restrictions on commercial activity and voluntary social distancing, operating with powerful effects in a service-oriented economy, are the main reasons the U.S. stock market reacted so much more forcefully to COVID-19 than to previous pandemics in 1918–1919, 1957–1958, and 1968.
Using the financial data of listed Chinese companies, we study the impact of COVID-19 on corporate performance. We show that COVID-19 has a negative impact on firm performance. The negative … Using the financial data of listed Chinese companies, we study the impact of COVID-19 on corporate performance. We show that COVID-19 has a negative impact on firm performance. The negative impact of COVID-19 on firm performance is more pronounced when a firm's investment scale or sales revenue is smaller. We show, in an additional analysis, that the negative impact of COVID-19 on firm performance is more pronounced in serious-impact areas and industries. These findings are among the first empirical evidence of the association between pandemic and firm performance.
The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has severely affected the global and Pakistani economy. Major victims of the COVID-19 outbreak are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This article aims … The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has severely affected the global and Pakistani economy. Major victims of the COVID-19 outbreak are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This article aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on these businesses and provide policy recommendations to help MSMEs in reducing business losses and survive through the crisis. We adopted an exploratory methodology with comprehensively reviewing the available literature, including policy documents, research papers, and reports in the relevant field. Further, to add empirical evidence, we collected data from 184 Pakistani MSMEs by administering an online questionnaire. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics. The results indicate that most of the participating enterprises have been severely affected and they are facing several issues such as financial, supply chain disruption, decrease in demand, reduction in sales and profit, among others. Besides, over 83% of enterprises were neither prepared nor have any plan to handle such a situation. Further, more than two-thirds of participating enterprises reported that they could not survive if the lockdown lasts more than two months. The findings of our study are consistent with previous studies. Based on the results of the research, different policy recommendations were proposed to ease the adverse effects of the outbreak on MSMEs. Although our suggested policy recommendations may not be sufficient to help MSMEs go through the ongoing crisis, these measures will help them weather the storm.
Economic fallout and food supply chain disruptions require attention from policy-makers Economic fallout and food supply chain disruptions require attention from policy-makers
Significance Public health response to COVID-19 requires behavior changes—isolation at home, wearing masks. Its effectiveness depends on generalized compliance. Original data from two waves of a survey conducted in March−April … Significance Public health response to COVID-19 requires behavior changes—isolation at home, wearing masks. Its effectiveness depends on generalized compliance. Original data from two waves of a survey conducted in March−April 2020 in eight Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries ( n = 21,649) show large gender differences in COVID-19−related beliefs and behaviors. Women are more likely to perceive the pandemic as a very serious health problem and to agree and comply with restraining measures. These differences are only partially mitigated for individuals cohabiting or directly exposed to COVID-19. This behavioral factor contributes to substantial gender differences in mortality and is consistent with women-led countries responding more effectively to the pandemic. It calls for gender-based public health policies and communication.
Abstract A pandemic is not a new event encountered in the history of humanity because mankind has faced various pandemics in history. The common point of pandemics is their serious … Abstract A pandemic is not a new event encountered in the history of humanity because mankind has faced various pandemics in history. The common point of pandemics is their serious negative effects on the global economy. Considering the food supply chain, one of the most important sectors of the economy, it has been seen that COVID-19 has an impact on the whole process from the field to the consumer. In the light of recent challenges in food supply chain, there is now considerable concern about food production, processing, distribution, and demand. COVID-19 resulted in the movement restrictions of workers, changes in demand of consumers, closure of food production facilities, restricted food trade policies, and financial pressures in food supply chain. Therefore, governments should facilitate the movement of workers and agri-food products. In addition, small farmers or vulnerable people should be supported financially. Facilities should change the working conditions and maintain the health and safety of employees by altering safety measures. Food protectionist policies should be avoided to prevent an increase in food prices. In conclusion, each country must realize the severity of the situation and sometimes should tighten or loosen the measures according to the spread of the pandemic. The supply chain also should be flexible enough to respond to the challenges in the food supply chain. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the agriculture and food sector and to summarize the recommendations required to reduce and control the effect of the pandemic.
Abstract Market reactions to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) provide new insights into how real shocks and financial policies drive firm value. Initially, internationally oriented firms, especially those more … Abstract Market reactions to the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) provide new insights into how real shocks and financial policies drive firm value. Initially, internationally oriented firms, especially those more exposed to trade with China, underperformed. As the virus spread to Europe and the United States, corporate debt and cash holdings emerged as important value drivers, relevant even after the Fed intervened in the bond market. The content and tone of conference calls mirror this development over time. Overall, the results illustrate how anticipated real effects from the health crisis, a rare disaster, were amplified through financial channels. (JEL G01, G12, G14, G32, F14) Received: May 27, 2020; editorial decision June 16, 2020 by Editor Andrew Ellul. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
How did a health crisis translate to an economic crisis? Why did the spread of the coronavirus bring the global economy to its knees? The answer lies in two methods … How did a health crisis translate to an economic crisis? Why did the spread of the coronavirus bring the global economy to its knees? The answer lies in two methods by which coronavirus stifled economic activities. First, the spread of the virus encouraged social distancing which led to the shutdown of financial markets, corporate offices, businesses and events. Second, the exponential rate at which the virus was spreading, and the heightened uncertainty about how bad the situation could get, led to flight to safety in consumption and investment among consumers, investors and international trade partners. We focus on the period from the start of 2020 through March when the coronavirus began spreading into other countries and markets. We draw on real-world observations in assessing the restrictive measures, monetary policy measures, fiscal policy measures and the public health measures that were adopted during the period. We empirically examine the impact of social distancing policies on economic activities and stock market indices. We also empirically the effect of COVID infection cases and COVID deaths on macroeconomic performance during the 2020 to 2021 period. The findings reveal that the increasing number of lockdown days, monetary policy decisions and international travel restrictions severely affected the level of economic activities and the closing, opening, lowest and highest stock price of major stock market indices. We also find that the rising number of COVID cases and rising death cases led to a significant increase in global inflation rate, global unemployment rate, and global energy commodity index.
