Post-pandemic World Research Articles

Bringing embodied approaches to on-campus research methods teaching for large STEM cohorts: design, challenges, learning

In the post-pandemic world, Learning Development researchers have posited a ‘new hybrid era of teaching’, in which lessons from lockdown in best practice for online and remote teaching play a key role in increasing the inclusivity of higher education (Kantcheva and Bickle, 2023). At the same time, as many students have returned to campus, research has begun to interrogate the role that campus spaces and in-person interaction play in teaching and learning in this new era (Hrach, 2021; Cox et al., 2022). Whether through explicit pedagogical design or implicitly, courses with practical elements, particularly in many scientific disciplines, tend to favour principles of embodied learning through ‘learning-by-doing’. Courses incorporate hands-on interaction with laboratory equipment and social constructivist approaches through student co-creation (Deshmukh, 2021), the centrality of which to students’ professional training was made even more apparent during the move to remote learning. However, these same principles have not underscored the pedagogical approach to research methods education on the undergraduate Engineering degree programmes at the University of Manchester, which has typically been taught more didactically in recent years. This lecture-format approach has been used partially due to challenges of practicality, with the course unit being delivered to a large cohort that can reach 500 students in a typical year. With these principles in mind, this academic year, the Library Teaching, Learning and Students team has collaborated with academic leads across Engineering disciplines to deliver embedded research methods workshops that incorporate elements of an embodied, social constructivist approach, playing to the unique strengths of in-person group learning. This presentation charted the process of Learning Developers and academic staff co-designing these workshops, highlighting challenges encountered, and outlining learning from the process to take forward into future collaborations with disciplines with large cohorts.

Understanding Agility Unpacking Misconceptions and Embracing a Multi-Layered Approach in Modern Organizations

Purpose: This study aims to clarify the concept of agility in organizational contexts, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It seeks to address prevalent misconceptions and misunderstandings about agility, highlighting its multi-layered nature and its role as a comprehensive management and organizational philosophy. Methodology: The research employs a literature review and analysis of current organizational practices to explore how agility is defined and applied. It examines the three distinct layers of agility and investigates how these layers interact with the hierarchical structures of organizations. The study also considers the influence of labor market trends and generational expectations on the adoption of agile practices. Findings: The analysis reveals that agility is often misunderstood and misapplied due to its complex nature and the lack of clear guidelines for implementation. The study identifies three core layers of agility and shows how it functions as both a management strategy and a philosophical approach to organizational change. Additionally, it highlights the increasing pressure from the labor market and the preferences of Generation Z and Generation Alpha as key drivers for adopting agile methodologies. Implications for Theory and Practice: For theory, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of agility by delineating its components and addressing common misconceptions. Practically, it provides organizations with insights on effectively implementing agility, considering both hierarchical and cultural factors. The findings emphasize the need for clear communication and education about agility to overcome misunderstandings and leverage its benefits fully. Originality and Value: This research is original in its comprehensive examination of agility from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It adds value by offering a structured analysis of agility’s components and its impact on organizational practices in the context of evolving labor market demands and generational shifts. This provides a valuable resource for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of agility in a post-pandemic world.

Scaffolding-informed design of open educational resources in Chinese secondary school mathematics: insights from multi-cycle formative evaluation

In the post-pandemic world, open educational resources (OER) have the potential to ensure educational equity by providing all students with access to learning materials and by supporting teachers’ instructional practices through readily available, adaptable resources. However, the quality of OER continues to be a concern. Therefore, this study explored the use of (1) GeoGebra and scaffolding strategies to develop OER for secondary school mathematics teaching and (2) formative evaluation techniques to enhance the quality of the OER. A GeoGebra expert and a total of 40 frontline teachers participated in three review cycles of the OER development in the project. The feedback from each cycle informed the application of scaffolding strategies in the development of OER for the subsequent cycles. In Cycles 2 and 3, teachers rated the OER and provided feedback through surveys for further improvement. The results indicated that teacher ratings were significantly higher in Cycle 3 (n = 40, Mdn = 5) than in the previous cycle (n = 21, Mdn = 4) regarding the appropriateness of the OER for students with different learning preferences, z = − 2.87, p < 0.05. The results of the project-end satisfaction survey further revealed that all of the teacher participants were satisfied with the OER, which also enhanced their teaching practices. The results of the study offer a theoretical foundation that OER developers can ground upon to enhance their OER design. They also provide practical insights into the application of formative evaluation in the OER development that OER developers can adopt to create resources that are finely attuned to the needs of frontline teachers.

