post-COVID World Research Articles

The social construction of systemic risk: towards an actionable framework for risk governance

PurposeThis paper explores the building blocks of risk governance systems that are equipped to manage systemic risk in the 21st century. Whilst approaches to risk governance have been evolving for more than a decade, recent disasters have shown that conventional risk management solutions need to be complemented with a multidimensional risk approach to govern complex risks and prevent major, often simultaneous, crises with cascading and knock-on effects on multiple, interrelated systems at scale. The paper explores which risk governance innovations will be essential to provide the enabling environment for sustainable development that is resilient to interrelated shocks and risks.Design/methodology/approachThis interdisciplinary literature review-based thought piece highlights how systemic risk is socially constructed and identifies guiding principles for systemic risk governance that could be actionable by and provide entry points for local and national governments, civil society and the private sector. particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), in a way that is relevant to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This considers preparedness, response and resilience, but more importantly prospective and corrective risk control and reduction strategies and mechanisms. Only when systemic risk is framed in a way that is relevant to the political agendas of countries will it be possible to begin a dialogue for its governance.FindingsThe paper identifies opportunities at the global, national and local levels, which together draw up a viable framework for systemic risk governance that (1) embraces the governance of sustainability and resilience through a strengthened holistic governance framework for social, economic, territorial and environmental development; (2) improves managing conventional risk to ultimately manage systemic risks; (3) fosters the understanding of vulnerability and exposure to gain insight into systemic risk; (4) places a greater focus on prospective risk management; (5) manages systemic risk in local infrastructure systems, supply chains and ecosystems; (6) shifts the focus from protecting privatized gains to managing socialized risk.Originality/valueThe choices and actions that societies take on the path of their development are contributing intentionally or unintentionally to the construction of systemic risks, which result in knock-on effects among interconnected social, environmental, political and economic systems. These risks are manifesting in major crises with cascading effects and a real potential to undermine the achievement of the SDGs, as COVID-19 is a stark reminder of. This paper offers the contours of a new risk governance paradigm that is able to navigate the new normal in a post-COVID world and is equipped to manage systemic risk.

Geographies of COVID‐19

Geographies of COVID‐19

FABRICATION OF A DIGITAL PLANTAR PRESSURE ESTIMATING DEVICE WITH INTERNET OF THINGS ABILITY

Digitally estimating the magnitude of the Plantar Pressures (PP) of the foot is an important aspect in the biomechanical management of diabetic foot and is not yet adopted in our clime and many low income countries mostly due to high cost and complexity of existing designs, as well as poor awareness. This study aimed to produce a cheaper, easier to use and internet of things compliant digital plantar pressure estimating device (DPPE) which should be able to detect, estimate and output in-shoe plantar pressure distribution. 10 Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) were anatomically spread across an ambipedal insole. ESP8266 board was utilized as the microcontroller. Web applications were designed to ensure a smooth communication between the sensors, the microcontroller, the internet and the display units (Computers and Phones). The device achieved ambipedal fitting, Wi-Fi to internet signal transmissions were successful, and the sensors ability to detect and estimate pressure was achieved. The DPPE as produced in this study can help in achieving digital assessment of the PP estimation and its distribution on the foot for clinical evaluations, hence, it is an important tool in the clinical assessment of the DF managements. Use of WiFi as a mode of data transmission is ideal in a post-COVID world of ours as it supports virtual communication.

High-Growth Middle-Sized Firms’ Performance During the Pandemic (Russian Case)

The COVID-19 pandemic is a substantial challenge for national economies. The survivability and better performance of some companies can serve as lessons for others, and those who learn the said lessons faster will take the lead in the post-COVID world. One of the national economic development drivers is high-growth firms (HGFs), also known as gazelles. High-growth middle-sized firms (HGMFs) have a notable impact on the national economy as significant employers, producers, and tax-payers. This paper aims to find the peculiarities in the reactions of HGMFs to the COVID-19 pandemic based on Russian firms’ data. This research uses the official statistics of middle-sized Russian firms (7944 firms, 238 gazelles). Gazelles are identified based on 2016–2019 data and then compared with normal medium-sized firms (NMFs) using 2020 data. In total, 14 hypotheses are formulated and tested, with those hypotheses focused on five aspects of firms’ performance: the ability to grow, profitability, efficiency, solvency, and employability. The research utilizes a one-way ANOVA test and Z-test for proportions for different types of hypotheses. Hypotheses testing shows that HGFs demonstrate better ability to grow, better efficiency, better solvency, and better employability than normal firms. However, they cannot maintain their higher profitability in 2020, despite higher net income values in comparison with other companies. The research confirms that HGMFs have unique capabilities to overcome these kinds of crises, and that such capabilities can be scaled to other business entities to increase their survivability in times of future crises. The research can be extended to small firms, 2021-year data analysis, and comparative cross-industry or cross-country analysis.