COVID-19 has prompted unprecedented government action around the world. We introduce the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), a dataset that addresses the need for continuously updated, readily usable and … COVID-19 has prompted unprecedented government action around the world. We introduce the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT), a dataset that addresses the need for continuously updated, readily usable and comparable information on policy measures. From 1 January 2020, the data capture government policies related to closure and containment, health and economic policy for more than 180 countries, plus several countries' subnational jurisdictions. Policy responses are recorded on ordinal or continuous scales for 19 policy areas, capturing variation in degree of response. We present two motivating applications of the data, highlighting patterns in the timing of policy adoption and subsequent policy easing and reimposition, and illustrating how the data can be combined with behavioural and epidemiological indicators. This database enables researchers and policymakers to explore the empirical effects of policy responses on the spread of COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as on economic and social welfare.
Integration across geographical boundaries has been an insatiable quest of human being for different altruistic purposes. The connect between the nations existed informally for the purposes of trade and cooperation. … Integration across geographical boundaries has been an insatiable quest of human being for different altruistic purposes. The connect between the nations existed informally for the purposes of trade and cooperation. The trade has always been the most instrumental and effective vehicle for such integration among the different countries across the geographical boundaries. The term globalization refers to the autonomous surfacing of social and economic systems which aims for international cooperation. Social, economic and management scientist have given different expressions to integration of material, human and intelligence across the nations. Economic globalization is a deep integration through value chain of trade in products and services as well as setting up of facilities across the world for creation of wealth. For fruitful economic cooperation, reduction in tariff walls and creation of congenial atmosphere for international trade have always been the hallmark of international policy.
The goal of this piece is to survey the developing and rapidly growing literature on the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the governmental responses, and to synthetize the insights emerging … The goal of this piece is to survey the developing and rapidly growing literature on the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the governmental responses, and to synthetize the insights emerging from a very large number of studies. This survey: (i) provides an overview of the data sets and the techniques employed to measure social distancing and COVID-19 cases and deaths; (ii) reviews the literature on the determinants of compliance with and the effectiveness of social distancing; (iii) mentions the macroeconomic and financial impacts including the modelling of plausible mechanisms; (iv) summarizes the literature on the socioeconomic consequences of COVID-19, focusing on those aspects related to labor, health, gender, discrimination, and the environment; and (v) summarizes the literature on public policy responses.
Worldwide, as millions of people stay at home to minimise transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, health-care workers prepare to do the exact opposite. They will go to … Worldwide, as millions of people stay at home to minimise transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, health-care workers prepare to do the exact opposite. They will go to clinics and hospitals, putting themselves at high risk from COVID-2019. Figures from China's National Health Commission show that more than 3300 health-care workers have been infected as of early March and, according to local media, by the end of February at least 22 had died. In Italy, 20% of responding health-care workers were infected, and some have died.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the hospitality industry across the globe, and Thailand is no exception. By 2030, AI will be at the forefront in driving customer experience (CX) in … Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the hospitality industry across the globe, and Thailand is no exception. By 2030, AI will be at the forefront in driving customer experience (CX) in Thai hotels, transforming models of service, guest interactions, and operational efficiency. This article explores the use of AI in Thailand's hospitality sector, more precisely how AI technologies such as chatbots, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and personalization algorithms are revolutionizing customer service, revenue management, and overall guest satisfaction. Since the tourism industry is one of the key drivers of Thailand's economy, the use of AI presents opportunities as well as challenges, particularly in terms of sustainability, employee training, and technology investments. While hotels grapple to maintain pace with evolving consumer needs, AI enables more personalized and streamlined experiences, ranging from automated booking processes to customized provision of services. However, the paper also alludes to the ethical, legal, and environmental consequences of AI-driven practices, necessitating cautious adoption. The influence of AI is set to reshape Thailand's hospitality sector by 2030, striking a fine balance between technology, sustainability, and improved customer service. This article aims to provide insights into the future of AI in Thai hotels, outlining a roadmap for stakeholders to benefit from the potential of AI while addressing its pitfalls.
