Volatile, Uncertain, Complex And Ambiguous Research Articles

Strategic entrepreneurship in VUCA environment: the competing forces of outcome variability

Purpose Scholars have extensively studied the concept of strategic entrepreneurship (SE), shedding light on its antecedents, dynamics and outcomes. However, a notable gap exists in understanding the reliability of its performance implications, which explains the inherent risks as well as the possibility of yielding outliers (instances of exceptionally high or low performance). Addressing this gap, this study aims to present a detailed analysis of the implications of SE for the variance of resulting performance distribution. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual study uses the deductive theory-building approach to dissect the four dimensions of SE (entrepreneurial mindset, entrepreneurial leadership and culture, managing resources strategically and applying creativity and developing innovations) as presented by Ireland et al.’s (2003) model, offering theoretical propositions on how each of them influences the variability of resulting performance distribution. Findings This study demonstrates that the strategic entrepreneurship (SE) dimensions have distinct impacts on the reliability/variability of performance outcomes, acting as boosters or attenuators in the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) context. Originality/value The study uniquely links each component of SE with outcome variability in VUCA environments, thereby shifting the focus from traditional performance metrics to outcome variability. This approach complements the existing body of knowledge on the performance implications of the SE construct by integrating a previously neglected critical perspective on the reliability of resulting performance distribution. These insights allow subsequent investigation of SE’s outcomes, including explaining the likelihood of obtaining positive outlier performance or firm failure.

A Systematic Review of the Evolution of the Concept of Resilience in the Construction Industry

Despite the growing importance of resilience in the construction sector, the existing literature often focuses on specific systems or functions without integrating a holistic view of resilience. Hence, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research that synthesizes these dimensions to provide a clearer framework for resilience in the construction industry. To find the inherent patterns and trends of resilience, we carried out research from the perspective of three elements defining resilience (the subject of resilience, the influencing factors, and the subject’s ability). In this systematic review, 70 articles were rigorously handpicked from Web of Science, Scopus, and authoritative journals and divided into 6 major categories and 24 subcategories for quantitative and temporal analyses. The evolution of resilience in the construction industry is investigated in this review, shifting from specific systems facing defined impacts to addressing the complexities of diverse and unpredictable disruptions within VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) environments. As Industry 4.0 and digital transformation progress, the significance of functional resilience across various system levels becomes apparent, necessitating a reconstitution into structural, operational, and supply chain resilience. This study encourages the use of advanced methodologies like big data, AI, and high-level architecture (HLA) federated simulations to predict disruptions and optimize resilience strategies, thus providing a robust foundation for handling future uncertainties.

Digital: accelerating the pathway.

The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme is an ambitious but challenging endeavour to design and deliver a prototype fusion power plant. It is a rapid, fast-moving programme, designing a first of a kind device in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment, and digital tools play a pivotal role in managing and navigating this space. Digital helps manage the complexity and sheer volume of information. Advanced modelling and simulation techniques provide a platform for designers to explore various scenarios and iteratively refine designs, providing insights into the intricate interplay of requirements, constraints and design factors across physics, technology and engineering domains and aiding informed decision-making amidst uncertainties. It also provides a means of building confidence in the new scientific, technological and engineering solutions, given that a full-scale-integrated precursor test is not feasible, almost by definition. The digital strategy for STEP is built around a vision of a digital twin of the whole plant. This will evolve from the current digital shadow formed by system architecting codes and complex workflows and will be underpinned by developing capabilities in plasma, materials and engineering simulation, data management, advanced control, industrial cybersecurity, regulation, digital technologies and related digital disciplines. These capabilities will help address the key challenges of managing the complexity and quantity of information, improving the reliability and robustness of the current digital shadow and developing an understanding of its validity and performance.This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy - The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'.

The work role identity in flux of professional staff in a VUCA environment

Orientation: Volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) represents the environment in which business organisations operate, illuminated by the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the recent advent of artificial intelligence (AI). The VUCA environment epitomises pervasive unpredictability, shaping the challenges faced by businesses.Research purpose: This article focuses on the dynamics of individuals within private higher education institutions (PHEIs), driven by a bottom line; they compete to attract students, face greater scrutiny from outside constituencies and subjected to higher accountability. It explores the hierarchical structure of management levels and how the interrelatedness of the business environments can facilitate the navigation of the work role identity in flux in the face of constant change.Motivation for the study: The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of today’s business landscape significantly affects employees’ core identities, as the constant need to adapt and perform at their best creates feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. Consequently, it influences institutional and individual outcomes.Research approach/design and method: This qualitative study collected data from qualified staff in senior-level positions within academia, with titles such as CEO or head of campus (HOC) (N = 15) at selected PHEIs. The data were analysed using ATLAS.ti.Main findings: The findings show an extended framework highlighting elements vital to the increased institutional brand image and improved professional identity.Practical/managerial implications: How individuals in the workplace experience and respond to constant unprecedented change affects the institutional brand and the role of management causes a significant influence.Contribution/value-add: Leaders can drive organisations to adapt, change and evolve to the conditions of their organisational environment.

