Post COVID-19 Pandemic Research Articles

A Review of Malaysia’s Aerospace Manufacturing Post-COVID19 Pandemic Using Michael Porter’s Five Competitive Forces Model

Developing a team of business risk assessors in pursuit of establishing an aero-manufacturing company is necessary in producing desired outcomes. Quantitative assessment had proven to be reliable and accurate, however this comes with a cost. Therefore, this paper attempts to discuss the elements of risks and threats involved in establishing an aero-manufacturing business post COVID-19 pandemic, in a qualitative manner. It acts as a preliminary report, and a qualitative review of existing literatures related to the airlines and aerospace industry. The risks and threats data and justifications are then categorized and compiled according to Michael Porter’s Five Competitive Forces Model (FCFM) in an attempt to visually map the threats and risks involved with the business, either directly or indirectly. Based on the discussion, the overall impact is structured into a comprehensive table which will give interested parties an overall view of the assessment.

Emergence of Entrepreneurs by Facing Financial Distress: The Mediating Mechanism of Entrepreneurial Motivation

The purpose of this research study is to examine the phenomena that led to rise in entrepreneurs post COVID-19 pandemic, Inflation and unemployment; how financial distress in Pakistan lead to entrepreneurial motivation, and to advance the study in domain of motivation that makes someone opt for entrepreneurship. The results of the study provide a means to understand how financial distress is linked with entrepreneurial behavior to startup ventures. The study also entails how entrepreneurial motivation turns into entrepreneurial behavior in presence of boundary condition of financial self-efficacy. The research study has different theoretical, practical and economic implications as well. The theory of entrepreneurship embeds the study model explaining the casual relations of the variables. Data sample has been collected from 200 entrepreneurs at three points of times. At T1 data was gathered for financial distress, at T2 data was gathered for entrepreneurial motivation and at T3 data was gathered for financial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial behavior. Results of hypothesis test shows that financial distress has positive impact on Entrepreneurial intention and has not impacted Entrepreneurial behavior positively, Entrepreneurial motivation positively impacted Intention and behavior. Therefore, the study provides important insights into unexplored drivers of financial distress towards entrepreneurial motivation and intention and behavior contributing existing literature pertaining to entrepreneurial motivation. The study has uncovered fruitful aspects of entrepreneurship for future study.

Transportation resilience under Covid-19 Uncertainty: A traffic severity analysis

Transportation systems are critical lifelines and vulnerable to various disruptions, including unforeseen social events such as public health crises, and have far-reaching social impacts such as economic instability. This paper aims to determine the key factors influencing the severity of traffic accidents in four different stages during the pre- and the post Covid-19 pandemic in Illinois, USA. For this purpose, a Random Forest-based model is developed, which is combined with techniques of explainable machine learning. The results reveal that during the pandemic, human perceptual factors, notably increased air pressure, humidity and temperature, play an important role in accident severity. This suggests that alleviating driver anxiety, caused by these factors, may be more effective in curbing crash severity than conventional road condition improvements. Further analysis shows that the pandemic leads notable shifts in residents' daily travel time and accident-prone spatial segments, indicating the need for increased regulatory measures. Our findings provide new insights for policy makers seeking to improve transportation resilience during disruptive events.

Strategi Pengembangan Pariwisata Alternatif Berbasis Pelestarian Minuman Arak Bali di Desa Les, Kecamatan Tejakula, Buleleng

This study aims to examine feasible development strategies for the development of alternative tourism based on the preservation of Bali Arak Drink in Les Village, Tejakula, Buleleng using a SWOT analysis. There are two groups of respondents, the first is tourists totaling 125 people, and the second is the stakeholder group totaling 25 people. Data collection through questionnaire dissemination. This study concludes that the strength factors include: the cultural traditions, arak production process, Balinese food and arak pairing, natural attractions, close to the Tulamben, and souvenirs. The weaknesses include: lack of social media promotion, regulation and sales licenses. The opportunities include: the economy post Covid-19 Pandemic, the ease of bank credit, alcohol testing technology and product standardization. Threat factors are: the increases of fuel price, world geopolitics, licensing of spirits production, and enthusiasts of the younger generation to cultivate palm plantations. This research recommend to developing tour packages in the form of glamping in the coconut plantation area, Balinese culinary and educational tour packages, collaborations with influencers.

Tobacco and marijuana use during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown among American Indians residing in California and Oklahoma.