Telehealth Postpandemic: A Model for Michigan and Beyond.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine and telehealth saw a groundswell of growth, only to be shackled in the aftermath of the Public Health Emergency. A Think Tank, funded by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, was held at Michigan State University in August 2024. This paper serves as an introduction to a series of articles focusing on the evolution and future of telehealth in a postpandemic world. It highlights key themes including patient equity, technology, clinical opportunities, research, and education, using Michigan as a model for national adaptation. The paper aims to ignite further discussion and innovation within the telehealth community.

Service modularity in the digital era: integrating environmental sustainability and post-pandemic insights

Purpose This study aims to explore service modularity in the context of digital technology and environmental sustainability, particularly considering the transformative impacts of the post-pandemic world. It aims to shed light on how service modularity can adapt to and thrive in these evolving circumstances. Design/methodology/approach Using a comprehensive analytical approach, this paper addresses the critical concerns and limitations inherent in traditional service modularity concepts. It proposes novel perspectives on service modularity, enriched by recent technological advancements and sustainability imperatives. Findings The research reveals new dimensions of service modularity, emphasising its significance in the era of digital transformation and heightened environmental awareness. It provides empirical insights into how service modularity can be effectively reimagined and implemented in response to the challenges and opportunities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical implications The findings offer valuable guidance for organisations seeking to enhance their service delivery through modularity. The study underscores the importance of integrating digital innovation and sustainability principles into service design and execution in the post-pandemic era. Originality/value This paper makes a novel contribution to the field of service modularity by intertwining it with the realms of digital technology and environmental sustainability. It offers a unique perspective on adapting service modularity to contemporary challenges, thereby enriching the existing body of literature and providing a foundation for future research in this area.

A program evaluation of the new choices workforce development program: An appreciative inquiry approach

A significant amount of money ($1.76B annually in the United States) is spent on workforce development programs, while there is limited research on the effectiveness of workforce development programs in meeting their program objectives and assisting program participants in attaining employment. This study evaluated the New Choices Program, a workforce development program offered by PA Women Work, to help its clients obtain employment and overcome personal and professional barriers. The program has historically been offered in a 30-hour in person format but was forced to be modified to a 10-hour virtual program when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions began. This program evaluation included a comparative analysis of the perceptions of participants in the 30-hour in person program and the 10-hour virtual program. It was found that participants in both the 30-hour in person program and 10-hour virtual program perceived the program positively, experienced an increase in self-confidence and belonging, which led to either obtaining employment or being better prepared for the job search process. The data will help inform the New Choices program stakeholders on programmatic improvements and how best to structure the program in the post-pandemic employment world.

Effect of Pandemic Covid-19 to the Operation Management Activities in Industry

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the activities related to operations management in the manufacturing industry under the scope of production interruption of raw materials and spare parts, labour, logistics, finance as well as supply and demand fluctuation. Manufacturing industry has faced limitation in the import of raw materials and spare parts which cause delay in manufacturing projects and activities. Due to the pandemic, standard operating procedures are implemented to ensure the labour can work in a safer environment without having the risk of getting infected. Logistics are also adapted with a new practice to ensure contactless delivery of products and items are disinfected before delivering. The pandemic has caused companies to face many financial issues where they are forced to shut down or take loans to sustain their business. Moreover, the supply and customer demand for the products fluctuate as the lifestyle of people changes to adapt themselves to the pandemic. The effects have showed the importance of implementing countermeasures to prepare the manufacturing industry for the post-pandemic world.

AI-driven Predictive Analytics for Enhancing Cybersecurity in a Post-pandemic World: a Business Strategy Approach

Due to heightened technological advancement that has been ignited by the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of technology in running businesses has surged and therefore making businesses prone to cybersecurity threats. The present paper explores the potential of AI as a tool for advancing cybersecurity in the world after a pandemic, and how business organizations can organize its application for protection against new emerging forms of threats. The research draws on secondary industry data and primary case studies of the businesses with AI-based cybersecurity in place. The outcome demonstrates that emerging AI technologies, including machine learning and neural networks, have cut threat detection time by 40% and enhanced the precision of recognizing potential security threats by 30%, beyond conventional cybersecurity solutions. The new and distinct feature of this paper is to elucidate that new threats can be predicted with the help of AI, while there is a continuous need for new training for AI in relation to cyber threats. Drawing from the literature, this paper, therefore, posits that incorporation of AI-based predictive analytics into business cybersecurity models and systems is not only vital for the defense of data and infrastructure against hackers but equally important for the achievement of sustainable, long-term business continuity during the current day, age of technology and globalization.