From intentions to action: how behavioural intentions shape employee performance through digital learning?

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of “Performance Expectancy” (PE) on the performance of Indian automotive manufacturing employees through their “Behavioural Intention” (BI) in the context of digital learning within the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive research design was adopted to gather data from 211 employees of Indian automotive manufacturing companies. Structural equation modelling was applied for data analysis and obtaining results.FindingsLargely, the findings indicate that BI does mediate the relationship between PE and employee performance (EP) in the context of the Indian automotive manufacturing sector. The findings would help in boosting digital learning initiatives, improving EP and fostering organizational success in the VUCA world.Research limitations/implicationsThe current study focused on the Indian manufacturing industry. Extending the research beyond the manufacturing sector to other industries in India could possibly help in generalizing the findings, and thereby enhance knowledge of the broader consequences of digital learning on EP.Practical implicationsDigital learning platforms can enhance sustainable industrialization in the manufacturing sector by providing employees with access to digital learning opportunities. Managers must provide employees with access to digital learning opportunities for making them more creative and innovative, so that they can become real change agents, and can handle real-world problems more efficiently, leading the organization to deal with the complexities and unpredictability in this VUCA world.Originality/valueWithin the ambits of Indian automotive manufacturing organizations, there have been limited research studies that have used two constructs of the UTAUT2 framework to see their impact on EP in terms of digital learning. Thus, based on the limited information available, this research stands as a pioneering effort in the realm of digital learning within the Indian automotive manufacturing industry, where the relationship between PE and EP is examined through the mediational role of BI of employees. Moreover, this research possibly would pave the way for further research studies on exploring the role of potential factors influencing the strength and direction of the relationships between these variables (PE and EP).

Practice Briefing: A comprehensive negotiation framework for real estate professionals (Part I)

PurposeThe purpose of this briefing is to highlight the critical importance of negotiation skills in the everyday lives of real estate professionals. It delves into how negotiators must improve their negotiations skills given the negotiation-intensive nature of real estate. It also helps to handle common pitfalls and challenges in negotiations, particularly in the increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) reality of the real estate industry. The briefing offers strategic insights for preparation and negotiation aimed at improving any real estate negotiator’s average performance.Design/methodology/approachThe expert opinion piece combines a literature review on negotiation strategies with practical insights. It addresses the observed under appreciation of negotiation theory and skill, reflecting on real-world real estate negotiations. The goal is to enhance the use and recognition of negotiation theory in the real estate industry. The approach merges theoretical analysis with practical application, offering actionable recommendations to improve negotiation outcomes.FindingsThe negotiation-intensive real estate industry and the transformative impact of VUCA challenges on real estate professionals’ ability to adapt and continuously negotiate successful deals clashes with many real estate’s professional or fixed mind-set over negotiation historically being an art or a talent and mostly being stuck with win-lose strategies. Instead, negotiation is a science that can be learned and deliberately improved to counter stress-induced or fear-based responses that lead negotiators toward suboptimal negotiation strategies, such as win-lose or naive win-win. However, these dynamics are preventable. Well-equipped and well-prepared value win-win negotiators can adopt a growth mind-set, study modern negotiation advice and frameworks to thrive in the negotiation-rich real estate industry and convert even VUCA challenges into an amazing source of value.Practical implicationsReal estate professionals can become more aware of which and how current obstacles and poor choices negatively contribute to their negotiation performance. It contrasts win-lose and win-win strategic frameworks to enable real estate professionals to become more sophisticated when choosing their negotiation strategies. The briefing also helps real estate professionals expand their negotiation repertoire towards improved strategic flexibility when managing the evolving real estate profession reality and challenges.Originality/valueThe originality and value of the briefing lie in its comprehensive approach to addressing the negotiation challenges faced by real estate professionals. It offers a holistic view of real estate negotiation, advocating for a paradigm shift from traditional win-lose tactics to a collaborative, value win-win approach. The briefing integrates modern negotiation theory and emphasises ethical practices, providing practical strategies and best practices for professionals to improve their skills and adapt to industry changes. By empowering real estate professionals with knowledge and tools to navigate negotiations effectively, the briefing contributes to the overall success and professionalism of the industry.