Randa Alfotawi | International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Thomas Probst | Anthem Press eBooks
This case study describes the country-level experience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Gabon between December 2020 and December 2022. We structured the presentation of COVID-19 response as an … This case study describes the country-level experience and response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Gabon between December 2020 and December 2022. We structured the presentation of COVID-19 response as an action cycle with five elements: (1) engagement, (2) assessment and surveillance measures used to track new cases, (3) planning, (4) action/implementation, and (5) evaluation. We describe the participatory monitoring and evaluation (M&E) process implemented in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Africa M&E team. The M&E system was used to organize and make sense of emerging data regarding the evolution of new cases of COVID-19 and related response activities. We share the results of this participatory evaluation, including systematic reflection by stakeholders ("sensemaking") to identify factors associated with lowering the number of new cases and with enabling and impeding Gabon's pandemic response. We conclude with lessons learned and practice implications from Gabon's experience to guide future country-level responses to rapidly evolving public health crises. This analysis seeks to guide decision-makers and practitioners in their efforts to respond to such situations.
Financial institutions including banks in particular, are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance service standard and adapt to evolving market dynamics. AI impacts various banking aspects from customer … Financial institutions including banks in particular, are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance service standard and adapt to evolving market dynamics. AI impacts various banking aspects from customer service, risk management, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. The study aims to provide insights that will guide future research and promote the sustainable growth of this rapidly developing field while also identifying gaps and unexplored areas. Therefore, this paper employed bibliometric analysis, using VOSviewer to analyze multiple scholarly items from Scopus, to comprehensively examine the role of AI in banking (AIB). Keywords were used in the Scopus database, and 1784 articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Publication trend, keyword analysis, co-citation & bibliometric analysis were undertaken. By examining academic literature through citation analysis, network and density visualizations, and trend assessments, this study identified significant themes and patterns in the implementation of implementing AI within the banking industry. The findings offer valuable information for banking professionals and planners. From the findings in this paper, future studies could focus on more usage of the technology in the BFSI space.
South Africa was unprepared for the work-from-home measures (computer-based work practices with technological interface) necessitated by the government's rapid lockdown and restriction of mobility during COVID-19. The accelerated adoption of … South Africa was unprepared for the work-from-home measures (computer-based work practices with technological interface) necessitated by the government's rapid lockdown and restriction of mobility during COVID-19. The accelerated adoption of technology for remote work by human resource management (HRM) practitioners resulted in challenges in online and face-to-face onboarding. Problems with internet connectivity, infrastructure, hardware and the availability of electricity hindered operations during this period. The research objective was to investigate the factors influencing the implementation of HRM onboarding practices, with a specific focus on online and hybrid onboarding approaches, within a municipal context in South Africa. This qualitative study employed an interpretive phenomenological design, collecting data through semi-structured interviews in person and via videoconferencing. It focused on HR staff and employees onboarded during the pandemic, selecting a purposive sample of 10 HR staff who were interviewed until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis, supported by ATLAS.ti for coding, was applied to analyse information. The main findings involved the contributing and constraining factors in onboarding during COVID-19. Videoconferencing tools, paperless systems, geographical location, accessible internet document access and involvement of immediate senior managers were the identified themes of the contributing factors. Lack of Microsoft Teams software experience, lack of adopting onboarding processes, incomplete and slow induction process, no induction process, network and mobile connections, electricity load-shedding, funding, familiarity with technology, COVID-19 regulations and the availability of resources were the identified themes of the constraining factors. The research highlighted the need for the adaptation of work methods, agility and improvement of onboarding processes to ensure that onboarding continued during lockdown and remote working conditions. Managers, drawing insights from COVID-19 experiences, could refine onboarding processes for future efficiency. The research contributed to agile work methods and enhanced onboarding within South African municipalities, addressing common operational challenges. Keywords: HRM onboarding, constraining and contributing factors, COVID-19 pandemic South Africa, state-owned company0
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly influenced urban planning and disease management in residential areas. Focusing on Beijing as a case study (3898 communities), this research develops a big data analytics … The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly influenced urban planning and disease management in residential areas. Focusing on Beijing as a case study (3898 communities), this research develops a big data analytics framework integrating anonymized mobile phone signals (China Mobile), location-based services (AMAP.com), and municipal health records to quantify COVID-19 transmission dynamics. Using logistic regression, we analyzed 15 indicators across four dimensions: mobility behavior, host demographics, spatial characteristics, and facility accessibility. Our analysis reveals three key determinants: (1) Population aged 65 and above (OR = 62.8, p < 0.001) and (2) housing density (OR = 9.96, p = 0.026) significantly increase transmission risk, while (3) population density exhibits a paradoxical negative effect (β = −3.98, p < 0.001) attributable to targeted interventions in high-density zones. We further construct a validated risk prediction model (AUC = 0.7; 95.97% accuracy) enabling high-resolution spatial targeting of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The framework provides urban planners with actionable strategies—including senior activity scheduling and ventilation retrofits—while advancing scalable methodologies for infectious disease management in global urban contexts.