American Indian (AI) people experience a disproportionate tobacco and marijuana burden which may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the tobacco and marijuana habits of American Indian individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine tobacco and marijuana use as well as change in use during the COVID-19 pandemic among the American Indian community. This cross-sectional study analyzes survey data from a convenience sample of American Indian individuals residing in California and Oklahoma and included adults with and without cancer that resided in both rural and urban areas (n=1068). During October 2020 - January 2021, 36.0% of participants reported current use of tobacco products, 9.9% reported current use of marijuana products, and 23.7% reported increased use of tobacco and/or marijuana in the past 30 days, with no difference between those with cancer and those without cancer. Tobacco use was associated with marital status, age, employment status, COVID-19 exposure, COVID-19 beliefs, and alcohol consumption. Marijuana use was associated with COVID-19 beliefs, alcohol consumption, and income level. Increased tobacco and/or marijuana use was associated with baseline use of those products. Nearly a quarter of participants reported increased use of tobacco and/or marijuana products during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed high rates of tobacco use during the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with other studies. Research is needed to examine whether tobacco and marijuana use will decrease to pre-pandemic levels post-pandemic or if these behaviors will persist post-pandemic. Given these findings, there is a pressing need to increase access to evidence-based tobacco and marijuana treatment services in the AI population post COVID-19 pandemic.

Mechanisation Technology for Small-Scale Oil Palm Plantations

Oil palm plantation is one of the main economic activities in Malaysia. Most of the activities in the plantations depend entirely on labour, especially foreign labour. Labour availabilities became more serious during post COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome the situation, technologies for plantation operations are required. Various technologies have been produced and introduced to the industry. However, not all technologies could be adopted by oil palm smallholders due to economies of scale. Thus, this paper provides an overview of mechanisation technologies suitable for smallholder adoption. Economic factors are the basis for the selection of the technology. However, there are several key factors to ensure the successful implementation of mechanisation practices by the smallholders. Among them are tools or machine maintenance and suitable work systems. The elements need to move in tandem to achieve the goal of using mechanisation.

Valued Objects Dynamics and Adaptability of Domestic Workspaces

This paper discusses the dynamic value of objects that influence the spatial organization of a home-based workspaces. Spatial organization of workspace at home becomes significant with the emerging work-from-home arrangement during and post COVID-19 pandemic. The physical and psychological needs of working from home require adaptations on the domestic setting through the use and placement of objects in relation to how humans produce and experience space. This paper examines the value mechanism of remote workers with regards to their everyday objects and how such mechanism affects the overall workspace organization them. The study explores the workspace of 3 remote workers with different activities and preferences. The study shows that the dynamic value of objects shapes the workplace arrangements, enabling better accessibility, supporting the need for comfortable and pleasant qualities of space, as well as demonstrating self-identity. The study expands discussions on the spatial adaptation driven by dynamic system of objects.

Enhancing Critical Thinking And Problem Solving Skills By Complexity Science-Problem Based Learning Model

Critical thinking and problem-solving are fundamental skills that students need to master. Various learning obstacles that occur during the pandemic of Covid-19 have hindered critical thinking and problem-solving skills training. This study aimed to enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through Complexity Science-Problem Based Learning (CS-PBL) model. The research applied quasi-experimental with Nonequivalent Pre-test-Post test Control Group Design. The research sample consisted of 27 students in the experimental CS-PBL group, 29 students in the PBL group, and 26 students in the direct learning group. The instrument used in the research was an essay test of critical thinking integrated with problem-solving. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA followed by an LSD test. The results showed that the CS-PBL model enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills (p<0.05). Therefore, the CS-PBL model is applicable to facilitate the enhancement of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the post covid-19 pandemic.

Hope, resilience and subjective happiness among general population of Paraguay in the post COVID-19 pandemic.

Positive mental health includes not only the absence of mental disorders but also the presence of subjective well-being, good coping strategies for life stress, and strategies for adapting to community life. It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged mental health in general population worldwide. However, research has not measured protective factors for mental health in the general population after the declared end of pandemic by the World Health Organization. This observational, cross-sectional study surveyed 591 Paraguayan participants aged ⩾18 years, who were recruited through an online survey. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status were collected as well as mental health and validated tools for hope, resilience, subjective happiness were administered. Of the participants, 81.6% were women, 54% were married or in a relationship and 90.7% reported an university education. The main source of stress was economic issues (30.3%). A total of 22.7% had been previously diagnosed with a mental disorder, 22.2% had consulted a mental health professional and 10.8% had consumed prescription drugs. 42.6% reported flourishing, 36.2% reported moderate and 21.2% reported languishing mental health. This large survey has shown that most of participants reported a flourishing mental health with high ratings at hope, resilience, and subjective happiness scales. Also, the main sources of stress were economic issues, not consequently related to the pandemic. This may add evidences to the international debate on the long term effects of the global pandemic and probably suggests that recovery processes have been collectively adopted in Paraguay.