Building synergistic mindsets in international business education: the unmet demands of a VUCA marketplace

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opening experience that put to the test our crisis management competencies across many institutions, including those offered by institutions of higher education. This study aims to review the literature on international business (IB) risks and IB education (IBE) to question whether business graduates are equipped to make decisions in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) marketplace. Design/methodology/approach While the IB literature has discussed the importance of various sources of risks on global business operations, IBE did not effectively adopt an integrative approach to building the needed risk management competencies related to those risks into our education. The authors argue that this integrative approach to teaching IB is critically needed to prepare future global managers for addressing crises, like that of the pandemic and others. Specifically, this study proposes that this integrated risk management competency can be developed through the building of “synergistic mindsets”. Findings This study presents a conceptual framework for the components of the synergistic mindset, with intelligence that directly links to present IB risks. These components are cultural intelligence (CQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), public policy intelligence (PPQ), digital intelligence (DQ) and orchestration intelligence (OQ). Originality/value Insights related to IBE effectiveness in addressing today’s VUCA market demands and IB risks are discussed.

Cloud computing-based banking and management control

It is well known that firms nowadays operate in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment urging them to obtain a lasting competitive advantage sourced mainly from a technological innovation in order to ensure their prosperity and sustainability. New technologies play a pivotal role as they offer the potential of increasing efficiency, improving communication, streamlining business processes for more productivity and collaboration, from this perspective, cloud computing is a state-of-the-art technology that can provide valuable insights and support decision-making. It can have a significant impact on how businesses operate and compete in today’s fast paced and ever-changing business environment which makes it a source of competitive advantage, yet it raises concerns over data security and cybersecurity as well as it alters the day-to-day operational tasks arising from management control practices. In this paper we briefly review the literature in order to address and examine the impact of cloud computing technology in the banking sector on management control.

Training Language Teachers in a Vuca World

Amidst today's rapidly changing and unpredictable world, the field of language teaching faces unique challenges. In a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) environment, language teachers need to possess a diverse skill set to effectively navigate the ever-evolving landscape of language education. This study delved into the significance of training language teachers in a VUCA world and highlighted key strategies training institutions need to equip teachers with the necessary tools for successful language education. A qualitative methodology underpinned the study, carried out through a case study investigation. Participants were purposefully selected and consisted of language lecturers and student teachers specialising in language education at the case study institution. Data were collected with open-ended questionnaires and analysed by establishing emerging themes. The study established that language teachers need to be trained with diverse skills to effectively teach learners during VUCA times. This can be achieved by equipping teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and adaptability to help learners improve their language proficiency and intercultural competence. To achieve this goal, teachers should be empowered and equipped with the latest teaching methodologies and technological advancements. Teachers should also create an engaging and inclusive language learning environments that prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of the intercultural world.

Correction: Marketing agility in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) contexts: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

Correction: Marketing agility in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) contexts: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

Marketing agility in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) contexts: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

Marketing agility in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) contexts: a systematic literature review and future research agenda

Future past of tourism: critical reflection’s on the rise of tourism futures

Given the presence of societal scale risks such as pandemics, war, climate change and artificial technology, the future of tourism will operate increasingly in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world. As such the present course of tourism research is unsustainable. In this paper, the authors draw upon the evolutionary paradigm in futures studies to identify a series of historical turning points in the development of tourism futures research. These include forecasting tourism demand using quantitative methods; the appointment of the world’s first tourism scenario planner; the establishment of the European Tourism Futures Institute; the creation of academic credibility through the Journal of Tourism Futures; the effect of COVID-19 on tourism research; and finally, the accelerator effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our consciousness and awareness of the future. In conclusion, the authors offer a series of futures turning points identifying the direction of tourism futures, scenario planning and foresight within the realm of tourism research.