India and the Indo-Pacific in the Post-Pandemic World Order

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India’s trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India’s trade is centred in the IndoPacific region. India’s relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India’s policy options in the post-pandemic world. India’s soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India’s crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics.

India and the Indo-Pacific in the Post-Pandemic World Order

Indo-Pacific is a geopolitical construct that combines the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, representing the new strategic reality of the twenty-first century. Indo-Pacific is also considered significant for countries as it is a strategic and economic domain with a critical role in maritime security and cooperation. With a strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region, India is now a theatre of opportunity to increase its role regionally and globally. The Indian Ocean carries 90 per cent of India’s trade and its energy sources, and nearly 50 per cent of India’s trade is centred in the IndoPacific region. India’s relations with incredible powers, island nations, and smaller littoral states will significantly shape India’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Increasing non-traditional threats and growing challenges from rising China are significant drivers of India’s policy options in the post-pandemic world. India’s soft power diplomacy and bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the region continue to be decisive factors for security and balance of power in the post-pandemic scenario. Thus, the geo-strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific in the post-pandemic era is crucial for India and the countries in the Indo-Pacific region as a whole for their growth, development, and security. Thus, this paper explores India’s crucial role in ensuring the security and equilibrium of the post-pandemic Indo-Pacific through a comprehensive analysis of its strategic initiatives and regional dynamics.

Sustainable public procurement for supply chain resilience and competitive advantage

Public procurement plays a crucial role in national economies, as it represents a significant share of public spending. Governments can thus use this considerable purchasing power to promote environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic efficiency, while encouraging the supplier market to innovate and adopt more sustainable practices to remain competitive, and to generate more resilient supply chains. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the subject of sustainable public procurement (SPP), the documentation is abundant and diverse, hence the need for an updated literature review especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis period. This article consists of a systematic literature review focusing on articles with an empirical approach. The results reveal, among other things, 8 main research themes subdivided into 19 sub-themes, with a dominance of literature on the obstacles and incentives related to the implementation of SPP, while those concerning e-procurement and the analysis of the social life cycle remain relatively limited. The study also underscores the role of local economies and SMEs in public procurement strategies. It highlights a trend towards geographical diversification, indicating the global significance of SPP, with noticeable differences in adoption between developed and developing countries. The review calls for future research to focus on developing practical frameworks and tools for integrating sustainability more comprehensively in public procurement. The findings illuminate the pivotal role of SPP as a mechanism steering societies towards a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future, particularly in a post-pandemic world.

The post-Cartesian dilemma: Reuniting the mind and body through psychoneuroimmunology

While today, it might seem absurd to hear anyone claim that stress does not alter all aspects of the human experience, including behavioral, cognitive, affective, and physiological processes. Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser started her career at a time when stress was primarily considered a neuroendocrine response with cardiovascular repercussions. She was part of a small group of innovative scientists who began to push the boundaries of stress research – many contemporary immunologists and virologist disputed their early results in 1980s and 90s – and, yet, they persevered by connecting psychological stress to altered immune function via stress-related neuroendocrine changes. As a clinical psychologist, she focused mainly on human research studies to advance the field of psychoneuroimmunology throughout her career. Her research demonstrates how adversity and psychosocial aspects of human experience alter physiological functioning, primarily immune, and health or, in other words, the embodiment of our lived experiences. This short review is a contextualized synthesis of Dr. Kiecolt-Glaser’s key contributions to the fields of psychoneuroimmunology and health psychology and her influence on my present day thinking and research approaches, as well as potential steps forward in our post-pandemic world.

Transforming Communication in the Wake of COVID-19: Overcoming Challenges and Shaping the Future

Aims: This study aims to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed communication practices, focusing on the challenges encountered, adaptive strategies employed, and future directions in communication. Study Design: This research employs a qualitative study design utilizing in-depth interviews to capture the experiences and perspectives of individuals and organizations. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted remotely, with interviews taking place from February 2024 to April 2024. Methodology: The research involved in-depth interviews with participants across various sectors to explore the impact of the pandemic on communication. Participants discussed technological barriers, emotional and psychological challenges, and their adaptive strategies. The interviews were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and trends. Results: The study reveals that technological barriers, such as connectivity issues and difficulties with digital platforms, significantly affected communication quality. Participants reported increased anxiety and communication fatigue as major emotional and psychological challenges. Despite these issues, there was a notable shift towards digital tools, the establishment of new communication norms, and changes in work and social practices. The findings indicate a continued reliance on digital technologies, the rise of hybrid communication models, and an increased focus on digital literacy and emotional well-being. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for ongoing adaptation in communication practices and further research to address the evolving landscape of communication in a post-pandemic world. The findings underscore the importance of improving digital infrastructure, supporting emotional well-being, and fostering digital literacy.