XIV International Forum “Migration Bridges in Eurasia: Social and Economic Effects of Migration in the Post-Covid World” at MGIMO University

The international scientific and practical forum "Migration Bridges in Eurasia" is a sustainable scientific and innovative project aimed at developing research in the field of contemporary demographic and migration processes and expanding the international research network of experts in the field of migration. In 2022, the Forum took place for the fourteenth time and brought together in a hybrid format more than a hundred participants from the following countries: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Mongolia, Turkey, Brazil. Russia was represented by leading universities and research centers from several regions of the country.

Managing Building Water Disruptions in a Post-COVID World: Water Quality and Safety Risk Assessment Tool for Academic Institutions and School Settings

Fluctuating building occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to poor water quality and safety conditions in building water distribution systems (BWDSs). Natural disasters, man-made events, or academic institutional calendars (i.e., semesters or holiday breaks) can disrupt building occupant water usage, which typically increases water age within a BWDS. High water age, in turn, is known to propagate poor water quality and safety conditions, which potentially exposes building occupants to waterborne pathogens (e.g., Legionella) associated with respiratory disease or hazardous chemicals (e.g., lead). Other influencing factors are green building design and municipal water supply changes. Regardless of the cause, an increasing number of water management policies require building owners to improve building water management practices. The present study developed a Water Quality and Safety Risk Assessment (WQSRA) tool to address gaps in building water management for academic institutions and school settings. The tool is intended to assist with future implementation of water management programs as the result of pending policies for the built environment. The WQSRA was modeled after water management practices created for controlling water contaminants in healthcare facilities. Yet, a novel WQSRA tool was adapted specifically for educational settings to allow building owners to evaluate risk from water hazards to determine an appropriate level of risk mitigation measures for implementation. An exemplar WQSRA tool is presented for safety, facility, industrial hygiene, and allied professionals to address current gaps in building water management programs. Academic institutions and school settings should examine the WQSRA tool and formulate an organization-specific policy to determine implementation before, during, and after building water-disruptive events associated with natural or man-made disasters.

Climate change, global health and the post-COVID world. Comments on Benatar (S Afr J Sci. 2022;118(11/12))

Climate change, global health and the post-COVID world. Comments on Benatar (S Afr J Sci. 2022;118(11/12))

Exploring postgraduate epidemiology competencies: Preparing our students for a post-COVID world

ObjectiveThis research sought consensus from both experts and graduates on postgraduate epidemiology competencies. MethodsIn 2021, a two-round online survey using a modified Delphi method was undertaken exploring competencies across six domains. Focus groups were conducted with recent postgraduate epidemiology graduates to assess their viewpoints on learning experiences and employability. ResultsForty-one experts participated in the first Delphi round. Nineteen factors reached consensus (>70% agreement) for importance and feasibility after two survey rounds in the following domains: general epidemiologic methods/concepts (n=8/13), advanced analytic/statistical skills (n=2/7), applied epidemiology/specialised fields (n=1/4), professional/transferrable skills (n=5/14), general public health knowledge/skills (n=2/4), independent research and work-integrated learning (n=1/3). Nine graduates participated in focus groups. A main theme was the substantial value gained in undertaking a dissertation, acknowledging its benefit for applying research skills and for networking opportunities. ConclusionsTo ensure that high-quality epidemiological research and practice continues, we need consensus on the set of essential skills required of graduating students. Implications for Public HealthCompetencies for postgraduate epidemiology students require periodic review to safeguard a workforce that can meet emerging challenges and work across academia, research, policy, and practice.

Developing capabilities for supply chain resilience in a post-COVID world: A machine learning-based thematic analysis

This study examines the past, present, and future of Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) research in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, a total of 1717 papers in the SCR field are classified into 11 thematic clusters, which are subsequently verified by a supervised machine learning approach. Each cluster is then analyzed within the context of COVID-19, leading to the identification of three associated capabilities (i.e., interconnectedness, transformability, and sharing) on which firms should focus to build a more resilient supply chain in the post-COVID world. The derived insights offer invaluable guidance not only for practicing managers, but also for scholars as they design their future research projects related to SCR for greatest impact.