Research excellence and productivity for global impact at an African university

ABSTRACT The South African government announcement on revisiting the Policy for the Recognition of Higher Education Institutional Types has caused anxiety and ambivalence among Universities of Technology (UoTs), institutions that lack a solid foundation for conducting leading research. Most underperforming UoTs feared a possible downgrade or de-classification from being universities to becoming university colleges by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), potentially triggering attrition of experienced academic staff and students to prominent research-intensive universities. Paradoxically, this ambivalence has also stimulated renewed public interest and discourse on the constitution of research excellence and productivity for greater impact and their significance in UoTs contexts, as universities compete for academic existence, space and relevance amid highly demanding multiple stakeholders in the global community. Addressing specific aspects of research excellence and productivity, this conceptual paper employs Institutional Theory, secondary data of research productivity and the researcher’s reflective insights to locate specific disciplinary areas where one UoT (hereinafter called ‘Protea University’) demonstrated formidable strength and research excellence areas it downplayed that require improvement. The study also proposes concrete strategies for transitioning this university to become a world-class leading research university in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world. The study proposes differentiated academic promotion criteria, research impact-lead international collaborations, benchmarking of the research practices and habits of research-intensive universities, innovation and consultancy-driven third-stream income generation and advancement of science communication as areas this UoT can build on to promote its image, reputation and drive of becoming a leading university on the African continent.

Section Articles Model of Character Education for College Students in the Era of VUCA

With the presence of the fourth industrial revolution, humanity is faced with an increasingly Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) era. In such period, besides knowledge and skills, individuals are also required to embody strong character to confront the unpredictable challenges. This study aims to analyse character education for Indonesian and Malaysian Muslim college students in the VUCA era. This research uses qualitative approach with descriptive method and purposive sampling technique. The research has been conducted at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Subject of this research were lecturers at UII and UKM. Data collection techniques include interviews, observation, and documentation. The data analysis method uses an interactive model. This study reveals that they are similarities as well as differences in the model of character education in UII and UKM. Lecturers in both UII and UKM observe the severe importance of character education for muslim college student in VUCA era. However, while lecturers in UKM emphasis on teaching technical preparation, UII lecturers inclined towards more personal approach and intense communications.

ANALYSIS OF TURNOVER INTENTION, WORK ENGAGEMENT, PERCEIVED ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT AND HAPPINESS IN A PUBLIC SECTOR

The public sector in Indonesia is often regarded as a sector with stable employee turnover, possibly considered almost non-existent. However, the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) era has exerted pressure on employees within the Ministry of Finance (MoF) due to both global pressures (e.g., low economic growth) and domestic demands (e.g., high expectations for public services and societal way of life). The high job demands and societal pressures on employees at the MoF have created an exceedingly demanding work environment. Therefore, the research measures turnover intention (TI) which is found extremely high according to internal surveys (46%). This study explores the factors contributing to the high TI by predicting work engagement (WE), perceived organisational support (POS), and happiness as independent variables. Research data was collected through surveys (n=183) and analysed using Partial Least Squares, Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate the diverse impacts of WE (2.881>1.96 t-table; sig 0.004<0.10), POS (3.305>1.96 t-table; sig 0.001<0.10), and happiness (1.541<1.96 t-table; sig 0.123>0.10) to TI. Two hypotheses were supported, while one hypothesis was rejected, indicating the need for further research in the public sector environment.

Mixed messages in a VUCA world: How the New Zealand government altered its SARS-CoV-2 crisis communication messages

The SARS-COV-2 pandemic typifies a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) situation. For a time, Aotearoa New Zealand’s government was lauded for its quick and effective elimination response and clear communication strategy, which saw the citizens of the country enjoy months free from the trappings of SARS-COV-2. This changed with the arrival of Delta, a new variant of concern. It is against this context that we sought to analyse the two main speeches delivered by the prime minister of that time – Jacinda Ardern. The first, delivered on 17 August 2021, maintained the messaging of the previous years – let us eliminate the virus. However, the second speech, delivered on 4 October 2021, shifted to an emphasis on vaccination and living with the virus. Not unsurprisingly, the change in messaging prompted some factions of the public to express frustration and hostility towards Ardern and her government because of perceived inconsistencies and ambiguities in the messaging. Our findings highlight that while crisis communication in a VUCA environment needs to maintain consistency to garner trust, it also needs to be adaptive to respond to uncertainties. However, in being adaptive and engaging with the public to adjust their expectations, leaders can often be faced with resistance and even be perceived as failures. This adds further responsibility to the leader to address the adaptive challenges as effectively as possible. Our findings are a cautionary tale for scholarship and education in crisis communication to avoid emphasis on fixed solutions.