Healthcare professionals’ experiences of delivering a stroke Early Supported Discharge service – An example from Ireland

Objective To explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of the development and delivery of Early Supported Discharge for people after stroke, including experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design Qualitative descriptive study using one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Setting Nine Early Supported Discharge service sites in Ireland. Participants Purposive sampling identified 16 healthcare professionals. Results Five key themes were identified (1) Un-coordinated development of services, (2) Staff shortages limit the potential of Early Supported Discharge, (3) Limited utilisation of telerehabilitation post COVID-19 pandemic, (4) Families need information and support, and (5) Early Supported Discharge involves collaboration with people after stroke and their families. Conclusions Findings highlight how Early Supported Discharge services adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic and how gaps in the service impacts on service delivery. Practice implications include the need to address staff recruitment and retention issues to prevent service shortages and ensure consistent access to psychology services. Early Supported Discharge services should continue to work closely with families and address their information and support needs. Future research on how telerehabilitation can optimally be deployed and the impact of therapy assistants in Early Supported Discharge is needed.

A pro-environmental survey of Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises: a cross-sectional study

Background The objective of this study is to examine the relationships among green human resource management, green knowledge sharing, green leadership, environmental commitment, green entrepreneurial orientation and pro-environmental behavior in micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) post coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This study serves as one of the pioneer studies in Malaysia and Asia to examine pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs post COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides new knowledge and insights to the literature on pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs in developing countries such as Malaysia. Methods A total of 215 questionnaires were distributed and 146 questionnaires with complete responses were received from managers and owners of the MSMEs at central regions in Malaysia, purposive sampling was used to recruit these businesses. Informed consent was obtained from the respondents. Data was analyzed by using structural equation modelling. Results Environmental commitment, green human resource management and green entrepreneurial orientation positively influence pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs post COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, green knowledge sharing and green leadership do not influence pro-environmental behavior at MSMEs. Conclusions Practical recommendations has been provided to MSMEs owners and managers to create a conducive working environment that encourages pro-environmental behavior.

Investigating Students’ Acceptance of Moodle E-Learning Platform for Teaching and Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic at Makerere University Business School

The aim of this study was to investigate online teaching and learning using Moodle for teaching Software Engineering in the second-year Business Computing undergraduate class at Makerere University Business School (MUBS). The study was done during the COVID-19 pandemic when most lectures were conducted online with few face-to-face sessions. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the theory of reasoned action (TRA) theoretical frameworks were used to direct the research. A questionnaire was designed and administered to a group of 145 students selected as a sample from a class 180 students. The data collected was analysed to determine correlations between latent variables and variances of dependable variables explained by independent variables. The correlation between the intention to use and the actual use of the system was high (r = 0.555). This implies that students’ acceptance of online teaching and learning was high. The results indicate that system accessibility and self-efficacy explain 27% of the variance in the perceived ease of use (adjusted R square = 0.27). The regression model was significant (sig. < 0.05). The results also indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use explain 41.9% of the variance in intention to use (adjusted R square = 0.419). This regression model was significant (sig. < 0.05). MUBS successfully implemented e-learning platform (MUBSEP) for emergency teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The teaching staff and the students used online educational tools for live classes and end-of-semester assessments. The use blended learning approach post COVID-19 pandemic is recommended for higher education.

Voices of Black and Asian minority ethnic postgraduate students post the COVID-19 pandemic: Are higher education institutions listening?

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected students studying in higher education (HE) institutions in the UK and international contexts. Black and Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) university students faced massive pressure during and post COVID-19 pandemic, alongside trying to meet their education goals. Our research project was with postgraduate students from two HE institutions, and this paper highlights participants' lived experiences and perspectives, including emotional stress, the need for greater support to access learning resources, financial issues and physical and mental health issues. Our paper suggests that HE institutions need to provide democratic spaces to encourage all students, including BAME students, to engage in dialogues among themselves and with other key players in HE, such as policymakers, and local and international communities, to address issues of inequality. It is important for HE institutions to listen to students' voices, reflect on the impact of the pandemic on their lives and make strategic planning for mitigating negativities and uplifting quality learning experiences post the pandemic.