Meng Qin , Chi‐Wei Su , Jinhao Cui | Agricultural Economics (Zemědělská ekonomika)
This study aims to unravel the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Rwanda's agricultural cooperatives, concentrating on the nuanced dynamics within the Dukunde Umurimo cooperative. Its primary focus lies … This study aims to unravel the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Rwanda's agricultural cooperatives, concentrating on the nuanced dynamics within the Dukunde Umurimo cooperative. Its primary focus lies in assessing the extent of Covid-19's influence on the cooperative's members, exploring their adopted coping mechanisms, identifying post-pandemic challenges, and proposing strategies to alleviate these identified challenges. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research designs, the study encompassed 755 members of Dukunde Umurimo Cooperative, with a sample of 88 derived through the Yamane formula utilizing simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data collection involved interviews, questionnaires, and documentation techniques. Utilizing descriptive statistics—frequency and percentage analysis—and comparative methods, the research evaluated cooperative productivity across pre-Covid, during, and post-Covid periods. Findings revealed a notable decrease in income and sales quantities during the Covid-19 period, followed by a significant post-pandemic increase. Concurrently, reductions in production, sales, and demand emerged as prominent challenges faced by Dukunde Umurimo cooperative members. Based on these findings, recommendations include strengthening resilience through diversification, and enhance the insurance risks management for the agricultural produce.
Ajay Kumar | INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
Training is an integral part of the work situation and is closely related to the career and promotion structure. So practical training could be taken as a beginning of a … Training is an integral part of the work situation and is closely related to the career and promotion structure. So practical training could be taken as a beginning of a process of in doctrines into the ways of a business organization and it is the first step which would be helpful in future prospect. Training makes the concept clear and help in facing the actual situations. I have done training in Marketing Management. During the training program, I got the opportunity to learn valuable things regarding management. It was my fortune to get the training in a very healthy atmosphere. The management of the company offered learning situation sufficient facilities and training opportunities to fulfill the objectives of training. The project assigned to me was A Study on Aviation Industry and Impact on HR after COVID. In my project report I have studied the importance of stress management. This Project has really exposed me to a far new world and I sincerely hope that, will find my study equally valuable as found it in shaping my career.
Market and entrepreneurial orientations appear in the literature as two concepts that improve firm performance in SMEs from developing countries. However, there is a debate whether both orientations should be … Market and entrepreneurial orientations appear in the literature as two concepts that improve firm performance in SMEs from developing countries. However, there is a debate whether both orientations should be implemented simultaneously or individually to achieve a higher firm performance. Thus, this study, using a sample of 368 SMEs from Mexico, aims to identify the link between market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation, and their relationship with firm performance through and empirical study. Data were estimated by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling with the SmartPLS 4.0 software. Results show that both market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation have a positive influence on firm performance, particularly when the second one acts as a mediating variable.
The purpose of this study is to assess how COVID-19 impacted the Zimbabwean gold mineral sector and the Human Capital Management (HCM) strategies deployed to mitigate the negative consequences. The … The purpose of this study is to assess how COVID-19 impacted the Zimbabwean gold mineral sector and the Human Capital Management (HCM) strategies deployed to mitigate the negative consequences. The COVID-19 scourge created an intricate and challenging environment for human capital management professionals, and a crisis is imminent in the mining sector unless survival strategies are formulated by management. An exploratory research design was therefore employed. This study also hinged on the qualitative research approach. The study was guided by the principle of saturation. Saturation was reached by 20 participants. The research used a purposive sampling technique. We found that employee motivation, talent management, health and safety, and employee engagement are essential for propelling mining firms to prosperity during pandemics. The study recommends that managers develop and implement a policy focused on employee health and safety. Furthermore, employee engagement should be promoted, as it can lead to valuable business outcomes. Additionally, organizations should train their employees to develop modern skills, which are vital in today’s dynamic world. Finally, people managers should consistently provide clarity of expectations, adjust difficulty levels, and offer opportunities for recognition to motivate employees. The country stands to benefit from the diverse and rich mineral resource base if employees are well motivated as this engenders employee commitment. Keywords: COVID-19, Strategy, Employee performance, Zimbabwean gold mineral sector and employee motivation.
The main objectives of our study is to identify the scenario of disruption in education and culture due to COVID-19 in India and the World, significant Strategies are taken to … The main objectives of our study is to identify the scenario of disruption in education and culture due to COVID-19 in India and the World, significant Strategies are taken to recover from it. The students, missed opportunities for learning, no longer have access to healthy meals during this time and are subject to economic and social stress. In India, on 20 March, Maharashtra government cancelled examinations for class 1 to 8 and promoted the students to the next classes, whereas examinations for class 9 and 11 were postponed till 15 April. Ministry of Human Resources and Development has announced that students of classes 1 to 8 will be promoted to the higher classes. All over the country educational institutions declared closed. UNESCO-IIEP studied in this month as the world comes to terms with the scale and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health of the global population is rightly taking priority over education for the time being. For today's students, the coronavirus outbreak means a huge loss of learning time, with potential repercussions for their schooling and careers in the years to come. According to Blandine Ledoux and Koffi Segniagbeto, IIEP specialists in education costs and financing in Paris and Dakar respectively, the crisis will have a significant impact at two different levels: 1. The loss of education spending for the duration of the crisis, as well as the resulting additional cost and 2. The expected downturn in future financial resources available to the education sector. The financial cost of this varies from country to country, depending on the existing infrastructure and the level of preparedness for a crisis such as this. Dramatic drop in government revenues. Lower importance of education, nationally and internationally will have to be put in place to limit the damage to countries' economies and healthcare systems costly.