Technology and collaboration as strategic drivers shaping higher education

Strategic drivers are the most powerful agents of change not only altering industries, but also the strategic landscape of South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Within this volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world, technology and collaboration and its interrelatedness seems most profound for HEIs. Therefore, exploring the impact of technology and collaboration as strategic drivers would allow South African HEIs to serve its socio-economic purpose more effectively. In support of this aim, an interpretive paradigm, employing qualitative methods, was pursued. A qualitative survey design was utilised whereby semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 research participants occupying senior management positions at seven public and one private South African HEI. Data were analysed in applying conventional content analysis with the assistance of Atlas ti. The results confirmed technology and collaboration as strategic drivers and to be critical for South African HEIs. Especially the importance technology was emphasised by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, while technology also render collaboration more accessible for HEIs. To this end, South African HEIs have to rethink strategy post COVID-19 in using technology to enhance technology integrated teaching and learning practices within the realm of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Furthermore, to also collaborate nationally and internationally to ultimately develop the higher education sector.

IT-Based Decision Support for Holistic Healthcare Management in Times of VUCA, Disorder, and Disruption

The healthcare landscape is facing serious changes driven by digitalization and its VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) conditions. These disrupt the stability of the old order and its static routines. In addition, the global pandemic, technological advances, and patients’ desire for customer rights are reinforcing the need for an accelerated paradigm shift in established healthcare organizations. However, most healthcare organizations are still struggling to close the digitalization gap. They are unprepared to evolve into dynamic VUCA service organizations. To help healthcare organizations to better understand and adapt to the new conditions, we propose an IT-based multi-perspective analysis process enabling holistic understanding and decision-making to derive customized digitalization strategies. To achieve this, it is essential to develop a semantic layer of knowledge mapping and integration. This article introduces the GOLD Framework and its corresponding IT-tool support to derive a holistic understanding based on selecting and connecting suitable methods/theories and guiding the users in their correct use. The required formalization of the IT-tool support ensures consistency and is the basis for continuous improvement. The approach covers the complete process, from sensing new opportunities and/or threats to seizing organization-specific strategies to transforming towards digitally enabled service organizations. Its novelty is threefold: (1) It offers a new level of shared understanding and stakeholder alignment by making the holistic dependencies visible and tangible; (2) it guides the diverse stakeholders step by step; (3) and is based on a standardized approach which however also enables and supports the customization of steps and guidance to better suit the targeted domain and its needs.

Skill Set required for 21st Century Student: Case study of University Level Student

The swift and extraordinary change in the world has left people with no surprise. Countries around the globe are working hard to maintain relevancy by reshaping themselves, and for doing so, they are adopting such policies that help them keep up with this ever-evolving change of the VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) world. It is essential to consider the implications this has for the education system. This new age of information demands that the education system evolve accordingly and face severe disruption. Hence, the critical skills required by 21st-century students to thrive in the professional world must be identified. The education system needs to focus on inculcating these skills into the students effectively. Researchers have accredited that, engaging students in the learning and innovating process with the help of enhancing creative and critical thinking has become an integral part (Trilling & Fadel, 2009, p.50). This research aims to aid this process by identifying the top five (05) skills required by 21st-century students. To evaluate those five skills, this research has incorporated a diversified sample size, which has included professional students (Business Graduates, Engineers, Doctors, and others) and the affiliated faculty to these areas of study for achieving the set target. The findings of the study have summarised that for preparation for the 21st century, today's students need more than just education. They are keener to learn skills that can help cater to the requirement of the coming time. These high skills not only help them during their studies, but they will also become lifelong partners in their success both academically and professionally. In coming times, those who recognize high in-demand skills are meant to serve as a possible benchmark for our education systemto reconfigure its broader policy framework and delivery mechanism. Additionally, students can benefit from these skills to prioritize the required skill set to increase their employability. The study's finding indicates that it has become inevitable for the education system of Pakistan to reorient, reorganize, and restructure the overall education system to meet the needs and requirements of the 21st century needs and demands.

Demand driven adaptive enterprise and adaptive sales and operations planning

The volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world is here to stay, and it is wreaking havoc on manufacturers, distributors and supply chains throughout the world. Companies are failing at a faster rate than ever because they are failing to adapt to this highly dynamic and risky environment. A new rule has emerged: adapt or die. But how to drive adaptation when conventional tools and processes are failing to keep pace with these challenges? This paper introduces adaptive sales and operations planning, an effective bidirectional bridge between strategy and operations, enabling adaptation at all levels of the organisation in the VUCA world. A step-by-step path is introduced to prepare, implement and sustain this robust S&OP process. Adaptive sales and operations planning completes the Demand Driven Adaptive Enterprise framework and restores the original promise of S&OP for modern circumstances.