Changes of Public Sector Human Resource Management (HRM)

Public sector human resource management is a way to manage human in a hierarchical activity which acts as the main rotor of efficiency and effectiveness of public-scale growth and development. As our environment changed in 2020 caused by covid-19 pandemic, so does the human resource management. Substantial changes in society impacted the way we shape management activity. This study aims to map the research trend changes of public sector human resource management in pre and post covid-19 period. We conduct bibliometric study to explore the factors and criteria of a toxic leader from open access scopus indexed journals using biblioshiny application limited to pre (2016 to 2019) and post (2020 to 2023) covid-19 periods. The criteria for filtering journal articles are based on PRISMA and JBI standards. Data suggested that covid-19 event ignite the research production. The research domains for pre covid-19 were focused on human resource growth and development, while post covid-19 domains were focused on survival and resilient. Country rank of most published paper related to the locus field also related to worldwide survey of economic growth in pre to post covid-19 pandemic. However, rapid increase of publication in post covid-19 period did not followed by study continuity and relatedness.

The Implementation of English Online Learning Strategy at Junior High School in Rural Area Post Covid-19 Pandemic

This study aims to (1) find out what strategy did teachers in rural area implement in their online learning post covid-19 pandemic (2) find out challenges that they faced post covid-19 pandemic and how they overcome these challenges. This study applies the qualitative method to achieve the research objectives. The subject of this study were six English teachers from junior high school that teach in rural area post covid-19 pandemic. The subjects were chosen by using purposive sampling and do not have to be large in number just following the necessity of the research. The instrument of this study is in-dept interview. The result of this study revealed that teachers in rural area applied two strategies in their online learning during the pandemic, they are online chat only and combining video conference with online chat. In addition, teachers in rural area face several challenges when implementing the online learning strategy, including poor internet connection, lack of devices (Handphone) and internet data, and lack of students’ motivation. However, teachers are able to find ways to overcome these obstacles, there are four ways, they are: limited face-to-face meeting, visiting the students, extend the submission time, and using one phone for two or several students.Keywords- online learning strategy, implementation, challenges, rural area

Gender Disparities of Youths in Trust on Health Management Systems during Post-COVID-19 in Bangladesh

AbstractIntroduction: To tackle deadly pandemics like COVID-19, men and women have to have faith in the country's health management system. The purpose of this paper is to find out the gender-based disparities in trust in the public health measures taken in Bangladesh during post COVID -19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional study design and quantitative research approach were used to collect primary data. A total of 742 students from different socioeconomic backgrounds participated in the survey randomly by filling up a structured questionnaire from 15 June 2022 to 10 July 2022. The Wilks’ λ statistic, MANOVA and Regression analysis were performed in this study to find out the gender-based differences in trust in the public health measures taken in Bangladesh during post COVID -19 pandemic. Results: In a multivariate test, the p-value is 0.018 (p<0.05), which implies a significant difference between the trust of male and female among youths about public health measures during the post COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. This study provides that overall infrastructure, responsiveness and attachments have a significant correlation with youth trust as all the p-values < 0.001. Conclusions: Health infrastructure and youths’ attachment to the various networks and institutions have more impact on determining the level of trust in government health measures during the post pandemic than the way of government responsiveness; policymakers and advocates will get significant insight from the findings of the study during post COVID-19. Without gender sensitive health policy measures, gaining citizen trust for the government will be difficult.

COVID-19 and the construction sector: Impacts and an agenda for post-pandemic policy in the context of Kuwait