Hitesh Verma | INTERANTIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
The conditions under which business was carried out in the world were greatly changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which stimulated the development and adaptation of the sphere of e-commerce. … The conditions under which business was carried out in the world were greatly changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which stimulated the development and adaptation of the sphere of e-commerce. In this study, we explore how e-commerce businesses market themselves in the times of pandemic to meet the quickly shifting consumer habits and challenges of operation. Based on a quantitative research carried out on 60 respondents, the research examines the efficiency of social media marketing, personalized promotions, transparent communication on the safety of delivery, flexible payment mode, and corporate social responsibility. The results indicate that online outreach and target personalization as well as the use of clear safety messages were instrumental in maintaining customer loyalty and promotional online purchases during the crisis conditions. The paper establishes the need to embrace agility, innovation, and consumer-focused strategies in e-commerce marketing in the efforts to develop resilience in an unpredictable market. Realistic suggestions are provided to assist companies to make the best use of their marketing processes during both contemporary and any future disruption, and will add useful knowledge to the digital economy that is under transformation. Keywords- COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce marketing, consumer behavior, digital strategies, personalized promotions, customer engagement, crisis management, corporate social responsibility.
E HAMSA | Asian Journal of Economics Business and Accounting
Aims: This study intends to examine the perception of the usage of digital financial services among people residing in rural areas in Kerala State in India with special reference to … Aims: This study intends to examine the perception of the usage of digital financial services among people residing in rural areas in Kerala State in India with special reference to the Malappuram district. Study Design: A quantitative descriptive research design was used for conducting the study to understand the adoption of digital financial services among rural people. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted among rural people of Malappuram district in Kerala state in India between January 2025 and March 2025. Methodology: Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A sample of 280 respondents were selected using judgement sampling of non-probability sampling technique. The survey data were analyzed using SPSS. Percentage was used to understand the perception and attitudes towards digital financial services. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square. Results: Gender and perception towards convenience in the usage of digital financial services are not independent (P = 0.000). Age and perception towards convenience in the usage of digital financial services are not independent (P = 0.000). Gender and perception towards security in the usage of digital financial services are independent (P = 0.065). Age and perception towards security in the usage of digital financial services are not independent (P= 0.000). Conclusion: The study reveals that Debit cards and UPI apps are the digital financial services being used by most people in rural areas in the Malappuram district. Digital loans and online insurance policies are not popular among them. Benefits perceived by them in the usage of digital financial services are easy to use and the aspect of time-saving. Difficulty faced in the usage by most of the people are forgetting user ID and password.
This research aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 case on stock prices and financial decisions when implementing the Indonesian government's policy phases in dealing with COVID-19. This study … This research aims to determine the impact of the COVID-19 case on stock prices and financial decisions when implementing the Indonesian government's policy phases in dealing with COVID-19. This study used secondary data from idx.co.id along with a sample of companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. The total observations are 59,987 surveillance instances, using a regression model with panel data. This research shows that COVID-19 cases during 2020 and 2021 have had both positive and negative impacts on stock returns and company financial decisions, depending on whether the social restriction policy period issued by the government was long and the strictness in implementing the policy. According to the government and investors, early and measurable preventive measures and proactive reactions are crucial. The government must be aggressive, such as extending the policy period and being stricter in terms of policy implementation, to suppress the virus outbreak and increase investor confidence. Currently, there are varied studies examining the impact of COVID-19 on the stock market, but they were only based on studies with a one-event period. Meanwhile, this study is based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases over a long period, considering different phases of the Indonesian government's policy compared to other countries, and uses one dependent variable that has never been measured based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, namely financial decisions.
This research explores the online food delivery consumption patterns among college students in Anand City, focusing on the influence of area of residence (rural vs. urban) on purchasing behavior. Data … This research explores the online food delivery consumption patterns among college students in Anand City, focusing on the influence of area of residence (rural vs. urban) on purchasing behavior. Data collected from 100 respondents through a structured questionnaire reveals significant differences in frequency and preferences between rural and urban users. While awareness of online food delivery services is high (94%), urban respondents demonstrate a higher tendency for frequent purchases compared to rural counterparts, with weekly and monthly orders being more common in urban areas. Platforms like Swiggy and Zomato dominate the market, preferred for their reliability and variety, whereas other services see minimal usage. Fast delivery, discounts, and reasonable pricing emerge as key factors influencing purchase decisions. Despite growing acceptance, a significant portion of respondents still prefer cooking at home or dining out, primarily due to concerns about food quality, hygiene, and delivery costs. Payment preferences reveal a strong inclination toward digital payments, especially UPI, with cash on delivery remaining popular. Customer satisfaction is highest for Swiggy and Zomato, while other platforms lag behind. Respondents emphasize the need for improvements in delivery charges, food quality, and service speed to enhance the overall experience. The study highlights the evolving food consumption landscape in Anand, emphasizing the growing importance of online food delivery while underscoring challenges related to affordability, trust, and service quality.