From Emergency Remote Teaching to an Online Educational Ecosystem: An Ecuadorian University Case Study

This case study examines the experience of Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar (UASB-E), a traditionally face-to-face institution in Ecuador, as it transitioned to online learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on data from interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with this rapid shift, offering insights for rethinking and redesigning higher education in the post-pandemic world. Prior to the pandemic, UASB-E primarily relied on face-to-face teaching with limited use of its virtual learning environment. In response to the crisis, the university quickly mobilized to migrate its entire educational offering online, initially adopting an emergency remote teaching approach focused on synchronous videoconferencing. However, student preferences and the need for a sustainable solution prompted UASB-E to rethink its online learning model. The study identifies six key dimensions of UASB-E's improvement in its capacity to deliver online education: (1) Technological Infrastructure and Digital Processes: Enhanced technological infrastructure and streamlined digital processes in management, administration, and academics, laying the foundation for a robust online learning environment. (2) Pedagogical Innovation: Recognizing the limitations of replicating face-to-face teaching online, UASB-E embraced activity-based instructional design, asynchronous online education, and collaborative learning strategies, promoting deeper engagement and personalized learning experiences. (3) Accessibility and Inclusivity: By leveraging the flexibility of online learning, UASB-E expanded its reach beyond its physical campus, reaching students across Ecuador who might not have otherwise accessed higher education, demonstrating the potential of online learning to democratize access to quality education. (4) Programme Diversification: Beyond emergency measures, UASB-E is strategically diversifying its academic offerings, developing new face-to-face, blended, and fully online programmes, allowing for flexibility and catering to diverse student needs and learning preferences. (5) Faculty Training and Development: Implemented a comprehensive training programme focusing on both the instrumental skills of managing online platforms and the pedagogical aspects of designing engaging and effective online learning experiences. (6) Assessment and Feedback: The study highlights the need for a more reflective and analytical approach to assessment and feedback in online environments, with efforts to improve feedback timeliness, individual support, and communication providing valuable lessons for other institutions. Beyond UASB-E's specific experience, the study emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cross-sectoral strategies in building resilient and comprehensive education systems for the future. It also underscores the need for new approaches to learning ecologies that leverage technology effectively while ensuring equitable, inclusive, and high-quality education for all. This case study offers valuable insights for higher education institutions navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of online learning. By understanding the challenges and opportunities that emerged from UASB-E's experience, other institutions can make informed decisions about their own online learning strategies and contribute to shaping a more resilient and flexible future for higher education.

Effects of Vibroacoustic Stimulation on Psychological, Physiological, and Cognitive Stress.

Global stress is widespread in today's post-pandemic world of political and economic uncertainty. Vibroacoustic technology is a vibrotactile intervention with multiple uses, but its impact on stress lacks interpretation. This research assessed if the vibroacoustic technology of a Vibroacoustic Sound Massage (VSM) can reduce psychological, physiological, and cognitive stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and electrocardiogram (ECG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) biosignals were used to quantify results. Participants were divided into Low-Stress and High-Stress groups. The ECG results show VSM increased parasympathetic activity for all participants, with the Low-Stress group being more affected. The EEG results indicate increased concentration, reduced arousal, and increased relaxation, with participant well-being non-significantly affected, though variability in this metric was homogenised after VSM. Together, these results validate VSM as an effective support tool for stress management; however, further research is required.