PurposeAmidst the global upheaval, Kuwait's construction industry confronts unique challenges, serving as a microcosm for pandemic-induced disruptions examined in this study. This research offers a pivotal analysis of COVID-19's disruptive impact on Kuwait's construction projects, enriched with comparative global insights to bolster industry adaptability and recovery strategies. Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method approach involving a systematic literature review and 17 semi-structured in-depth interviews with construction experts, including contractors and suppliers from construction industry in Kuwait. FindingsThe findings showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, construction projects faced numerous challenges, including government-imposed lockdowns, increased safety measures, and a fear of infection among workers, leading to delays and increased overhead costs. Post-pandemic recovery strategies highlighted in the interviews include strict adherence to health guidelines, visa extensions for laborers, additional hiring, and embracing digital transformation to enhance productivity. However, the high costs of technology and a need for more skilled personnel have hindered digital adoption in the construction industry. Practical implicationsPractical implications for moving forward emphasize government financial support and incentives to aid the construction sector's recovery and advancement in the post-pandemic economy. Government institutions and stakeholders developed and executed a number of approaches and measures to successfully address the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic on the Kuwaiti construction sector. Originality/valueThis paper contributes to a paucity in evidence on the impact of pre and post COVID-19 pandemic in the context of the Kuwaiti construction sector. The study used a mixed method research using systematic literature review and qualitative study. This is the first study that qualitatively investigate the effect of the pandemic on construction projects in Kuwait.

Problematic Smartphone Use Among High School Students

The world currently has more than three billion smartphone users. The smartphone is fully integrated into the daily life of individuals, including 95% of American teenagers. Excessive use of the smartphone leads to smartphone addiction and problematic smartphone use (PSU) which has been associated with depression, stress, reduced self-esteem, and decreased academic performance. This PSU study surveyed high school students grades nine thru twelve from a comprehensive and demographically diverse high school in the United States. This study was conducted with 319 high school students to assess for associations among PSU, depression, stress, self-esteem, grit, and academic performance. Results of this study indicated that students use the smartphone to support learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Results also indicated significant correlations among PSU, depression, stress, self-esteem, grit, and academic performance. Multiple regression analysis found stress, self-esteem, and grit to be significant predictors of PSU. Implications of this study included informing families, educators, district administrators, and policymakers to more fully and rigorously utilize the electronic device policy provided in California Assembly Bill 272 and to implement more robust and thoughtful classroom smartphone policies and practices. Recommendations are to continue to assess and build awareness of PSU among adolescents, especially post COVID-19 pandemic, when interpersonal relationships and personal connections are a focus of social emotional pandemic recovery.

The Impact of Supply Chain Strategies on Logistics Performance: A Study in the Post Covid-19 Pandemic Period

The whole world passed a pandemic that affected working conditions and so lead to uncertainities and disruptions in supply chains. Nowadays during the post pandemic period (2021-2022), some industries slowed down significantly, while some sectors moved up. In this period, logistics performance gains more importance and the implemented supply chain strategy plays a significant role for companies. Therefore, the study's objective is to determine the impact of supply chain strategies on logistics performance in production companies operating in Gaziantep industrial zone. The covid-19 pandemic brought a lot of uncertainties to all industries which caused supply chain disruptions. These disruptions could be controlled with lean supply chain (LSC) and agile supply chain (ASC) strategies which are also considered as independent variables of this study. Logistics performances that are expected to be affected by these two supply chain strategies are considered in four dimensions such as quality, flexibility, cost, and speed and reliability. Data were collected from 154 businesses by surveys and analyzes were made. The results of the analysis showed that an ASC strategy affects all logistics performance dimensions (quality, flexibility, cost, and speed and reliability). But the LSC strategy did not affect any of these dimensions. It has been concluded that manufacturers should adopt an ASC strategy, which aims to respond more quickly to environmental changes, instead of a LSC strategy, in order to achieve higher logistics performance during periods of intense supply chain disruptions and uncertainties, such as after the post Covid-19 pandemic.

Sustainability of educational technologies: An approach to ratio and feedback

Blended learning is a driving force behind new pedagogical approaches. While many studies have shown the positive effects of blended learning on the students’ learning outcomes, the extent and breadth of its sustainability remains an interesting question, given the rapid evolution and diversification of technology post COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we examined the ratio of technological interventions in blended learning studies, and their corresponding students’ feedback by categorizing 37 compliant articles. With a defined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a clear search strategy, we employed systematic reviews to comprehensively and systematically identify, evaluate, and synthesize relevant evidence to probe on a specific research question. The results advocate the notion of ratio, regardless of its specific percentages, predominantly proffering positive feedback, indicating that the integration of technology is essential for supporting sustainable strategies in teaching and learning approaches. Overall, these findings provide a comprehensive body of high-quality evidence that blended learning has the potential to meritoriously support sustainable education model. It has significant practical significance in addition to its implications for empirical research. Additionally, it produces structured guidelines as a result of its thorough analysis, which may help to accelerate the adoption of blended learning.