Vishwajeet Kumar | RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is reshaping global manufacturing through the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and cyber-physical systems. While these advancements offer significant economic … The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) is reshaping global manufacturing through the integration of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, robotics, and cyber-physical systems. While these advancements offer significant economic potential, women remain underrepresented in Smart Manufacturing, particularly in India. This study investigates women’s participation in Industry 4.0, analyzing labor force data, STEM education trends, skill development initiatives, and policy frameworks. Findings reveal that although female STEM enrollment has increased to 37.8% in 2023, only 16.5% of women are employed in manufacturing, and even fewer hold advanced technical roles. Structural barriers including gender bias, skill gaps, and cultural norms continue to hinder women's full inclusion. The study concludes that targeted policy reforms, advanced skill training, and workplace flexibility are essential to close this gender gap, which could boost India’s GDP by 3-4%.
This study aimed to analyze the differences regarding changes in sustainability-oriented business models of Brazilian and Portuguese industrial companies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a descriptive study with … This study aimed to analyze the differences regarding changes in sustainability-oriented business models of Brazilian and Portuguese industrial companies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Data were collected from Brazilian and Portuguese industrial companies using a survey; univariate and bivariate statistics were used for data analysis. Our findings revealed that a higher proportion of Brazilian companies (44.3%) underwent a business model change compared to Portuguese companies (26.4%). The financial model and customer relationship elements underwent the most changes to the business model due to pandemic, and companies that changed their business models have sustainability embedded in their value proposition and their relationship with customers is sustainability oriented.
In Nepal, during last 25 years, Two- Wheelers market is surprisingly flourishing. There is a paradigm shift in two-wheelers purchase and uses in Nepal in general and in Kathmandu in … In Nepal, during last 25 years, Two- Wheelers market is surprisingly flourishing. There is a paradigm shift in two-wheelers purchase and uses in Nepal in general and in Kathmandu in particular. Two-Wheelers in Nepal are available in a wide range of pricing starting from Rs.25000 to Rs.10,00,000. The commercial Banks, Co-Operatives and Financial Institutions are also providing Two-Wheelers purchase loans under their Hire and Purchase Schemes. They are providing short and soft term loans for Two-Wheelers purchase. Nepalese Customers are rampant purchasing Two-Wheelers obtaining loans from any Financial Institutions without enough analysis about their loan terms like interest rate, repayment time, paper process and down payments. This has, in many cases, led to more costs to be borne by the customers and they are bound to pay more prices over the actual market prices. As an after math of this, it is seen sometimes, the customers are unable to pay premium installments (EMIs) and the financing institutions have pulled the two-wheelers purchased under financing schemes making the riders devoid of the two- wheelers bikes with them. The researcher has, therefore, tried to conduct a research entitled as "An Impact Study of Price and Financing Schemes in making Two- Wheelers Purchase Decision of Kathmandu Based Riders" with a view to finding a solution to these financing schemes related problems and suggest them the most practical scheme for taking their Two-Wheelers purchase Decision. A Descriptive Research Design is used. 215 Respondents were consulted through structured questionnaires using Google docks and visiting different outlets and workshops and financing institutions. Their responses were recorded and analyzed using SPSS model and different statistical tools. The study primarily revealed that Nepalese Two- Wheelers riders know a very little about loans schemes and getting financing from any institutions. But it was also seen that the financing schemes and prices have a positive impact in making two-wheelers purchase decision by the Kathmandu based riders. These are by far new types of findings in Kathmandu in its kind.
<p>This study examines how the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement tone influenced short-term stock price movements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research suggests that hawkish or dovish language can … <p>This study examines how the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) statement tone influenced short-term stock price movements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research suggests that hawkish or dovish language can drive market reactions, but this study uses manual sentiment analysis and an event window approach to evaluate tone more precisely. Results show dovish tones aligned with positive stock changes in stable periods, while hawkish tones correlated with market declines. However, during the height of the pandemic, tone effects were less predictable, suggesting that crisis conditions can mute or override typical tone-based impacts.</p><p> </p><p><strong>JEL:</strong> E52, G14, E58</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0105/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed the socioeconomic well-being of millions of low-income people across the globe. The study is to examine the financial strategies adopted by Char dwellers in … Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed the socioeconomic well-being of millions of low-income people across the globe. The study is to examine the financial strategies adopted by Char dwellers in Bangladesh to deal with the global pandemic’s shock. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey was conducted for data collection, and respondents were chosen through a multistage sampling technique. Binary logistic model, probit model and multinomial logit models and Bayesian multinomial logistic models have been conducted to achieve the objectives. The objective of incorporating Bayesian models is to evaluate the probabilistic certainty and robustness of estimates in the presence of uncertainty and sparse data. Findings Findings from the binary logit model, probit model, Bayesian logit model and Bayesian probit model show that income, income instability, number of dependents in a family, shrinking work opportunities, financial contributions to family, savings and a comparison of household expenses to pre-pandemic expenses influence the households’ daily financial management strategies. The multinomial logit model and Bayesian multinomial logit model results, on the other hand, show that education, savings, employment status and major sources of expenditure influenced the choice of financial strategies mostly. Practical implications This research offers policy recommendations that might alleviate the financial challenges of extremely poor people posed by global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Policymakers can use the results of this study to improve social safety nets, diversify livelihoods and provide char dwellers with banking services. Community leaders and organizations can learn from char dwellers’ coping strategies to improve financial hardship. By sharing lessons learned and best practices during the COVID-19 epidemic, stakeholders may better help vulnerable communities like char dwellers. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study, in Bangladesh to investigate how financially disadvantaged people living in the char region have dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic and thus this paper presents new background information on strategies adopted by poor to cope up with COVID-19 pandemic using both frequentist and Bayesian modeling approaches. A methodological breakthrough, the incorporation of Bayesian analysis strengthens and probabilistically illuminates studies of socio-economic crises. This research clarified about vulnerable groups’ crisis response, financial situations and adaptive behaviors.