Srawung Seni Gerak Zoom selama Covid 19 Pandemic/Sharing Movement Arts Zoom during the Covid 19 Pandemic

Building Mental and Spiritual Immunity in Facing the Covid 19 pandemic. In my case I have been exploring how to do this by taking my movement and movement teaching practice online through the virtual environment of Zoom. I believe that Zoom and other virtual platforms are here to stay in a post Covid world and that it is useful for me to reflect on how movement adapted to a virtual environment can serve to build resilience in our communities.

Rethinking international cooperation in Higher Education Institutions, in the post COVID world from the student’s perspective

The University must be a representation of fundamental values such as trust, democracy, honesty, humility, justice and freedom. Above all, the basic ones for this research, such as respect, responsibility and solidarity, are the foundation of what it means to help those who need it most. Knowledge must always be the guarantor of human beings welfare, discovering new ways to meet their needs and improve their quality of life. Its role is especially important due to the health, social and historical crisis facing our planet.This work has been carried out with the implementation of a real case study based on the recreation and management of a real development aid activity from a financial and accounting view. Together with the case a subsequent questionnaire has been designed and passed among students of several Higher Education Degrees and Double Degrees, from six different Universities, with the aim of comparing the motivation and interest in development cooperation of university students. This analysis has been done in two very different moments and situations, the time before COVID and the time after the appearance of the pandemic.With the data collected, a multivariate analysis was carried out, obtaining very interesting results. Among the most remarkable results we can highlight that all students agreed they have reconsidered how to help emerging economies after the COVID crisis. Moreover, students participated and learned more in the seminars about international cooperation, as well as felt more committed towards international cooperation. Instead students did not think more subjects of international cooperation were needed in their degrees. More research about COVID impact must be done in the following years.

Radical rest and recreation and their spatial permutations

Radical rest and recreation and their spatial permutations

Theming electracy: An interview with Gregory L. Ulmer

This interview seeks to provide a thorough and discerning overview of the various theories, concepts and issues guiding the work of Gregory L. Ulmer. The central aim of Ulmer’s multifaceted project, which he terms electracy, is to theorize a skill-set intended to operate with networked technologies, in the same manner as literacy is an ability related to alphabetic writing. In Ulmer’s words, electracy ‘is to digital media what literacy is to print’. While literacy enables the mind to develop complex lines of reasoning, he suggests that electracy augments it by seeking to enhance the affective capacity of the body. In a more general sense, Ulmer conceptualizes electracy as the era, or, as he also puts it, an apparatus, dominated by digital technologies. To theorize various aspects of this apparatus, Ulmer compares and contrasts it with the other apparatuses (that of literacy and orality). The interview also situates Ulmer’s insights within our current cultural context of a post-COVID world and examines the various social implications such insights entail. Moving from Greek antiquity, through Kafka and even Mickey Mouse, Ulmer provides an unnerving and motivating method for better understanding and interrogating the problems that we all face, particularly with regard to education. He also sheds light on other contemporary issues such as digital misinformation and the waning trust in traditional institutions. In addition to offering a ‘crash course’ on Ulmerian theory, the interview interrogates the ways in which electracy can help us develop new angles for digital pedagogy, but also for living and being, after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Undergraduate business students' learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights for remediation of future disruption

Despite the rapid proliferation of literature exploring student learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, little has been published about its impacts on business undergraduates during the pivots to remote teaching and learning. There is a particular lack of insight and guidance for business schools to optimise program delivery post-COVID or for similar future disruptions. This case study explored the learning experiences of undergraduate business students during the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing insights from an Australian university located in the state of Victoria, one of the ‘most locked down places in the world’. Thematic analysis identified the following emergent themes: (1) Mixed student experiences and perceptions of online learning upon transitioning into lockdown/emergency remote teaching/learning; (2) Limited connections and interactions amongst student-student(s) and student-lecturer/tutor; (3) Perceived ineffective online teaching delivery; (4) Positive aspects of emergency remote learning; (5) Adequacy of support for learning during lockdowns; (6) Preferences for post-COVID-19 learning. The outcomes provide proactive signposts for university educators wishing to improve student engagement and learning, and delivery of business undergraduate programs for a post-COVID world as well as future pandemic and similar disruption settings.