Using administrative early-years education data to identify children at risk of persistent absenteeism

In a post-pandemic world, school absence is an ever-increasing concern for governments, school leaders, and local authorities worldwide. School absence is associated with poor academic outcomes and long-term illness (physical and mental). Absenteeism increases the risk of financial difficulties in adulthood and involvement in the criminal justice system. As a result, the upstream costs to already overstretched public services are crippling. In England, all children are judged by teachers on their “school readiness” over their first year of formal education. We hypothesised that early childhood problems (i.e., not school ready) might be an antecedent of absenteeism. We tested this by investigating the pre-pandemic association between school readiness and persistent absenteeism using a population-linked dataset. Analyses included 62,598 children aged 5-13 years from the Connected Bradford database (spanning academic years 2012/13-2019/20). Special educational needs (SEN) status, English as an Additional Language status, socioeconomic status, sex, and ethnicity were covariates significantly associated with persistent absenteeism. Children who were not “school ready” had increased odds of being persistently absent later in their education journey after controlling for these covariates. School readiness was associated with even greater odds of being persistently absent over two or more years. These findings show: (i) the potential of using existing administrative data to identify children at risk of disengagement from the education system; (ii) absenteeism reflects stark structural inequities. As the rates of absence is still rising, schools can use these data to flag the children who may benefit from early intervention to keep them engaged in school.

Information security in remote work: Strategies and challenges in a post-pandemic world

The increasing prevalence of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought significant information security challenges to organizations. While remote work offers numerous benefits such as flexibility and increased productivity, it also introduces unique risks, particularly in safeguarding sensitive data. The absence of traditional office security measures and reliance on potentially insecure home and public networks heighten these risks. Organizations must implement robust strategies, including the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and multi-factor authentication (MFA), to ensure secure communications and access to corporate systems. Additionally, the protection of devices used in remote work is critical, necessitating clear security policies, regular updates, and employee training on recognizing threats like phishing and malware. Studies by Kolomoets (2022) and Alsayfi and Alsirhani (2023) highlight the importance of addressing the increased risks associated with remote work, particularly the potential for data breaches due to the lack of direct access to comprehensive security controls. These studies recommend best practices such as secure password management and regular employee training to mitigate these threats. Tanriverdi and Metin (2021) emphasize the need for renewed focus on security awareness and behavior as remote work becomes the norm. Furthermore, Rakha (2023) explores the legal implications and best practices for maintaining cybersecurity in remote settings, while Livshitz (2022) focuses on data privacy challenges, providing insights into regulatory compliance and security audits. In conclusion, safeguarding information security in remote work environments requires a holistic approach that integrates technology, continuous education, and stringent security policies. Organizations must prioritize these efforts to protect sensitive data and maintain privacy in an increasingly remote workforce.

Social Currency, Strategies and Consumer Behavior in Post-pandemic World

Social Currency, Strategies and Consumer Behavior in Post-pandemic World

TRANSFORMATION OF MEDICAL RESEARCH DUE TO AND BEYOND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered various sectors, and the scientific community is no exception. It has reshaped the research landscape across numerous disciplines, profoundly impacting how medical research is conducted, prioritized, and funded. As we move into the post-pandemic world, understanding these transformations is crucial for evaluating shifts in medical research and contemplating their implications for future scientific inquiry. This editorial focuses on the pandemic-driven transformations in medical research, including methodological innovations, changes in research focus, and their implications for future research directions. The need to respond rapidly to a rapidly changing environment has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and remote research methodologies. During lockdowns and periods of social distancing, the continuation of research increasingly relied on virtual collaboration and online data collection. This shift has highlighted how digital technologies can enhance research efficiency and brought attention to the necessity of robust frameworks to address the challenges associated with virtual interactions and remote data collection.

Conclusion: Reshaping horizons: the future of events in a post-pandemic world?

PurposeThe purpose of this theme issue is to explore the enduring changes and innovations shaping the future of the event industry in the post-pandemic world. While much of the existing literature focuses on the immediate impacts of COVID-19, this issue aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader transformations, including the integration of sustainability, emerging technologies, and evolving event formats.Design/methodology/approachThe theme issue encompasses a range of methodologies, including systematic reviews, bibliometric analyses, and in-depth case studies. The papers examine various aspects of the event industry, such as the adoption of hybrid event formats, the role of new technologies, and the importance of sustainability in event planning. Each paper contributes unique insights into the future direction of the industry by analyzing trends, technologies, and practices that are defining the next era of event management.FindingsThe findings highlight a significant shift in the event industry towards sustainability, with an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. Emerging technologies are also transforming the landscape, enabling more personalized and immersive event experiences. The rise of hybrid and micro-events is identified as a key trend, providing flexibility and inclusivity while maintaining the benefits of in-person interactions. These developments suggest a permanent change in consumer expectations and engagement strategies within the event industry.Originality/valueThis theme issue offers a holistic analysis of the innovative practices, technologies, and trends that are defining the future of the event industry. By bridging the gap between immediate pandemic responses and long-term industry transformations, it provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers looking to navigate the next era of event management.