Everyone doesn't know about AI applications in the financial sector. This may bring work conflict in the future; those who have more knowledge about technological growth will know how to … Everyone doesn't know about AI applications in the financial sector. This may bring work conflict in the future; those who have more knowledge about technological growth will know how to handle the technical and technological problems in future. Information technology (IT) is a big area that deals with using computers, phones, and other digital stuff to handle and share data. It is important because it changes how companies work, people talk, etc. IT helps in organizing, storing, and analyzing data quickly. IT also helps us talk to each other in better ways, think about texting, video calls, and social media. Artificial intelligence has shown significant promise in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of financial services. By leveraging AI technologies, financial institutions can streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and provide better services to their customers. Despite some challenges and risks, the overall impact of AI in finance appears to be positive, with potential for even greater advancements in the future. Respondents are noticed AI in their daily lives, fewer recognized its specific applications like facial recognition. Overall, there's moderate trust in AI decision-making, especially in sectors like banking and healthcare, where it's widely used for tasks like fraud detection and customer service. While there's recognition of AI's benefits in finance, such as faster decision-making and cost reduction, opinions vary on its effectiveness for tasks like data security and job displacement.
This study investigates how pandemic-induced emotional disruption has reshaped sustainable consumer behavior in the digital age, with a focus on the continued influence of safety measures in the restaurant industry. … This study investigates how pandemic-induced emotional disruption has reshaped sustainable consumer behavior in the digital age, with a focus on the continued influence of safety measures in the restaurant industry. As societies transition beyond COVID-19 restrictions, health-related anxieties persist, driving consumers to prioritize hygiene and risk reduction in their decision-making. Drawing on large-scale data from TripAdvisor and OpenTable, we analyze the effects of digitally communicated safety protocols on restaurant booking behavior across major U.S. cities. Our findings reveal that safety communication remains a salient factor in consumer choice, even after the acute phase of the pandemic. This effect is particularly pronounced in lower-tier restaurants, where visible digital safety signals help build trust and compensate for weaker brand equity. Conversely, in upscale establishments, where baseline hygiene standards are presumed, the marginal benefit of safety signaling is reduced. The study also identifies enduring patterns of emotional expression and anxiety in online reviews, indicating the long-term psychological imprint of the pandemic on consumer sentiment. By situating safety communication as both a psychological reassurance mechanism and a strategic digital marketing tool, this research contributes to the emerging discourse on sustainable marketing in post-crisis contexts. The results offer theoretical and managerial insights into how businesses can integrate health assurance into long-term brand strategies, reinforcing trust and resilience in digitally mediated, post-pandemic consumption environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted Nigeria, affecting its socio-economic, political, and health landscapes with lasting repercussions. It has exposed weaknesses in the healthcare system, economy, and political structure, leading … The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted Nigeria, affecting its socio-economic, political, and health landscapes with lasting repercussions. It has exposed weaknesses in the healthcare system, economy, and political structure, leading to severe consequences such as exacerbated poverty and unemployment, reduced economic growth, strained political relationships, increased healthcare burdens, and long-term health issues. The government's response measures have often worsened the situation, presented governance challenges and diminished citizens’ trust. The economic fallout includes decreased consumption, depreciating investments, declining net exports, and increased government expenditure. Politically, the pandemic has led to low political participation, erosion of public trust, and strained relationships between citizens and the government. The healthcare system's vulnerabilities are evident in the increased burden on healthcare services and the urgent need for improved health infrastructure. This review underscores the urgent need for proactive strategies to address these lingering impacts and for the enhancement of Nigeria's resilience against future pandemics. It calls for a multidisciplinary approach to develop and implement effective policies and programmes that mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 and strengthen the country's preparedness for future health crises.
The growth of the GIG economy has changed the employment landscape globally, including in Indonesia. PT Ayo Media Network is one of the online media companies that relies on freelancers … The growth of the GIG economy has changed the employment landscape globally, including in Indonesia. PT Ayo Media Network is one of the online media companies that relies on freelancers such as reporters, editors, and content writers. However, the performance of freelancers in this company is considered low and inconsistent. This study aims to analyze the main causes of the low performance of freelancers and devise effective human resource management (HRM) strategies to improve their performance. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with freelancers and company management. The results showed that low financial motivation and perception of unclear roles were the main causes of freelancers' performance decline. Meanwhile, ability and situational factors also influence indirectly. This study recommends HRM strategies based on the MARS model (Motivation, Ability, Role Perception, Situational Factor) to improve freelancers' performance through improving the incentive system, training journalistic skills, clear work communication, and strengthening quality content on media platforms.