‘Work not as usual’: work and industrial relations in a post-COVID world

ABSTRACT This article introduces the Labour & Industry special issue on ‘work not as usual’, following the theme of the 2022 AIRAANZ Conference. In introducing the articles published in the special issue, it examines key themes regarding how work and industrial relations are changing in unusual ways. These relate to the impacts of COVID-19; how work and industrial relations are shifting in the public sector and in the care economy; and how workers and organisations are responding to changes at work through voice, control and resistance. Analysis of these developments in the articles published in this special issue suggest that organisations and labour markets will continue to be defined by ‘work not as usual’ into the foreseeable future.

Managing intellectuals: Reaping the most and the best of knowledge workers in the post-COVID world

The COVID-19 crisis forced massive changes in work practices, channeling most of the activities to digital/remote work paradigms almost overnight. In this post-COVID locked-in world, traditional top-down control and command mechanisms simply ceased to exist. Profoundly different approaches and understandings became necessary to reap the most and the best outcomes from workers. In this new paradigm, cultivating organisational citizenship behaviors might be the most – if not only – viable way to ensure comprehensive results and sustained success. That necessitates a highly rooted insight into the influences of leadership styles. This article discusses the constructs of transactional leadership and transformational leadership styles. Contextualisation of the data patterns investigates the interrelationships between these two styles by comparing and contradicting their effects on organisational citizenship behaviors. It explains how these two approaches work in tandem for better results, mutually enabling each other, like the two legs of an athlete, where the lack of one profoundly cripples the outcomes, making the other ineffective as well. Using a survey inquiring about the perceptions of online knowledge workers, a three-step analysis was conducted and, as a result, established a robust argument that these two leadership styles are not paradoxical; they need not be mutually exclusive or contradicting can enable and complement each other. This finding is crucial for managing knowledge workers and knowledge workers as managers.

Rethinking Sports Law in a Post-COVID World - The Tokyo Olympics and Beyond

Rethinking Sports Law in a Post-COVID World - The Tokyo Olympics and Beyond

Research Presentations at Academic Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic －Towards the Post-Covid World－

Research Presentations at Academic Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic －Towards the Post-Covid World－

University Professors' Perceptions of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study

Higher education around the world has undergone significant transformation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This transition compelled Kosovar teachers at all levels to switch to an online mode right away. This study aims to investigate professors' perceptions of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study. A questionnaire was used to elicit the responses of 20 professors at University ‘‘Ukshin Hoti’’ Prizren, Kosovo. The questionnaire used a 5-point Likert scale. The data were processed using simple statistical analysis. The findings of this study revealed that, on average, professors had positive perceptions towards online classes during the pandemic. This study also revealed that most of professors experienced several technical problems during online classes. Although they experienced some technical problems, the study showed that most of professors enjoyed the online teaching experience. The outcomes of this study will help policymakers and educational institutions design practical and useful online teaching methods and techniques for teachers in the post COVID world.

Impact of Covid 19 on Buying Behaviour and Purchase Decision-Making: An Empirical Analysis

COVID 19 has changed the world. The way we do business, the way we study, the way we socialise, the way we travel, everything has changed. Several countries across the globe experienced lockdowns. The lockdown has forced people to stay indoors and be in survival mode. With no flights, salons, restaurants, hotels, transport, and even offices, the people were trapped in their homes. The home has been converted into a workplace, school as well as a playground. Several businesses have suffered losses and even faced shutdowns and on the other hand, COVID-19 has acted as a window of opportunity for many new products and services. Consumers are hence forced to change their purchase patterns. The grocery bill for most households has doubled during the lockdown. Dining out and travel has decreased. Generation Z is devoting the budget to education as they want to upgrade their skills and prepare themselves for the challenges that the post-COVID world will pose. OTT platforms have seen a surge in viewership as people are exploring all sorts of media to relax and rejuvenate in their homes. Groceries, automobiles, electronic gadgets, kitchen appliances, apparel, insurance, and financial investments are the major components of household spending. In this paper, we have explored the major components of household buying and how COVID-19 has impacted them. The study is based on inputs from a primary survey and existing reports and information. The primary survey helps us to understand the changes in household buying patterns, purchase decision-making, and gender roles. We have collected primary data using an online survey as face-to-face interaction was difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes in household buying may become permanent changes or might fade away. Understanding this difference is crucial for marketers to formulate long-term strategies for their products and services. This study will provide insights and help marketers to understand the changing buying behaviour and purchase-decision making in households.