<title>Abstract</title> Consumers feel much busier than before as we are living in a socially accelerated society. Different subjective perception of busyness (positive busyness vs. negative busyness) are two kinds of … <title>Abstract</title> Consumers feel much busier than before as we are living in a socially accelerated society. Different subjective perception of busyness (positive busyness vs. negative busyness) are two kinds of cognition or emotion. This paper mainly explored how subjective perception of different kinds of busyness perception impact consumers’ decision-making thinking style and the subsequent effect on assortment size choice. Specifically, this paper found that different busyness perception lead consumers engaged in different decision-making process. People who perceive positive busyness prefer lager assortment and people who perceive negative busyness prefer smaller assortment size. For consumers feeling with positive busyness, they view busyness as a symbol of competence and high social status, when they are making decisions, they often use analytical thinking style to make the most optimal choice, which leads them prefer larger assortment size. However, for consumers feeling with negative busyness, they view busyness as a kind of anxiety or stress state, when they are making decisions, they often use experiential thinking style to make fast choice, which leads them prefer smaller assortment size.
Retaining employees in the 21st-century workforce became one of the most significant challenges for HR practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Satisfying the evolving needs of employees in the IT sector … Retaining employees in the 21st-century workforce became one of the most significant challenges for HR practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic. Satisfying the evolving needs of employees in the IT sector proved to be a complex task for HR managers operating in a dynamic and uncertain environment. To manage employee turnover and enhance satisfaction, IT companies continuously developed practical and innovative strategies. This empirical study investigates the impact of remote work on employee satisfaction within the IT industry. Data were collected from 130 employees across various IT companies using a structured questionnaire, with all items measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The study employs primary data collection supported by a review of relevant articles, blogs, research papers, reports, and online news sources. Key variables examined include remote work, reward and recognition, and work-life balance. The findings reveal a significant degree of internal consistency and convergent validity in the measurement model. Furthermore, the literature review explores prior research on employee satisfaction in the IT sector, particularly in the context of remote work. The results indicate that employee satisfaction is positively influenced by remote work culture, rewards and recognition, and work-life balance.
Purpose This study examines herding behavior in French equity markets, focusing on whether heightened volatility and uncertainty affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more than large-cap firms during COVID-19. It … Purpose This study examines herding behavior in French equity markets, focusing on whether heightened volatility and uncertainty affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more than large-cap firms during COVID-19. It investigates whether SMEs’ pronounced information asymmetries and lower liquidity exacerbate herding trends. Design/methodology/approach The analysis uses daily stock data from January 2017 to April 2021. By employing the Cross-Sectional Absolute Deviation (CSAD) model, the study isolates herding tendencies before and after the onset of COVID-19. Additional sub-sample tests compare up versus down markets in various liquidity conditions, while a rolling-window estimation shows how herding evolves over time. Findings Results indicate that herding intensifies during the pandemic period, with SMEs exhibiting stronger mimicry than large-cap firms. Factors such as limited liquidity, opacity and negative market sentiment amplify collective trading behaviors in SMEs. The data further show asymmetrical herding on down-market days, suggesting a flight-to-safety mentality among investors under crisis conditions. Originality/value By contrasting SMEs and large-cap firms operating within the same national market during a global crisis. It emphasizes that the vulnerabilities inherent in SMEs can exacerbate systemic risks, thereby offering valuable insights for policymakers and market participants aiming to mitigate the detrimental effects of collective trading.
Tu Le , Elisa Di Febo , Thuy Do +1 more | Asian Academy of Management Journal of Accounting and Finance
This study investigates the impact of diversification on the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and bank performance using a sample of 121 banking systems from 2016Q1 to 2021Q2. Using the … This study investigates the impact of diversification on the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and bank performance using a sample of 121 banking systems from 2016Q1 to 2021Q2. Using the system generalised method of moments, the findings show the negative impact of COVID-19 on the global banking system. This is consistent with the literature. Furthermore, the findings emphasise that diversification (e.g., lending diversification, income diversification, and geographic lending diversification) may mitigate the adverse effect of COVID-19 on banking performance. Therefore, a diversification strategy should be further considered to overcome future shocks.
Félix Zogning | Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Spectrum of Engineering and Management Sciences
The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Indonesia faces increasing challenges in attracting Generation Z talent. Understanding the factors influencing their intention to apply for a job is crucial for maintaining competitiveness … The pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Indonesia faces increasing challenges in attracting Generation Z talent. Understanding the factors influencing their intention to apply for a job is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and innovation. Generation Z has a lower intention to apply for jobs in the manufacturing sector compared to the informal and service sectors. This is due to their preference for flexibility and autonomy, which are often limited in manufacturing. The strict regulations to ensure product quality and safety, rural factory locations, and shift-based work systems make manufacturing less appealing to them. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the intention to apply for a job among Generation Z in Indonesia’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. A quantitative approach was used, involving 204 Generation Z employees across Indonesia. Most respondents are contract-based with less than two years of experience, offering insights into early-career perspectives. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS. The results show that job characteristics significantly influence the intention to apply for a job, both directly and indirectly through employer attractiveness. Employer attractiveness also has a significant direct effect on the intention to apply for a job. These findings suggest that improving job design and strengthening employer branding are effective strategies to attract Generation Z. The study offers practical implications for HR practices in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.